Fonds LK-NA/21 - Records of Board of Commissioners, Kandy

On 2nd March 1815 the Kandyan Kingdom was formally ceded to the British by its leaders. The convention was signed by Governor Robert Brownrigg on behalf of the British and the Kandyans by their chiefs. The Governor exercised his authority through the resident at Kandy. The post of secretary for the Kandyan Provinces was held by the Deputy Secretary in the maritime provinces by George Lusignan, The resident was John D’Oyly.

Ultimately, from 1st October 1816 a Board of Commissioners composed of three members was setup for the Kandyan Provinces. D’ Oyly as resident and first Commissioner presided. The judicial functions were in charge of James Gay as second Commissioner.
In 1821, the Board of Commissioner's were re-constituted, the officer commanding the troops being added as a member.

This system setup by Proclamation lasted without substantial alteration for fifteen years. Sub Agencies were created for the four Korales, Matale, Harasiyapattu, and Tumpane and Lower Uva and Wellassa so that there were eight agencies in all.

On D’ Oyly’s death on 25th May 1824 Governor Barnes decided to let the residency lap, as D’ Oyly could not be replaced as the confidence the Kandyan people had in him was supreme. D’ Oyly's duties on the religious aspect were transferred to the Judicial Commissioner. These duties consisted of the superintendence of the temples and their land affairs. It was general superintendence of the affairs connected with the temples, consisting of receiving petitions from persons. In 1834, the Kandyan and maritime provinces were united and a uniform administration was organised for the whole island.