What was the Dominion of Ceylon?

The Dominion of Ceylon was an independent country within the Commonwealth of Nations from 1948 to 1972. It shared a monarch with other Commonwealth dominions, meaning the British monarch was also the head of state for Ceylon. Ceylon was granted independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, and in 1972, it transitioned into a republic within the Commonwealth, changing its name to Sri Lanka.

When did Ceylon gain independence from British rule?

Ceylon achieved independence on February 4, 1948, under the terms of the Ceylon Independence Act 1947. This marked the end of British colonial administration and the beginning of self-governance.

What significant change occurred in Ceylon's status in 1972?

In 1972, Ceylon transitioned from a Dominion to a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations and was renamed Sri Lanka. This change signified a move away from a constitutional monarchy towards a republican form of government.

Who was the first Prime Minister of Ceylon upon its independence?

Don Stephen Senanayake became the first Prime Minister of Ceylon when the country gained independence. He led the United National Party (UNP) government that guided the nation in its early years.

What was the nature of the military treaties between Ceylon and the United Kingdom after independence?

Military treaties with the United Kingdom were maintained after Ceylon's independence, preserving British air and sea bases within the country. This arrangement also meant that British officers continued to hold most of the senior positions within the newly formed Ceylon Army, reflecting ongoing defense ties.

Why did the Soviet Union veto Ceylon's application for United Nations membership in 1948?

The Soviet Union vetoed Ceylon's application for United Nations membership in 1948 because it perceived Ceylon's independence as nominal, believing the British still exerted significant control. This perception stemmed from the fact that an educated elite, often seen as aligned with British interests, held power in the Ceylonese government.

What action did the UNP government take in 1949 concerning Indian Tamil plantation workers?

In 1949, with the concurrence of Sri Lankan Tamil leaders, the United National Party (UNP) government disenfranchised the Indian Tamil plantation workers. Disenfranchisement means they were stripped of their right to vote, impacting the political landscape.

Who succeeded D. S. Senanayake as Prime Minister, and why did he resign?

D. S. Senanayake was succeeded by his son, Dudley Senanayake, as Prime Minister. Dudley Senanayake resigned in 1953 following a significant general strike, known as a 'Hartal', organized by leftist parties in protest against the UNP government.

Who succeeded Dudley Senanayake as Prime Minister?

General Sir John L. Kotelawala, a prominent senior politician and military commander, succeeded Dudley Senanayake as Prime Minister. Kotelawala's premiership followed Dudley Senanayake's resignation due to the 1953 hartal.

What significant foreign policy shift occurred in Ceylon in 1957?

In 1957, Ceylon removed British bases from its territory and officially declared itself a "non-aligned" country. This policy marked a move towards neutrality in international affairs, aligning with the broader Non-Aligned Movement.

What was the Paddy Lands Act, and who was it attributed to?

The Paddy Lands Act, attributed to Philip Gunawardena, was passed in 1957. This legislation aimed to reform land ownership and tenancy, granting greater rights to tenant farmers working the land in relation to absentee landlords.

What economic policies were implemented by the SLFP government in 1962?

In 1962, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) government nationalized many Western business assets. This move led to diplomatic and financial disputes with the United States and the United Kingdom regarding compensation for the seized properties.

What was the outcome of the Marxist People's Liberation Front rebellion in 1972?

The Marxist People's Liberation Front rebellion in 1972 was suppressed with the assistance of international aid from Britain, the Soviet Union, and India. This uprising highlighted internal political instability during the period.

Who served as the first President of Sri Lanka after it became a republic?

William Gopallawa served as the first President of Sri Lanka when the country officially became a republic in 1972. He transitioned from his role as Governor-General to become the head of state of the new republic.

What type of government structure did Ceylon have after independence?

After gaining independence, Ceylon adopted a parliamentary democracy. This system featured a bicameral legislature, meaning it had two houses: a Senate and a House of Representatives.

How was the Senate indirectly chosen in Ceylon's government structure?

In Ceylon's bicameral system, the Senate was indirectly chosen by the popularly elected House of Representatives. This meant that members of the Senate were not directly elected by the public but were appointed or selected through the lower house.

What were the primary agricultural exports of Ceylon?

Ceylon's economy was heavily reliant on agriculture, with its primary exports being tea, rubber, and coconuts. These three commodities were crucial to the nation's foreign exchange earnings, making up 90% of the total export value.

When did Ceylon become the world's leading exporter of tea?

Ceylon achieved the status of the world's leading exporter of tea in 1965. In that year, the country shipped approximately 200,000 tonnes of tea internationally.

What was the Land Reform Law of 1972, and what were its effects?

The Land Reform Law of 1972 was enacted to limit private land ownership to a maximum of twenty hectares and to redistribute excess land to landless workers. This law significantly impacted large agricultural estates, particularly those growing tea, rubber, and coconuts.

