 In February 1796 a final expedition was prepared against Ceylon , with instructions to seize Colombo and the surrounding area . Stuart again took command , supported by Gardner in Heroine and the sloops HMS Rattlesnake , HMS Echo and HMS Swift , as well as five EIC ships . Stuart 's force disembarked at Negombo , a Dutch fort abandoned the previous year , on 5 February and marched overland to Colombo , arriving without opposition on 14 February . The garrison was issued with a demand requiring their surrender or to expect an immediate assault , and storming parties were prepared , but on 15 February Van Angelbeek agreed to capitulate and Stuart took possession of the city peacefully . 
