ST2 Former and Present State of Ceylon. 
treaty to the British crown, nor had circumstances as yet per- 
mitted any regular plan of appointments to be fixed upon 
with regard to it. The force, according to the latest accounts, 
stationed there, consists of the 19th and 51st regiments, three 
native battalions, and about 200 of the Bengal artillery, be- 
sides the Malays who entered into our service on the capture 
of the island. The policy of our government in raising native 
troops who are inured to the climate, and acquainted with 
the country, promises to be productive of the happiest effects, 
and seems the best that can be employed to secure a distant 
colony. They are very properly officered by Europeans, al- 
though native officers are also attached to them, chosen from 
their princes and chiefs. 
The force, though perhaps sufficient in times of profound 
peace for the preservation of tranquillity in the island itself, 
is by no means fit to be entrusted with the defence of such 
a valuable colony, and far less to render any effectual assist- 
ance to our other possessions in the event of any commotions. 
The smallest establishment which can be appointed to this 
island must consist of at least three European regiments, and 
seven or eight battalions of native troops for the garrisons of 
Trincomalee, Columbo, and Point de Galle alone ; without in- 
cluding the fort of Jafnapatam, Manaar, and the other subor- 
dinate posts round the island, which will require to have gar- 
risons proportionate to their importance. There are several 
posts which it would be necessary to strengthen, and place on 
a more respectable footing than they are ‘at present, particu- 
larly Manaar, Calpenteen, Nigumbo, Caltura and Matura, 
which the Dutch suffered to fall almost to total decay, but 
found much reason to repent their neglect on the first attempt 
made by an enemy at invasion. 
