British Governor of Ceylon
| Governor of Ceylon | |
|---|---|
Flag of Governor of Ceylon
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| Style | His/Her Excellency |
| Residence | Government House |
| Appointer | Monarch of the United Kingdom |
| Precursor | Governor of Zeylan |
| Formation | Aug 1795 |
| First holder |
Patrick Alexander Agnew as Military Governor |
| Final holder | Henry Monck-Mason Moore |
| Abolished | 4 February 1948 |
| Succession | Governor-General of Ceylon |
The Governor of Ceylon was the representative in Ceylon of the British Crown from 1795 to 1948. In this capacity, the governor was president of the Executive Council and Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in Ceylon. The governor was the head of the British colonial administration in Ceylon, reporting to the Colonial Office.
With Ceylon gaining self rule and dominion status with the creation of Dominion of Ceylon in 1948, this office was replaced by the Governor-General, who represented the British Monarch as the head of state. The office of Governor-General was itself abolished in 1972 and replaced by the post of President when Sri Lanka became a Republic.
The Governor, appointed by the British monarch (on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for the Colonies), maintained executive power in Ceylon throughout British rule.
The Governor was the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Ceylon, except only during World War II, when Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ceylon with power exceeding that of the Governor.
In November each year, the Governor would receive the annual tribute from the Sultan of Maldives. The Governor was the ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Ceylon and patron of the Royal College Colombo.
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Wikipedia