No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 125 



After this some mountaineers came down on purpose to 

 make inquiries about the rebellion ; and two olas were 

 received from the rebels, in which they not only repeated 

 their former requests, but also brought a series of charges, 

 and requested that the Head Administrator should be sent to 

 them to listen to their grievances and redress them, pro- 

 mising to remain peaceably and quietly in their villages in 

 the meantime, without however serving the Company. 



In order to meet the demands of these stubborn people, 

 and to stop the rebellion from spreading, the Council in 

 Ceilon resolved on [August 26 of the same year that the 

 collection of the moneys on account of gardens sold should 

 be delayed owing to the poverty of the people, and that 

 no Wattebaddoe or garden rents should be again demanded. 



That the fines should be collected once a year only. 



That the calves, &c, required for the Governor should not 

 be taken against the will of the owner, and anyone taking 

 them by force should be punished as an example to others. 



That they should also be allowed to cut chenas for their own 

 maintenance, provided they apply to the Dessawe, who would 

 grant such permission after due inspection. 



That none but fit men should in future be put over them. 



That they would have to perform their duties to the Com- 

 pany properly in future ; the cinnamon-peelers would be 

 ordered to do them no harm and the lascoreens would be 

 properly cared for. 



These favourable conclusions were proclaimed by a 

 mandatory ola to all the Corles, but the rebels remained 

 obstinate, with the exception of those of the Raygam, Pasdum, 

 Wallawite, Alutkoer, and Happitigam Corles and the outposts 

 of Caliture and Nigombo. But they were at last induced to 

 become quiet, and most of them returned to the Company's 

 service, and the greatest number of those belonging to the 

 two posts aforesaid actually performed their services to the 

 Company. 



The people of the Hina, Hewegam, and Salpitty Corles, 

 however, kept up the agitation and refused to return to their 



