was required to assent all bills passed in parliament to become an Act, by convention all bills received assent. In addition, the constitution and other legislation granted the governor-general powers to be carried out on advice of the prime minister, these included;

* Appointment of public inquires
* Command of the armed forces
* Ability to declare a state of emergency under the Public Security Ordinance.
* Summoning of parliament
* Marking appointments;
** Members of the Senate of Ceylon