No, 6. — 1853.] DISTRICT OF CHILAW AND PUTTALAM. 35 



entered by vessels of considerable burden, and in which, I under- 

 stand, they can always ride with tolerable safety. It is locally 

 known under the name of Dutch Bay. Were a good road 

 formed from it to Kalpitiya, it would, I have no doubt, give a 

 considerable impulse to trade, by relieving merchants from the 

 risk and expense of removing their cargoes to the mainland in 

 small boats or canoes. 



The whole of the remaining portion of the sea-coast, either 

 in consequence of shoals or from the violence of the constant 

 surf, is inaccessible ; and owing to the existence of bars, which 

 run across the mouths of the Deduru-oya and Chilaw rivers, 

 coasting vessels are prevented from making an entrance there. 

 Wafer Communication* 



There is only one canal in the District, that which connects 

 Kalpitiya with Colombo. It was originally projected and 

 partially opened by the Dutch, but was only brought into an 

 efficient state about twenty years ago. By means of it a great 

 portion of the trade of the District is carried on ; boats from 

 the Southern Province coming up either empty, or with small 

 cargoes of furniture, betel leaves, jack fruits, &c, and taking 

 away salt, copperah, paddy, &c, to Negombo and Colombo. 

 It is very much to be regretted that of late this canal has 

 again fallen into bad order, and during several months of each 

 year is laid quite dry at various points. 



That such should at any future period be the case, is, how- 

 ever, not at all probable ; and it may therefore be confidently 

 expected that the trade of the District will rapidly and steadily 

 increase. 



Land Communication. 



There are only three high roach in the District, all of which 

 centre at Puttalam ; they lead respectively to Colombo, Kurune- 

 gala, and Anuradhapura. 



The first is at present in a state of tolerable repair, and is 



