Which of the following best explains the economic interest in Ceylon after British acquisition?

The economic interest in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, after British acquisition is best explained by spice production and agriculture. The British recognized the island's strategic location and its favorable climate for cultivating valuable cash crops, particularly tea, coffee, and spices such as cinnamon. These products had high demand in European markets, and the British sought to exploit these agricultural opportunities to generate significant profit.

Ceylon's fertile land and existing agricultural practices made it an attractive prospect for the British, who transformed the island into a major producer of tea, especially in the context of the global marketplace that valued these commodities for both domestic consumption and export. The focus on spice production and agriculture not only reshaped the economy of Ceylon but also integrated it into the global trade networks established by colonial powers during this period.

In contrast, trade of silver and gold was not the primary economic focus for Ceylon under British rule, as the island did not have significant reserves of precious metals. Textiles and manufacturing were not as prominent in Ceylon compared to its agricultural exports, and tourism and hospitality became more significant later in the 20th century, rather than being a primary driver of the economy during the British colonial period. Hence, spice production and agriculture effectively