 Upon independence in 1948, the office of the Governor was abolished and replaced with that of the Governor-General as the representative of the Sovereign.The Governor was the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Ceylon, except only during World War II, when Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ceylon with power exceeding that of the Governor.In November each year, the Governor would receive the annual tribute from the Sultan of Maldives.