Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was one internal factor that contributed to the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
What was one internal factor that contributed to the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
- A significant increase in trade activity.
- The strategic value of Ceylon had increased.
- A deficit in the annual budget of Ceylon. (correct)
- Growing demands for independence from local leaders.
Which external factor influenced the need for reforms in Ceylon during the early 19th century?
Which external factor influenced the need for reforms in Ceylon during the early 19th century?
- Enhanced military strategies implemented by Ceylon.
- Colonial competition from other European powers.
- A significant surplus in Ceylon's treasury.
- The enduring impact of the Napoleonic Wars. (correct)
What major event in Europe contributed to the British focus on reforming Ceylon?
What major event in Europe contributed to the British focus on reforming Ceylon?
- The end of the Napoleonic Wars. (correct)
- The signing of the Treaty of Paris.
- The Industrial Revolution in Britain.
- The establishment of the British East India Company.
What did the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms represent in British colonial policy?
What did the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms represent in British colonial policy?
What aspect of governance was particularly focused on in the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
What aspect of governance was particularly focused on in the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
Which of the following concepts is associated with the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
Which of the following concepts is associated with the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?
What was a significant outcome of the reforms for the administration in Ceylon?
What was a significant outcome of the reforms for the administration in Ceylon?
How did the defeat of Napoleon affect British policy towards Ceylon?
How did the defeat of Napoleon affect British policy towards Ceylon?
What was the primary concern of Edward Barnes and William Horton regarding the inquiry into Ceylon?
What was the primary concern of Edward Barnes and William Horton regarding the inquiry into Ceylon?
What economic transformation was occurring in England during the early 19th century that influenced colonial policies?
What economic transformation was occurring in England during the early 19th century that influenced colonial policies?
What was the primary cause of the 'Coffee Mania' in Ceylon?
What was the primary cause of the 'Coffee Mania' in Ceylon?
What significant change was implemented by the Colebrooke – Cameron Commission in 1833?
What significant change was implemented by the Colebrooke – Cameron Commission in 1833?
Which agricultural system did WMG Colebrooke propose to address Ceylon's budget deficit?
Which agricultural system did WMG Colebrooke propose to address Ceylon's budget deficit?
What was one of the major reasons for extending the Commission of Eastern Inquiry to Ceylon?
What was one of the major reasons for extending the Commission of Eastern Inquiry to Ceylon?
Which province was created in 1846 under Sir William Gregory's administration?
Which province was created in 1846 under Sir William Gregory's administration?
How many provinces were established in Sri Lanka by 1889?
How many provinces were established in Sri Lanka by 1889?
How did the Colebrook-Cameron reforms aim to change the role of the state in Ceylon's economy?
How did the Colebrook-Cameron reforms aim to change the role of the state in Ceylon's economy?
What was one of the main goals of the colonial administration during the period mentioned?
What was one of the main goals of the colonial administration during the period mentioned?
What concept did the British policymakers in Parliament increasingly turn towards that contributed to the need for reforms in the colonies?
What concept did the British policymakers in Parliament increasingly turn towards that contributed to the need for reforms in the colonies?
In what year did the Colebrook-Cameron Commission arrive in Ceylon?
In what year did the Colebrook-Cameron Commission arrive in Ceylon?
What major legislative bodies were established due to the Colebrooke – Cameron Reforms?
What major legislative bodies were established due to the Colebrooke – Cameron Reforms?
Who was responsible for creating the North Central Province?
Who was responsible for creating the North Central Province?
What was the expected outcome of introducing plantation agriculture according to Colebrooke?
What was the expected outcome of introducing plantation agriculture according to Colebrooke?
Which district was a part of the newly established Province of Sabaragamuwa in 1889?
Which district was a part of the newly established Province of Sabaragamuwa in 1889?
What was the composition of the initial Legislative Council?
What was the composition of the initial Legislative Council?
Who had the power to recall the Governor of Sri Lanka during the nineteenth century?
Who had the power to recall the Governor of Sri Lanka during the nineteenth century?
