List of heads of state of Sri Lanka
This is a list of the heads of state of Ceylon and Sri Lanka, from the independence of the Dominion of Ceylon in 1948 to the present day. From 1948 to 1972 the head of state under the Ceylon Independence Act 1947 was the same person as the Monarch of the United Kingdom, who was represented in Ceylon by a Governor-General, who exercised the duties of the head of state. Ceylon became a republic under the Constitution of 1972 and the Monarch and Governor-General were replaced by a ceremonial President . In 1978, under the current Constitution, the President gained executive powers, becoming head of state and government. Monarch (1948–1972). The succession to the throne of Ceylon was the same as the succession to the British throne. Governor-General. The Governor-General was the representative of the Monarch in Ceylon and exercised most of the powers of the Monarch. The Governor-General was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the Monarch. The Governor-General was appointed on the advice of the Cabinet of Ceylon without the involvement of the British government. In the event of a vacancy  the Chief Justice served as Officer Administering the Government. President of Sri Lanka. Under the 1972 Constitution of the Republic of Sri Lanka, the President replaced the Monarch as ceremonial head of state. The President was elected by the National Assembly for a six-year term. In the event of a vacancy the Prime Minister served as Acting President. In 1978 Constitution the Presidency became an executive post, the rules was the same as the 1972 Constitution.