SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the position of English educated Ceylonese in the official life of the island. The pay, prospects, conditions and terms of employment of the natives are some of the main aspects examined in the different chapters. Disputes between European and the native officials regarding their suitability for various services and the general official attitude regarding the employment of natives have received attention. Chapter I provides an introductory background to educational developments to the end of the period of this study. This has a double importance since recruitment, of natives to government appointments was largely dependent on their educational attainments and the teachers were themselves an important section of the educated class. Chapter II examines the effects of the competitive examination on the recruitment of natives to the Civil Service proper. In Chapter III the position of natives in the higher public appointments is discussed. The position of natives in private legal and notarial practice is also discussed in this chapter as this is closely allied with the theme of judicial appointments. Chapter IV deals with Headmen. The first part of the chapter on the Clerical Service deals with the first steps taken towards organizing a unified service, and the second with further improvements in prospects and with other aspects such as corruption. Chapter VI deals with the police force. The Public Works Department has again been studied in two parts, the second being devoted to native overseers. Chapter VIII examines the position of natives in the Survey Department. In Chapter IX a study is made of the problem of extending pension rights to railway employees. The chapter on the Medical Department traces the development of two parallel branches in the Medical Service.