BATTICALOA, the administrative capital of the eastern province of Ceylon, on the east coast 69m. south-south-east of Trincomalee, situated on an island in lat. 44' N. and long. 81 ° 52' E. It is of importance for its haven and the adjacent salt lagoons. The population of the town in 1931 was 11,585; of the province (3,848 sq.m.) 212,421. The old Dutch fort dates from 1682. Rice and coconuts are the two staple products of the dis trict, and steamers trading round the island call regularly at the port. The lagoon is famous for its "singing fish," supposed to be shell-fish which give forth musical notes. The survivors of the Veddahs, the aboriginal inhabitants of Ceylon, inhabit rock shelters and huts in this province. The average annual rainfall is 5 5 z in. ; the average temperature 80.4° F. A railway joining Bat ticaloa to the Trincomalee-Maho line, which it joins at Galoya, is under construction.