Paper: Evidence for the Existence of ‘Ceylon Intelligence’, a periodical in Sri Lanka that predates the Ceylon Government Gazette

[My Research Papers published]

Wisumperuma, Dhanesh, 2020, Evidence for the Existence of ‘Ceylon Intelligence’, a periodical in Sri Lanka that predates the Ceylon Government Gazette, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka, Vol 65: Issue II, pp. 61-72.

Abstract

The modern printing in Sri Lanka commenced in the 18th century during the Dutch occupation of Maritime Provinces. The ‘Ceylon Government Gazette’ (first issued in 1802), published by the British authorities who ruled the maritime provinces of Sri Lanka, is considered as the first English periodical and Newspaper published in the Island. The Colombo Journal (1832) and Observer and Commercial Advertiser (1834) are the next two English newspapers published in the Island.

This article presents archival documents that provide evidence for the existence of an English language newspaper or a periodical before the publication of the Ceylon Government Gazette. These documents include communications between state officials and the editor of the newspaper at a time when political and military issues were important due to the war between the British and French.

This evidence suggests that a periodical publication titled ‘Ceylon Intelligence’ was published in Sri Lanka at least by November 1800. It was edited by Frederick Baron Mylius (1762-1807), who held several positions under the British Administration. Although a printed copy of this publication is unavailable, prevailing evidence suggests that the ‘Ceylon Intelligence’ was the first English periodical printed in Sri Lanka. Further to that, the letters cited show the possible first instance where press censorship was practised in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Periodicals, Newspapers, Press history, British administration, Ceylon Intelligence

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