Established in 1833, it functioned as part of the executive administration of the country to various degrees until Ceylon gained self-rule in 1948.
Until it was abolished on 1 May 1963 it functioned as the permanent bureaucracy or secretariat of Crown employees that assisted the Government of Ceylon.
The origins of the service dates back to 1798, when the Secretary of State for the Colonies appointed several officers to assist the British Governor of Ceylon in the administration of the coastal areas.
The Soulbury Constitution in 1947, brought about self-rule with full power being vested in the legislator and making the Ceylon Civil Service answerable to Parliament.
In the early days, the CCS was staffed by Europeans, members of the British Civil Service and only later were Ceylonese admitted.
Designated as Unpassed Cadets they would receive job experience with rotation, serving in the districts, in public corporations, ministries and being part of ministerial delegations travelling abroad.
To maintain seniority in the Class II, junior officers had to undertake a second efficiency bar exam and interview.
The officers of the CCS therefore commanded a high level of respect and considered themselves elite, a situation which has continued into the early 21st century.