The Proclamation of the First Written Constitution
The 81st monarch to reign in the Maldives, Sultan Muhammed Shamsuddin III assembled all the leading people in the Maldives and commanded them to compile a written Constitution for the Maldives. The decree was issued on 29 Shawwal 1349 (19 March 1931). The work of the Special Committee to draft a Constitution began 2 Zul Qaidhaa 1349 (22 March 1931). .
Prior to drafting the Constitution, two other committees were set up. One was a committee mandated to record the traditions and customs of the Maldives. The other committee was one that was set up to translate related documents sent to Malé by the Maldivian Government Representative in Ceylon His Excellency Abdul Hameed Didi. In order to assist in the drafting of the Constitution, the Acting Governor in Ceylon, The Hon. B. H. Bourdillon visited Malé. He arrived in Malé on 15 Shawwal 1349. He came at the request of the Government of Maldives
The Constitution was proclaimed on 23 Shaaban 1351 (22 December 1932) in full national honour and ceremony at a special Durbar that was set up for the occasion. The Constitution contained 92 articles. It took exactly 1 year, 8 months and 22 days from the Sultan's decree to draft a Constitution to the ratification of the document.
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A photograph showing the pavilion prepared for the promulgation of the First Constitution. Pavilion for ceremonial occasion was usually prepared as here, in the esplanade in front of the palace, the "Gulhakulhey Fasgadu".. |
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Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin Iskander III. The First Constitution was promulgated on 23 Shauban 1315 (December 22, 1932) in this Sultan's reign. |
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H. E. Abdhul Hameed Didi, the Maldivian government representative in Ceylon in 1932 AD. |
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4. Sir Bernard H. Bourdillon visited Male' in 1349 A.H (1930 A.D) to advise the Sultan and the government of Maldives in drafting of the First Constitution. His visit was made at the request of the Maldives Government. Sir Bernard was then acting Governor of Ceylon. |