Commission formed to recommend reforms in Sri Lanka, resulting in major legislative changes.

The British colonial administration in Sri Lanka recognized the need for administrative and economic reforms. The colonial economy was primarily agrarian, with the coffee industry beginning to show promise. However, inefficiencies, corruption, and the monopolistic tendencies of the Dutch East India Company’s legacy required significant address. The British government, aiming to modernize and streamline governance, appointed Charles Turing Colebrooke and William McBean George Colebrooke to recommend necessary changes. Appointed with the mission to evaluate and suggest reforms, Colebrooke and Cameron undertook a thorough review of varying facets of the colonial administration. They examined the judicial, revenue, and trade systems, proposing far-reaching changes designed to integrate the colony more effectively into the British Empire's economic and administrative structures. Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms introduced landmark changes. The central government was restructured, and for the first time, Ceylon was divided into five provinces, each governed by a Government Agent. These reforms did away with Dutch and sinhalese administrative systems and introduced a more centralized British administrative system. The judiciary was overhauled to ensure fairer administration of justice, and English was made the official language of the courts. In the economic sphere, the reforms paved the way for the development of infrastructure critical for the economic exploitation of the island's resources. Roads and railway lines began to develop, facilitating the transport of goods, particularly coffee, which became a significant export. The education system also saw changes. The Colebrooke-Cameron recommendations laid the groundwork for the development of a western educational system aimed at creating a class of English-educated locals who could serve in the colonial administration. Contributing to a more inclusive governance structure, the legislative council was reformed to include appointed unofficial members, including Ceylonese representatives. This change marked a shift toward considerate governance and increasing political awareness among local leaders. While these changes primarily facilitated British economic interests, they also led to modernizing Sri Lankan governance and infrastructure, setting foundational changes for future developments. #ColebrookeCameronCommission #SriLankaReforms #ColonialAdministration #EconomicInfrastructure #JudicialReform #LegislativeCouncil #MoofLife