Colonial Office and predecessors: Ceylon, Original Correspondence

This series contains original correspondence relating to Ceylon. Included are reports and papers of the Commissioners of Eastern Inquiry between 1830 and 1835.

Bound volumes arranged chronologically within the following subject headings: Despatches (letters of the governors), Offices (letters of government departments and other organisations) and Individuals (arranged alphabetically). Each volume with a contents list, or précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter. From 1926 correspondence is arranged in subject files.

For later records relating to Ceylon see DO 35

For further records of the Commissioners of Eastern Enquiry in Ceylon see CO 416

• Colonial Office, 1854-1966
• War and Colonial Department, Commissioners of Eastern Inquiry in Ceylon, 1828-1830

Topics

International

Britain captured the Dutch settlements in Ceylon in 1796 and annexed the territory to Madras. In 1802 the settlements in Ceylon became a separate colony. In 1815 the Kandyan kingdom of the interior was overcome and the whole island came under British government. A governor was first appointed in 1798 and a council of government was set up in 1801. This was replaced in 1833 by an executive council and a nominated legislative council. The latter became partly elective in 1910. In 1931 a new constitution was established. Ceylon became a fully self-governing member of the Commonwealth on 4 February 1948. On 22 May 1972 Ceylon adopted a new constitution as the Republic of Sri Lanka within the Commonwealth.