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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. X.. 



necessaries of life, to procure such adventitious means of 

 advancement and civilisation. The facts of the authentic 

 history of the period thus plainly imply the existence of 

 large national resources, an ample supply of labourers for 

 their utilisation, and a considerable accumulation of national 

 wealth. 



At this stage of the inquiry a brief glance at some of the 

 most obvious evidences history affords of the wealth of the- 

 period may serve to confirm and strengthen the foregoing 

 conclusions, and to prepare the way for the further inferen- 

 ces which are to follow, respecting the nature of the Island's 

 resources, the condition of the inhabitants, and the kind of 

 industries by means of which the material progress of the 

 country was advanced. Considering the numerical strength 

 and the particular constituents of Wijayo's party, it will be 

 evident that whatever was achieved during his reign, and for 

 a century afterwards, must have been effected by means of 

 the wealth and resources of the Island already existing when 

 he arrived, for such a party could not have materially 

 increased the production of wealth, though they might,, 

 when in possession of supreme power, have directed wisely, 

 and no doubt did actually control the application of the 

 means and materials then existing to such objects as they 

 deemed best. The evidences herein to be adduced will be 

 drawn from the proceedings, not only of Wijayo's reign, but 

 from those also of the century following. 



1. The enormous expenses which must have been 

 incurred in connection with the mission to King Panduwo. 



The presents sent by Wijayo must have been of a very 

 costly nature to have been worthy of such an occasion and' 

 its particular object, and to have adequately exhibited the- 

 state and power of the suitor. And that they actually were 

 such is proved by the nature of the response elicited, and by 

 the magnificence of the return gifts, the rich dowry conferred' 

 upon the bride, and the splendid retinue that accompanied 

 her. The expenses of the mission itself, consisting, as it did,, 

 of numerous officers of State, and attended as it must neces- 



