74 journal r. a. s. (oeylon). [Vol. VII., Ft, IL 



We can scarcely expect, however, the trading ports of the 

 coast to afford ruins, such as are seen on the site of the Bud- 

 dhist cities of the interior, for the trading cities on the coast 

 are said to have been singularly tolerant of all religions, and 

 hence it is probable none were very dominant, while the King- 

 being only a Viceroy his palace would be a modest one. Now, 

 except temples and palaces, it is well known no other buildings 

 were built in a permanent way in ancient times, and so we 

 must not be surprised that the trade which swept our coasts 

 has left no very elaborate traces of its progress. 



Again, perhaps I may notice as singularly illustrative of the 

 hereditary nature of many qualities, that the villagers in the 

 Tamil Wanni and Demala-pattu preserve to this day their 

 characteristic hatred of any intrusion and their love of retire- 

 ment. Just as in the days of the merchant sailors of Kalah 

 the Yakkhos are described as hiding from sight, and leaving 

 their merchandise on the shore for exchange : so we still find 

 them withdrawing their houses from the busy high roads that 

 now connect Puttalam with Kurunegala and Anuradhapura, 

 and altogether abstaining from mixing in the commerce 

 around them or the colonies of settlers that have come among 

 them. 



I must also notice that at Kalaputti, or Kalpitiya, during 

 various excavations, large quantities of coins, gold and copper, 

 have been brought to light, and of the latter the commonest 

 bear the name of Sahasa Mallawa, who reigned over Ceylon in 

 A.D. 1202, though the Mahawansa tells us that he was deposed 

 after two years, — two facts apparently at variance with each 

 other and requiring explanation ; others are of Lilawati and 

 Dharmasoka Dewa. 



From the vast amount of treasure buried through some miles 

 of the country shortly after A.D. 1202, it is clear there must have 

 been at that time some great and unexpected calamity and 



