THE SOULBURY CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS OF 1947

Appointment of the Soulbury Commission

The members of the Soulbury Commission that was appointed to investigate
into Sri Lanka’s constitutional reforms and give proposals came to Sri Lanka in
December 1944.
Key Features of the Soulbury Constitution
 abolishing the office of Governor and establishing the office of Governor General
 establishing a bicameral parliament (House of Commons and the Senate)
 establishing a Cabinet of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister
 establishing the Public Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission
 Governor general- the queen was the head of Ceylon and governor general represents
the queen. A nominal position since they had to act under the advice of the prime
minister

 Parliament- the legislative responsible for making laws was also called a bicameral
parliament( house of common + senate)
 The cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister
 The member who won the majority of members votes named as the prime minister by
the office of the governor general
 The governor general appointed the cabinet of ministers
 Judicial service commission- for the purpose of appointment judges to the lower
courts and for removing and taking disciplinary acts regarding such judges
 public service commission- appointed of public officials of the highest rank
Example
Attorney general
Auditor general
Permanent secretary