<PAGE>
MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY
500 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116-3741
617-954-5000
May 1, 2000
VIA EDGAR
Securities and Exchange Commission
Judiciary Plaza
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549
Re: MFS(R)Government Limited Maturity Fund (the "Fund") (File Nos.
2-96738 and 811-4253)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to Rule 497(j) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
please accept this letter on behalf of the Trust as certification that the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for the Trust do not differ
from those contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 (the "Amendment") to the
Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A. The Amendment was filed
electronically on April 28, 2000.
Please call the undersigned or Martha Donovan at (617) 954-5800 or
(800) 343-2829 with any questions you may have.
Very truly yours,
MICHAEL WHITAKER
Michael Whitaker
Counsel
MW/bjn
