File LK-NA/2/1 - Executive Council Proceedings.

The Colebrooke Commissioners first main report to parliament was on the administration of Ceylon dated 24.12.1831. Colebrooke recommended the abolition of the Governor’s Council and the formation of Executive and Legislative Councils. The Secretary of State accepted the proposals of formation of the councils but differed from Colebrooke as to their composition and functions. The Councils were started when the new commission and instructions were issued to Governor Horton on 19th March 1833. Provision was then made for an Executive Councils of five, the commander of the Forces, the Colonial Secretary, the King’s Advocate the Colonial Treasures and the Government Agent for the Central Province.
The Governor was given discretionary power to act in opposition to the advice of the Executive Council, but he was required immediately to send a full report to the Colonial Office in London. At the beginning, the Executive Council was merely expected to advice the Governor in the areas of granting of land appointing judges and Judicial Officers and also disciplinary matters of Government Officers.
One Un – Official member was added to the Executive Council and another 8 members were added during the period 1925-1928. Thereafter, no fundamental changes were made in the composition of the Executive Council until its abolition in 1931 on the recommendation of the Donoughmore Commission. The Executive Council which came into force in 1931 consisted of ex-officio members, Viz., Colonial Secretary, the Attorney – General and the Government agent of the Western Province and four nominated members. Subsequently, the other senior officials were also nominated by the Governor from time to time with the approval of the Secretary of state.