Ceylon Reforms Overview

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

The first conscious reforms attempted by British authorities in Ceylon. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of governance was particularly focused on in the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?

The establishment of a legislative and an executive council. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is associated with the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms?

Utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the reforms for the administration in Ceylon?

Increased centralization of administration. Signup and view all the answers

How did the defeat of Napoleon affect British policy towards Ceylon?

It diminished the strategic value of Ceylon for the Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of Edward Barnes and William Horton regarding the inquiry into Ceylon?

They believed it would disturb the peace. Signup and view all the answers

What economic transformation was occurring in England during the early 19th century that influenced colonial policies?

A shift towards industrialization. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the 'Coffee Mania' in Ceylon?

English companies producing coffee on large plantations Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was implemented by the Colebrooke – Cameron Commission in 1833?

Establishment of a unified and centralized administration Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural system did WMG Colebrooke propose to address Ceylon's budget deficit?

Plantation agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the major reasons for extending the Commission of Eastern Inquiry to Ceylon?

Influence of new economic theories from Britain. Signup and view all the answers

Which province was created in 1846 under Sir William Gregory's administration?

North Western Province Signup and view all the answers

How many provinces were established in Sri Lanka by 1889?

Nine Signup and view all the answers

How did the Colebrook-Cameron reforms aim to change the role of the state in Ceylon's economy?

By introducing private capital to the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of the colonial administration during the period mentioned?

To reduce waste and inefficiency Signup and view all the answers

What concept did the British policymakers in Parliament increasingly turn towards that contributed to the need for reforms in the colonies?

The White man’s burden. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Colebrook-Cameron Commission arrive in Ceylon?

<ol start="1829"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What major legislative bodies were established due to the Colebrooke – Cameron Reforms?

Legislative Council and Executive Council Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for creating the North Central Province?

Sir William Gregory Signup and view all the answers

What was the expected outcome of introducing plantation agriculture according to Colebrooke?

Generate revenue for the British Empire. Signup and view all the answers

Which district was a part of the newly established Province of Sabaragamuwa in 1889?

Kegalle Signup and view all the answers

What was the composition of the initial Legislative Council?

One Governor, nine officials, and six non-officials Signup and view all the answers

Who had the power to recall the Governor of Sri Lanka during the nineteenth century?

The Secretary of State in Britain Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Colonial Secretary play in the administration?

Oversee the preparation of the annual budget and manage day-to-day operations Signup and view all the answers

What power did the Governor possess concerning legislation?

Could legislate and vote on legislation Signup and view all the answers

What changes were primarily introduced after 1910 concerning the Legislative Council?

Increase the number of non-official members to surpass officials Signup and view all the answers

Which position was independent of the Chief Secretary's control?

Judiciary Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Colebrooke Report reforms have on the Civil Service?

Abolished some cadre positions and reduced salaries Signup and view all the answers

Who created the office of Government Agent?

Colebrooke Signup and view all the answers

What was the main responsibility of the Treasurer?

Manage collection and expenditure of the island’s revenue Signup and view all the answers

What measure was taken by the Colonial Office in 1845 to address issues in the Civil Service?

Reintroduction of a Pension Scheme Signup and view all the answers

What was one legislative capacity of the Governor within the Legislative Council?

Directed the official majority to vote as instructed Signup and view all the answers

What were the Assistant Government Agents tasked with?

Assisting Government Agents in provincial administration Signup and view all the answers

During whose tenure did the Civil Service finally assume form that stayed for many years?

1885 Signup and view all the answers

How did the reforms after the Colebrooke Report affect the suffrage in Sri Lanka?

Implemented restricted suffrage based on wealth and education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of the Auditor?

Critique unnecessary expenditures and ensure financial regularity Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Civil Engineer cum Surveyor-General?

Overseeing construction and land surveys for public works Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Explore the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms in Sri Lanka following British conquest in 1815. This quiz covers the internal and external factors leading to these significant reforms, focusing on budget deficit and influences from England's industrial changes. Test your knowledge on the implications and objectives of the 1833 reforms.