Constitutional reform and the path to independence (1910s-1948)

1. McCallum reforms expand elected representation

   Jan 1, 1910Labels: McCallum Reforms, Legislative Council

   • 1911 Election
   • 1917 Election

2. First Legislative Council election held

   Dec 12, 1911Labels: Legislative Council, Educated Seat

   • 1911 Election

3. 1915 riots and martial law shake colonial rule

   Jun 2, 1915Labels: 1915 Riots, Martial Law

   • Britannica
   • 1915 Riots

4. Ceylon National Congress founded to press reforms

   Dec 11, 1919Labels: Ceylon National, Nationalists

   • CNC

5. First Manning Reforms broaden the Legislative Council

   Jan 1, 1920Labels: First Manning, Legislative Council

   • Legislative Council
   • 1924 Election

6. Second Manning Reforms further expand elected seats

   Jan 1, 1923Labels: Second Manning, Legislative Council

   • Legislative Council
   • 1924 Election

7. Donoughmore Commission appointed to review constitution

   Nov 13, 1927Labels: Donoughmore Commission

   • TNA Catalogue
   • Donoughmore

8. Donoughmore report published as Cmd 3131

   Jul 1, 1928Labels: Donoughmore Report

   • TNA Catalogue

9. First State Council election introduces universal adult franchise

   Jun 13, 1931Labels: State Council, Universal Franchise

   • 1931 Election
   • Donoughmore

10. State Council first meets under Donoughmore Constitution

    Jul 7, 1931Labels: State Council, Donoughmore Constitution

    • 1st State Council

11. Soulbury Commission established and begins work in Ceylon

    Dec 22, 1944Labels: Soulbury Commission

    • UL Archives
    • Soulbury

12. Ceylon (Constitution) Order in Council issued

    May 15, 1946Labels: Ceylon Constitution, Soulbury Constitution

    • LawNet
    • Soulbury

13. First parliamentary election held under Soulbury framework

    Aug 23, 1947Labels: 1947 Election, United National

    • 1947 Election
    • Britannica

14. Ceylon Independence Act receives Royal Assent

    Dec 10, 1947Labels: Ceylon Independence, United Kingdom

    • Hansard
    • LawNet

15. Ceylon becomes independent dominion in the Commonwealth

    Feb 4, 1948Labels: Independence Day, Dominion of

    • Britannica
    • Parl Archives