The promulgation of a Republican constitution on 22 May 1972 saw the end of Dominion status and the birth of a completely independent Sri Lanka. Under the new constitution the office of Governor General, hitherto appointed by the Queen of the United Kingdom, was replaced by the office of Head of State as President. Mr William Gopallawa became the first President of Sri Lanka, while Mrs Bandaranaike became Prime Minister. With the promulgation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the National State Assembly superseded the Seventh Parliament. The first National State Assembly was dissolved four years later on 18 May 1977.