Parliamentary elections were held in Ceylon between 23 August and 20 September 1947.

[1] This is considered the first national election held in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon).

Although it took place before independence was actually granted, it was the first election under the Soulbury Constitution.

Senanayake's UNP fell short of a majority, but was able to form a government in coalition with the All Ceylon Tamil Congress, which had taken most of the seats in the Tamil-majority regions of the island.

Sri Lanka obtained full independence as a dominion in 1948.