What role did the Colonial Secretary play in the administration?
What role did the Colonial Secretary play in the administration?
What power did the Governor possess concerning legislation?
What power did the Governor possess concerning legislation?
What changes were primarily introduced after 1910 concerning the Legislative Council?
What changes were primarily introduced after 1910 concerning the Legislative Council?
Which position was independent of the Chief Secretary's control?
Which position was independent of the Chief Secretary's control?
What impact did the Colebrooke Report reforms have on the Civil Service?
What impact did the Colebrooke Report reforms have on the Civil Service?
Who created the office of Government Agent?
Who created the office of Government Agent?
What was the main responsibility of the Treasurer?
What was the main responsibility of the Treasurer?
What measure was taken by the Colonial Office in 1845 to address issues in the Civil Service?
What measure was taken by the Colonial Office in 1845 to address issues in the Civil Service?
What was one legislative capacity of the Governor within the Legislative Council?
What was one legislative capacity of the Governor within the Legislative Council?
What were the Assistant Government Agents tasked with?
What were the Assistant Government Agents tasked with?
During whose tenure did the Civil Service finally assume form that stayed for many years?
During whose tenure did the Civil Service finally assume form that stayed for many years?
How did the reforms after the Colebrooke Report affect the suffrage in Sri Lanka?
How did the reforms after the Colebrooke Report affect the suffrage in Sri Lanka?
Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of the Auditor?
Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of the Auditor?
What was the role of the Civil Engineer cum Surveyor-General?
What was the role of the Civil Engineer cum Surveyor-General?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- The Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms were the first significant British reforms following their conquest of Sri Lanka in 1815.
- Initial delays in reform were due to uncertainties about Sri Lanka's status as a colony during early 19th century and British focus on European conflicts.
- The strategic significance of Ceylon diminished post-Napoleon, leading to a budget deficit that prompted the need for inquiry and reform.
Internal and External Factors Leading to Reforms
- Ceylon's budget deficit was a key internal factor driving reform.
- External influences included a broader reform wave in England, driven by industrialization and new political, economic theories.
- The concepts of Utilitarianism, social welfare, capitalism, and the notion of the "White Man’s Burden" shaped British policy and views on colonial governance.
Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms of 1833
- The commission aimed to convert Ceylon's budget deficit into a surplus by prioritizing agriculture.
- Proposed the introduction of plantation agriculture, replacing subsistence farming, allowing English companies to establish large plantations.
- Marked the rise of "Coffee Mania," a profitable agricultural model for colonial revenue.
Administrative Changes
- In 1833, the administration of Sri Lanka was unified and centralized, creating five provinces, with an increase to nine by 1889.
- Provisional administrative efficiency was sought by reducing waste and increasing revenue, primarily through agriculture.
Constitutional Framework
- Establishment of a Legislative Council and an Executive Council in 1833.
- The Executive Council, formed of senior officials, oversaw the governor's decisions; the Legislative Council facilitated open discussions among both officials and non-official members.
- The Governor retained considerable powers, often overriding the Legislative Council's decisions.
- Constitutional structures remained largely unchanged until 1910, maintaining an official majority in legislative processes.
Civil Service Reforms
- The initial introduction of reforms led to reductions in Civil Servant salaries and pensions, prompting resignations and dissatisfaction.
- Subsequent reforms in 1845 sought to alleviate the issues, reinstating pensions and raising salaries.
- Civil service structure evolved between 1832 and 1885, stabilizing by the latter year.
Role of Key Administrative Figures
- The Governor, supported by the Colonial Secretary, oversaw the daily administration, assisted by the Treasurer and Auditor General.
- The Colonial Secretary was responsible for budget preparation and overall efficiency of governance.
- The judicial department maintained independence from the Governor's actions, ensuring justice execution was fair and untampered.
Provincial Administration
- Provincial administration was managed by Government Agents, created in 1833, along with Assistant Government Agents to supervise administration.
- The structure aimed to ensure effective governance throughout the newly established provinces.
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