Ceylon is the next proposed British objective in this campaign. Holding it would provide access for regional operations and deny the Maratha Confederacy control of the whole Indian theatre. Mysore still survives as a Maratha ally, so the anticipated consolidation is incomplete. An existing army could make the expedition with a third rate and a fifth rate while the rest of the fleet remains available for other operations.
Chapter · 3:35:18-3:36:30
Using Ceylon to limit Maratha expansion in India
The campaign's closing review turns Ceylon into a strategic foothold for checking the Maratha Confederacy without abandoning naval options elsewhere.