Robert Mitford (colonial official)

Robert Mitford (born c. 1781, died 1836) was a British colonial official who served primarily in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) during the early 19th century. He is best known for his role as a commissioner of revenue and commerce, and for his involvement in various administrative and judicial reforms implemented during the British colonial period.

Mitford arrived in Ceylon in the early 1800s and quickly rose through the ranks of the colonial administration. He served in various capacities, including as a judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court. His significant contribution came as a commissioner of revenue and commerce, a position he held for a considerable period. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the collection of taxes, regulating trade, and managing the island's economy.

Mitford played a key role in the introduction of new land policies and regulations, aimed at improving revenue collection and promoting agricultural development. He was also involved in the standardization of weights and measures, which facilitated trade and commerce. His efforts were often directed towards strengthening British control over the island's resources and economy.

While his contributions were seen as beneficial to the colonial administration, some historians argue that Mitford's policies had negative impacts on the local population, particularly small farmers and traders who struggled to adapt to the new regulations. He was a figure of authority in a period of significant social and economic transformation in Ceylon under British rule. Details of his personal life remain relatively limited in readily available historical records. He died in Ceylon in 1836.