How did the Land Reform (Amendment) Law of 1975 affect land ownership?

The Land Reform (Amendment) Law of 1975 brought plantations owned by joint-stock companies, many of which were British-owned, under state control. This legislation resulted in approximately two-thirds of the land cultivated with tea being placed under state management.

What was the currency of Ceylon, and how did it evolve?

The currency of Ceylon was the Ceylon Rupee, which originated from the Indian Rupee before being separated in 1929. The establishment of the Central Bank of Ceylon in 1950 marked a significant step towards greater monetary control for the country.

When did the Ceylon Rupee's peg to the Indian Rupee end, and what did it become pegged to?

The Ceylon Rupee's peg to the Indian Rupee at a 1:1 value concluded in 1966. From that point, the Ceylon Rupee was pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 4.76 rupees per US Dollar.

What was the predecessor to the Ceylon Army?

The predecessor to the Ceylon Army was the Ceylon Defence Force. This force was demobilized after World War II, paving the way for the establishment of the new national army.

When was the Ceylon Army formally created?

The Ceylon Army was formally created on April 11, 1949, through the passage of the Army Act No. 17. Its establishment was formalized in the Gazette Extraordinary on October 10, 1949, creating both regular and volunteer forces.

What became the primary duty of the Ceylon Army by the mid-1950s?

By the mid-1950s, the primary duty of the Ceylon Army had shifted towards internal security. This change occurred due to the absence of major external threats to the nation.

What was Operation Monty, and what was its purpose?

Operation Monty was the first internal security operation undertaken by the Ceylon Army in 1952. Its purpose was to counter the illegal immigration of South Indians, working in conjunction with the Royal Ceylon Navy and police.

In what year did the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) first see combat?

The Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) first engaged in combat in 1971. This occurred during the island-wide insurrection launched by the Marxist People's Liberation Front (JVP).

What was the purpose of the No. 4 Helicopter Squadron operating commercial transport services?

The No. 4 Helicopter Squadron began operating commercial transport services under the name Helitours due to a shortage of funds for military expenditure following the 1971 uprising. This initiative aimed to generate revenue for the air force.

What was the official name of the country before it became Sri Lanka?

The official name of the country before it became Sri Lanka was Ceylon. This name was used throughout its period as a Dominion.

What year did Queen Elizabeth II visit Ceylon?

Queen Elizabeth II visited Ceylon in 1954. This visit was part of her extensive tours of Commonwealth realms.

What was the name of the lower house of Ceylon's legislature?

The lower house of Ceylon's legislature was known as the House of Representatives. This was the popularly elected body within the bicameral system.

What was the name of the upper house of Ceylon's legislature?

The upper house of Ceylon's legislature was called the Senate. Members of the Senate were indirectly named by the House of Representatives.

What was the primary economic activity in Ceylon?

The primary economic activity in Ceylon was agriculture. This sector formed the backbone of the country's economy, driven by key exports.

What percentage of Ceylon's export value did tea, rubber, and coconuts account for?

Tea, rubber, and coconuts collectively accounted for 90% of Ceylon's export value. These commodities were vital for the nation's foreign exchange earnings.

What law was passed in 1972 that imposed limits on private land ownership?

The Land Reform Law of 1972 was passed, which imposed a maximum limit of twenty hectares on private land ownership. This law was part of the government's socialist policies aimed at redistributing land.

What was the name of the currency used in Ceylon?

The official currency used in Ceylon was the Ceylon Rupee. This currency evolved from the Indian Rupee system.

When was the Central Bank of Ceylon established, and what did it replace?

The Central Bank of Ceylon was established in 1950. It replaced the earlier Currency Board, which had been in place since 1872 as part of the Indian monetary system.

What did the coins issued in Ceylon since 1963 feature on their obverse?

Coins issued in Ceylon since 1963 featured the coat of arms of Sri Lanka on their obverse. This marked a change from earlier coins that had depicted the monarch's portrait.

What was the Anglo-Ceylonese Defence Agreement of 1947?

The Anglo-Ceylonese Defence Agreement of 1947 was a bilateral treaty signed between Britain and Ceylon. It ensured the continuation of British military presence, specifically air and sea bases, in Ceylon following its independence.

What was the first internal security operation of the Ceylon Army called?

The first internal security operation of the Ceylon Army was named Operation Monty. It was initiated in 1952 to address the issue of illegal immigration.

What was the purpose of Task Force Anti-Illicit Immigration (TaFII)?

Task Force Anti-Illicit Immigration (TaFII) was established in 1963 and continued its operations until 1981. Its primary purpose was to combat and control the influx of illegal immigrants into the country.

When did the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) acquire additional aircraft from the US and USSR?

The Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) acquired additional aircraft from both the United States and the Soviet Union following the JVP insurrection in 1971. This was in response to the combat engagement the force experienced during that period.

What was the name of the commercial transport service operated by the No. 4 Helicopter Squadron?

The commercial transport service operated by the No. 4 Helicopter Squadron was known as Helitours. This service was established due to financial constraints affecting military expenditures after the 1971 uprising.

What were the common languages spoken in Ceylon?

The common languages spoken in Ceylon were Sinhala, Tamil, and English. These languages served various official and social functions within the country.

What was the official religion of Ceylon mentioned in the text?

Buddhism was designated as the official religion of Ceylon. This reflects the country's cultural and historical ties to the religion.

What was the demonym for people from Ceylon?

The demonym for people from Ceylon was Ceylonese. This term referred to the inhabitants of the Dominion of Ceylon.

Who were the monarchs of Ceylon during the Dominion period?

The monarchs of Ceylon during the Dominion period were George VI, who reigned from 1948 to 1952, and his successor, Elizabeth II, who reigned from 1952 until 1972.

Who were the Governors-General of Ceylon during the Dominion period?

The Governors-General of Ceylon during the Dominion period included Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore (1948–1949), Lord Soulbury (1949–1954), Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke (1954–1962), and William Gopallawa (1962–1972).

Who were the Prime Ministers of Ceylon during the Dominion period?

The Prime Ministers of Ceylon during the Dominion period were D. S. Senanayake (1948–1952), Dudley Senanayake (1952–1953, March–July 1960, 1965–1970), Sir John Kotelawala (1953–1956), S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike (1956–1959), and Sirimavo Bandaranaike (July 1960–1965, 1970–1972).

What was the area of Ceylon in 1956?

In 1956, the area of Ceylon was recorded as 65,610 square kilometers (25,330 square miles). This measurement provides a geographical context for the country's size.

What was the population of Ceylon in 1956?

The population of Ceylon in 1956 was 8,104,000. This figure indicates the demographic scale of the nation at that time.

Dominion Of Ceylon Wiki: Ceylon Ascendant: The Dominion Years

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The Dominion Era

Independence Achieved

Ceylon emerged as an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations on February 4, 1948. This transition marked the end of British colonial rule, established under the Ceylon Independence Act of 1947. While gaining self-governance, strategic defense and air bases remained under British control through bilateral agreements, and key positions in the Ceylon Army were initially held by British officers.

Global Context

The post-World War II era saw a global wave of decolonization. Ceylon's independence was part of this broader movement. However, its status as a dominion meant it shared a monarch with other Commonwealth nations, including the United Kingdom. The Soviet Union's veto of Ceylon's UN membership in 1948 highlighted international skepticism about the extent of its sovereignty, suggesting lingering British influence.

Early Political Landscape

Don Stephen Senanayake became the first Prime Minister, leading the United National Party (UNP). A significant early political event was the disenfranchisement of Indian Tamil plantation workers in 1949, undertaken with the concurrence of Sri Lankan Tamil leaders. This decision had long-term social and political ramifications.

Governance and Politics

Constitutional Framework

Ceylon's constitution established a parliamentary democracy. The governmental structure featured a bicameral legislature, comprising a Senate and a popularly elected House of Representatives. The House indirectly designated members of the Senate, creating a unique legislative dynamic.

Leadership Transitions

The political landscape saw several leadership changes. D.S. Senanayake was succeeded by his son, Dudley Senanayake, in 1952. However, Dudley resigned following a major general strike ('Hartal') in 1953, leading to Sir John Kotelawala's premiership. Kotelawala's tenure saw the re-emergence of the national language issue, previously managed by D.S. Senanayake.

D. S. Senanayake (1948–1952)
Dudley Senanayake (1952–1953, March 1960, 1965–1970)
Sir John Kotelawala (1953–1956)
S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike (1956–1959)
Sirimavo Bandaranaike (July 1960–1965)

Foreign Policy and Nationalization

In 1957, Ceylon officially adopted a non-aligned foreign policy with the removal of British bases. Domestically, the government pursued socialist policies, including the nationalization of private assets. This led to diplomatic disputes with the United States and the United Kingdom regarding compensation for seized assets, impacting foreign relations and economic policy.

Economic Foundations

Agriculture-Centric Economy

Ceylon's economy was predominantly based on agriculture, with tea, rubber, and coconuts forming the backbone of its export sector, accounting for approximately 90% of export value. By 1965, Ceylon had become the world's leading tea exporter, shipping 200,000 tonnes annually. However, fluctuating global prices for these commodities, coupled with a rapidly growing population, exerted pressure on national earnings.

