TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 38

1.

2.

General outline of the constitutional evolution of Ceylon

Stage of Representative Government

Annex

1920

1923

The legislative council: 37 members

14 civil servants

23 non-civil service officials: 7 appointed by

the governor

16 elected (11 on a territorial basis,

5 by the communities)

Three non-civil service officials introduced into the executive council

Legislative council

13 civil servants

37 non-civil service officials

3 appointed by the governor

23 elected on a territorial basis (restricted suffrage, 4 per cent of the population)

11 elected by the communities

Stage of Responsible Government

1931

1946

The legislative council is replaced by a council of state,

60 members :

8 appointed

52 elected on a territorial basis (universal suffrage, 5 years' residence)

The council of state appoints the executive committees responsible for the main departments (except defence, foreign affairs, justice, finance which are given

to 'officers of state')

The governor retains certain legislative powers and the right of veto

The new constitution, modelled on that of Great

Britain, provides for a 'fully responsible government'