He was followed by Herwald Ramsbotham, 1st Viscount Soulbury, thereafter by Sir Oliver Goonetilleke the first Ceylonese to be appointed to the post.

Neither the monarch nor the governor-general had any direct role in the day-today administration of the country (however, both possessed reserve powers under the constitution which would allow them full control of the nation's governance whenever in their opinion a case of emergency requiring such action arises).

In addition, the constitution and other legislation granted the governor-general powers to be carried out on advice of the prime minister, these included;[2] The governor-general had the discretionary powers to appoint the prime minister, dissolve parliament and dismissal of a government that refuses to resign.

[2] The governor-general represented the monarch on ceremonial occasions such as the opening of Parliament, the presentation of honours and military parades.

[2] The governor-general had a permanent staff that was based at the Queen's House to assist in execution of his duties.