Ridgeway executive council of Ceylon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ridgeway executive council of Ceylon |
|
|---|---|
13th Cabinet of British Ceylon |
|
| Date formed | 10 February 1896 |
| Date dissolved | 19 November 1903 |
| People and organisations | |
| Head of state | Queen Victoria (1896-1901) Edward VII (1901-1903) |
| Head of government | Joseph West Ridgeway |
| No. of ministers | 6 |
| Total no. of members | 13 |
| History | |
| Predecessor | Havelock executive council of Ceylon |
| Successor | Blake executive council of Ceylon |
The Ridgeway executive council was like a special team of advisors for the Governor of British Ceylon. Ceylon is now known as Sri Lanka. This council was the 13th group of its kind. It helped the Governor make important decisions for the country.
The government was led by Governor Joseph West Ridgeway. He was the main leader of this council. The council worked from February 10, 1896, until November 19, 1903. During this time, the British monarch was first Queen Victoria and then Edward VII.
Contents
What Was the Executive Council?
An executive council was a group of important people who advised the Governor. They helped him run the country. Think of it like a cabinet today, where different ministers are in charge of different areas. These councils were a key part of how the British ruled Ceylon.
Who Were the Key Members?
The Ridgeway executive council had several important roles. Each person had a specific job to help manage Ceylon.
The Governor's Role
The Governor, Joseph West Ridgeway, was the head of the council. He was the most powerful person in British Ceylon. His job was to make sure the country was run smoothly. He also made sure British rules were followed.
Other Important Positions
Other members of the council held key positions:
- Colonial Secretary: This person was like the chief administrator. They helped manage the daily workings of the government. Edward Noël Walker and Everard im Thurn held this role.
- Commander of the Ceylon Volunteers: This person was in charge of the local defense force. They made sure the country was safe. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Byrde and Colonel A. F. C. Vincent served in this position.
- Attorney General: This person was the chief legal advisor. They made sure laws were fair and followed correctly. Charles Layard and Alfred Lascelles held this important legal role.
- Auditor General: This person checked all the government's money. They made sure funds were spent properly. William Thomas Taylor and F. R. Ellis were the Auditors General.
- Treasurer: This person managed all the money coming into and going out of the government. They were like the country's chief financial officer. Frederick Richard Saunders, L. F. Lee, Charles Edward Ducat Pennycuick, and H. H. Cameron all served as Treasurer during this period.
These roles show how many different areas the council helped manage. They worked together to govern British Ceylon.
When Did the Council Operate?
The Ridgeway executive council started on February 10, 1896. It continued to work for several years. The council was finally dissolved on November 19, 1903. After this, a new council took over. The Havelock executive council of Ceylon was the one before it. The Blake executive council of Ceylon came after it.
See also
- Cabinet of Sri Lanka