Sir John Douglas KCMG, born 1835 in Ireland, was the son of Lt Gen Sir James Dawes Douglas (1795–1862) and Marianne Bullock.

 

He was in the Civil Service of Mauritius 1859-1869 when he transferred to Ceylon where he was Auditor-General between 1869-1876. He became Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements in 1876-1878 before returning to Ceylon as Lieut.-Governor and Colonial Secretary, 1878-1880. He was appointed Acting Governor, 10 July 1883 – 3 December 1883.

 

Sir John married, in 1871, Alice Anne, daughter of Right Rev. Piers Calveley Claughton (d1884), Bishop of Colombo, Ceylon. They had five children. He died August 23, 1885.