Land Reform Initiatives

Significant land reforms were enacted to address socio-economic disparities. The Land Reform Law of 1972 imposed limits on private land ownership, aiming to redistribute excess land. While exemptions existed for smaller holdings and plantations owned by joint-stock companies, the government eventually took control of substantial agricultural estates, primarily those cultivating tea and rubber, placing them under state management.

1972 Land Reform Law: Limited private land ownership to twenty hectares; excess land targeted for redistribution.
Exemptions: Holdings under ten hectares and those owned by joint-stock companies were initially exempt.
Land Reform Commission: Took over approximately 228,000 hectares between 1972-1974.
1975 Land Reform (Amendment) Law: Brought estates owned by companies (many British) under state control, affecting over 169,000 hectares.
State Management: Acquired lands were managed by entities like the Janatha Estates Development Board and the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation.

Defense and Security

Establishment of Armed Forces

Following World War II, the Ceylon Defence Force was demobilized. Post-independence, the Ceylon Army was formally established on April 11, 1949, comprising regular and volunteer forces. The Royal Ceylon Air Force also came into being. Due to the absence of significant external threats, the military's growth was initially slow, with its primary focus gradually shifting towards internal security.

Internal Security Operations

By the mid-1950s, the Ceylon Army's role increasingly involved internal security. Key operations included 'Operation Monty' (1952) to counter illegal immigration, later expanded as Task Force Anti-Illicit Immigration (TaFII). The Army was mobilized during civil disturbances, notably the 1953 hartal, the 1956 Gal Oya Valley riots, and the widespread 1958 riots under emergency regulations.

Air Force Engagements

The Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) saw combat during the 1971 Marxist JVP uprising. The initial coup attempt required the RCyAF to respond rapidly to attacks on police stations and its own bases. Subsequently, the Air Force acquired additional aircraft from both the United States and the Soviet Union. Facing funding constraints post-uprising, the No. 4 Helicopter Squadron initiated commercial tourist transport services under the name Helitours.

Transition to Republic

Constitutional Change

A pivotal moment occurred in 1972 when Ceylon transitioned from a dominion to a republic within the Commonwealth. This constitutional change involved adopting a new constitution and renaming the country to Sri Lanka. William Gopallawa became the nation's first President, marking a significant shift in its political identity.

Internal Strife and Aid

The period leading up to the republic transition was marked by internal challenges. A Marxist rebellion by the People's Liberation Front (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna) in 1972 was suppressed with international assistance from Britain, the Soviet Union, and India, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics of the era.

Monetary System

Evolution of the Rupee

The Ceylon Rupee evolved from the Indian Rupee, becoming a distinct currency in 1929. In 1950, the Currency Board was replaced by the Central Bank of Ceylon, granting greater monetary control. The Central Bank began issuing paper money, including 1 and 10 rupee notes, followed by coins in denominations of cents and rupees.

Currency Pegging

Initially pegged to the Indian Rupee at a 1:1 ratio until 1966, the Ceylon Rupee was subsequently pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 4.76 rupees per dollar. This pegging strategy reflected the nation's integration into the global financial system during its dominion period.

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References

Jane Russell, Communal Politics under the Donoughmore constitution. Tsiisara Prakasakyo, Dehivala, 1982

A full list of references for this article are available at the Dominion of Ceylon Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on historical data available up to the last update and may not reflect the most current information or nuances. The historical context presented is derived from publicly available sources and has been synthesized to provide an overview.

This is not professional historical or political advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with qualified historians, political scientists, or relevant experts. Always verify information with primary sources or scholarly works for critical analysis.

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Ceylon Ascendant

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The Dominion Era 👑

🇬🇧➡️🇱🇰 Independence Achieved

🌍 Global Context

🗳️ Early Political Landscape

Governance and Politics 🏛️

📜 Constitutional Framework

👨‍💼 Leadership Transitions

🌍 Foreign Policy and Nationalization

Economic Foundations 💰

🌿 Agriculture-Centric Economy

⚖️ Land Reform Initiatives

Defense and Security ⚔️

🛡️ Establishment of Armed Forces

👮 Internal Security Operations

✈️ Air Force Engagements

Transition to Republic 🔄

🏛️➡️🌍 Constitutional Change

💥 Internal Strife and Aid

Monetary System 💵

💰 Evolution of the Rupee

🔗 Currency Pegging

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Dominion Era

Independence Achieved

Global Context

Early Political Landscape

Governance and Politics

Constitutional Framework

Leadership Transitions

Foreign Policy and Nationalization

Economic Foundations

Agriculture-Centric Economy

Land Reform Initiatives

Defense and Security

Establishment of Armed Forces

Internal Security Operations

Air Force Engagements

Transition to Republic

Constitutional Change

Internal Strife and Aid

Monetary System

Evolution of the Rupee

Currency Pegging

Teacher's Corner

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Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice