842 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XI. 



Columbo, Negumbo, Manare, Jaffanapatnam, and Trinque- - 

 nemale. The friendship between the Emperor Raya Singa 

 and the Netherlanders continued fast for a great number of 

 years, though not so constant, but that now and again a dark 

 cloud of ill-feeling came between both nations and interrupted 

 their mutual friendship. The Ceylonese monarch in such cases 

 used too hastily to take up arms. It so happened in the case 

 of the above-named commander Koster, who not long after his 

 brave capture of the town of Gale, whilst on the way from 

 his fruitless return from Kandy, where he had put forward 

 reasonable demands, was treacherously murdered with four 

 of his bodyguard by Raya's people. In this way the faith- - 

 lessness of the Emperor was discovered, and his shallow 

 affection for us, although after its capture Trinquenemale 

 had been presented to him with its belonging, as also the 

 lands of Gale and Mature after their capture, together with 

 their revenues. Moreover, his Majesty's lascarijns continued 

 to plunder and rob our men, showing themselves well- 

 disposed to the Portuguese, and hostile to as. This trouble 

 lasted until the year 1649, when by a small embassy and a 

 present to the Emperor, the slight amity began again to some 

 extent to show signs of reality. Afterwards, by the wise and 

 prudent management of the illustrious Heer Geraert Hulft, 

 who bravely commenced the siege of the town of Columbo, 

 the mutual amity and firm alliance again flourished. 



But after this gentleman had perished during the siege, 

 and the town had fallen into our hands at the cost of 

 very much Christian blood, his Majesty began cunningly to 

 pretend that what we had captured by our arms belonged 

 to him. Thereupon fresh troubles arose, which developed 

 into acts of violence. As neither the one nor the other 

 sought war, the ill-will continued dormant, and still 

 existed when we were in Geilon. But, as related, each party 

 held their lands in rest and quietness. The mutual subjects 

 were in no way harassed. Thus the Dutch occupy quite 

 peaceably their profitable trading marts and strong fortifica- 

 tions in Geilon. 



