I enclose the abstract translation of a Proclamation by the Governor in Council of Ceylon, dated the 11th of August, 1686, and which furnishes a curious illustration of the principles on which the country was administered under the Dutch East India Company.

This system was progressively ameliorated under the British government, until the forced services of the native inhabitants were finally abolished by an Order of the King in Council, issued in 1830. The inhabitants of Ceylon are now secured in the possession of their lands, without reference to distinctions of caste.