Recently, Nanda Godage, former Ambassador wrote an interesting analysis of the Donoughmore Constitution in The Island under the title "Needed: A Constituent Assembly and a new Constitution". A modified form of the Donoughmore model is once again getting increasing support from influential opinion as one way to enable power sharing at the Centre between the various segments of the political and communal spectrum. If it is accompanied with the empowerment of the Villages, the Pradeshiya Sabhas and the Districts, this model may be a way out of our constitutional conundrum.

Correspondence between Lord Donoughmore and the Editor of the Ceylon Daily News is reproduced here. This was prior to the New Constitution coming into effect in 1947 which led to full Dominion Status. Donoughmore’s message reflected an abundance of goodwill for the country and his observations will set many political theorists thinking about the importance of the spirit in which a constitution has to be worked to make it a success.

Correspondence between Sir Geoffrey Butler, another member of the Donoughmore Commission and the Chairman of Lake House and the Editor of the Ceylon Daily News is also found in the Biography of D.R.Wijewardene and the book "Selected Journalism" both by H.A.J.Hulugalle. Reference is also made to correspondence with the third member of the Commission Dr T.Drummond Shield and to several articles and editorials written during that period.

Correspondence with Lord Donoughmore and the Editor of the Ceylon Daily News (H.A.J.Hulugalle)

"Your letter of August 14 (1947) has been forwarded to me here where I am visiting my son. It is kind of you to ask me to be associated with you in the circumstances. My absence from home rather cramps my typing style, but as I understand that delay is undesirable, I send the enclosed at once, asking you to forgive its form.

Believe me, with kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

Donoughmore"

Donoughmore’s thoughts

"I know I am not the first in time, nor the last, to wish well to the people of Ceylon in their inauguration of their extension of Responsible Government. But I unhesitatingly claim to be second to none in warmth of good feeling on this happy occasion.

Ceylon has built up, under successive forms of Government, a great history and great traditions. Her leaders under many circumstances, have been constant in their aim towards Progress. Constitutions are interesting things, especially to their authors, but their detailed provisions are unimportant compared to the spirit in which they are worked. A good constitution will fail, if misused. Even a bad or illogical constitution may bring about much good if used with good will.

Ceylon has in her family circle a number of members of differing origins. Some whose ancestors were established there before the dawn of recorded History. Others who came later from elsewhere. With the passing of years, thanks to the tolerant feelings of many of her citizens, mutual confidence has built up a belief that their interests are identical, and not rival. All can share in her success: all must suffer if there are any failures.

Spiritual and Material progress are the natural ambitions of all men. Hand in hand they should lead to the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Residents in Ceylon have had a genius for making friends in the past. They may be sure that their friends will watch Ceylon’s welfare at home and within the British Commonwealth of Nations with interest and sympathy. As one who can look back on many happy experiences in this beautiful Island, I can say with a full heart, "GOD BLESS YOU; GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL".

YOURS FAITHFULLY

Donoughmore