The system built by the British, began operating in 1864, initially from Colombo, Henerathgodde (Gampaha) and to Ambepussa. Kandy was reached in 1867. 1925-40 was the peak of railway development. Most of the system is Broad Gauge at 5'6" with diminishing bits of Narrow Gauge at 2'6" (Dual Gauged since 1991). The system was known as the Ceylon Government Railway, as of late it is referred to as Sri Lanka Railways.
The system's track standards have not been upgraded for some time which has resulted in our trains being limited to an official 50 mph though the M4 and M8 classes are capable of 70 mph +. The current passenger stock is from Rumania (1976 onwards) and from the 1960's from China. The early trains had rolling stock of British origin and carriages built to British designs at our work-shops at Maradana and Ratmalana. As of late the system has been receiving stock from Korea and India.
B.D. Rampala MBE (1910-95), one of the World's greatest mechanical engineers was the General Manager of the CGR from 1955 to 1970. He started his career in the CGR in 1928. Standards set by the founders of the system were maintained during his tenure in office. All the developments - Centralised Train Control, dieselisation (the programme commenced in 1969 with the import of 45 W1's 16 W2's and 28 Y Class shunters) and the few track upgrades were carried out by him. He successfully conducted the grand Centenary Celebrations held in 1964.
The system's track standards have not been upgraded for some time which has resulted in our trains being limited to an official 50 mph though the M4 and M8 classes are capable of 70 mph +. The current passenger stock is from Rumania (1976 onwards) and from the 1960's from China. The early trains had rolling stock of British origin and carriages built to British designs at our work-shops at Maradana and Ratmalana. As of late the system has been receiving stock from Korea and India.
B.D. Rampala MBE (1910-95), one of the World's greatest mechanical engineers was the General Manager of the CGR from 1955 to 1970. He started his career in the CGR in 1928. Standards set by the founders of the system were maintained during his tenure in office. All the developments - Centralised Train Control, dieselisation (the programme commenced in 1969 with the import of 45 W1's 16 W2's and 28 Y Class shunters) and the few track upgrades were carried out by him. He successfully conducted the grand Centenary Celebrations held in 1964.
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