Establishment And Development Of The Railway In Sri Lanka

The Story Of The Establishment Of Railway In Ceylon

       

       The arrival of trains to Sri Lanka is another significant chapter in the history of Sri Lanka.

       Due to the economic situation of the country, they felt the need of a proper transport system.

       According to that, plans were afoot to establish the railway service in Ceylon on the advice of the British governor, Sir Henry Ward.

       As its initial step, they opened the mother company in London called CEYLON RAILWAY COMPANY.

       Accordingly, governor Sir Henry Ward cut the first sod of soil on August 03 1858, marking the beginning of the Chronicle of the Ceylon railway.

             Governor Sir Henry Ward and the

              Exclusive guest at the ceremony.   

      Another highlight of the event was the introduction of photography to Sri Lanka. It was a very interesting story.

     

      "The photographer was white man named Patton.When the governor cut the first sod of soil with the hoe made of silver amidst great jubilation of the jeering crowd.

        The photographer immediately took a picture.But something unexpected happened.A buttock of a fat white woman was clicked as the first photograph in Sri Lanka." 

        Because of this incident, the governor and the photographer had to do the same thing again.

        After several years of construction, The maiden train journey began in Ceylon on December 27 1864 under the headship of the duke of Brabant (later king leopard 2 of Belgium)

        Ambepussa was the first destination of the 54km long railway line originating from Colombo.But this line was not for the ordinary commuters.This line was officially opened for traffic on 2nd October 1865. 

             The train that supposedly made its 

              debut.

         This train, which started on the same day had been attached 10 carriages and only about 85 passengers have travelled in the train.

          It may have been, because it was not familiar experience for Sri Lankans.

         However, Sri Lanka Railway was successfully launched through the various difficulties,problems and the interestings.