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JOURNAL, RA.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVI. 



I learn from Mr. D. M. de Z. Wickremasinghe that among 

 the Sinhalese manuscripts in the British Museum Library is 

 one {Or 4964) described as "An anonymous account of the 

 Bandara and Malala families and of the titles and lands 

 bestowed on some of the members from time to time by 

 kings of Ceylon," in which (on folio 5) there is a reference to 

 the poet-secretary, but no light is thrown by it on his history. 



7. The Chairman observed that the Paper contained a record of 

 interesting research into a matter which to Sinhalese students was of 

 great interest. The author of that very learned poem was, as 

 Mr. Ferguson pointed out, at the time he wrote the poem, a Buddhist, 

 and a few years after, apparently professed Christianity. The subject 

 was not of such general interest as that dealt with in the previous 

 Paper, but it was of interest to scholarly Sinhalese. 



8. The Chairman said that, if there was no one desirous of making 

 any remarks on the second Paper, he would like to submit to them, in a 

 formal manner, the purport of the observations made by Dr. Vandort, 

 at the conclusion of the first Paper, and ask the Secretary to convey 

 to Mr. D. W. Ferguson their appreciation of his kindness in assisting 

 the Society's Journal, and also their appreciation of the research and 

 trouble that he had taken in the preparation of the two Papers read. 

 He moved that they place on record a vote of thanks to Mr. D. W. 

 Ferguson for his two Papers. 



Dr. Yandort seconded the motion, which was carried. 



9. Mr. Ferguson proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair, and in 

 doing so said it was well deserved, for on their face the Papers for the 

 evening were scarcely attractive enough to draw a special attendance. 

 The second of the Papers, however, mentioned a fact which made it 

 quite appropriate to have Mr. Mackwood (the Chairman of the Ceylon 

 Chamber of Commerce) presiding ; for it told us that -well nigh 300 

 years ago there was a " Chamber of Colombo " consisting of vercadores 

 or aldermen and other leading citizens. Perhaps the Chamber of the 

 present day would hand over the honour of succeeding the vercadores 

 of old to the aldermen of the Town Hall (laughter) ; but still the 

 fact remained. He was sure they would all cordially assent to the 

 vote of thanks. 



This was seconded by Dr. Saravanamuttu and carried by acclama- 

 tion, Mr. Mackwood acknowledging the vote briefly with thanks. 



