Madras mobilises an expedition for Ceylon

The Ceylon expedition depended on the institutions and resources available in British India. Robert Hobart, governor of Madras, asked Peter Rainier to seize the island and directed Major General James Stuart to gather troops. Units and detachments were assembled so quickly that the full set of regiments represented during the longer campaign remains uncertain. The force included British regiments, Madras Native Infantry, Royal and Madras artillery, and logistical auxiliaries. Some formations did not carry the company's initials, but East India Company funding and infrastructure sustained the expedition.