At his own expense he built a substantial mansion at a cost, as it is said, of eight thousand pounds, and with provident care for the health of the European troops, he erected barracks and officers' quarters for the invalids.
Under his government Newera Ellia was rapidly becoming a place of importance, but unfortunately at the expiration of his term the place became neglected.

His successor took no interest in the plans of his predecessor; and from that period, each successive governor being influenced by an increasing spirit of parsimony, Newera Ellia has remained "in statu quo," not even having been visited by the present governor.
In a small colony like Ceylon it is astonishing how the movements and opinions of the governor influence the public mind.

In the present instance, however, the movements of the governor (Sir G.Anderson) cannot carry much weight, as he does not move at all, with the exception of an occasional drive from Colombo to Kandy.

His knowledge of the colony and of its wants or resources must therefore, from his personal experience, be limited to the Kandy road.

This apathy, when exhibited by her Majesty's representative, is highly contagious among the public of all classes and colors, and cannot have other than a bad moral tendency.
Upon my first visit to Newera Ellia, in 1847, Lord Torrington was the governor of Ceylon, a man of active mind, with an ardent desire to test its real capabilities and to work great improvements in the colony.
Unfortunately, his term as governor was shorter than was expected.