Railway's regaling stories

Adventures in Steam - British Era
Author: H.U. Thibbotumunuwe
An author publication

Reviewed by Sureshni Pilapitiya

The railway service of Sri Lanka has always been a very important aspect in the life of the public,as a major transport mode formed by the British, established in the 1800s. The colonial era can be called the golden age of the railway service,because that was the time when it went through many changes.

Ever since it was established, the railway service has been going through rapid development, and today it has been blessed with modern facilities and new technology.

It contributes a great deal to the welfare of the general public to make their life style become much easier and convenient. The book is a description of how the Ceylon Railway Service was then and now, and the author, wishes to give us a clear idea and a better understanding of it, and also to keeps the reader spellbound with his experiences.

Joining the railway service in 1942, he certainly has a lot to tell, being one of the most senior railway officials. The author narrates it in such a creative manner that the reader will not take his eyes away from the book.

During the past,when the railway service began,everything was done according to an excellent administrative system.

The higher authorities did not hesitate to take stern action against those who were responsible for any offences or misconduct, and also for their negligence of duty.

The reader will find that the whole book is based on typical rules, regulations, law and order. During that period, duty came first.

The author has described many of his experiences of his career. He has included humour, sadness and compassion in a subtle way in his narrative.

Certain incidents show us how important rules and regulations were during the British era.

This we can see in incidents such as “signboards” issue and also when the GA of Nuwara Eliya tried to offer an official money for a train ride. No matter what the position, status and background of the person, the officials believed in doing their duty properly.

During World War 2, the Ceylon Government Railway was a military unit named Ceylon Railway Engineering Corp. Major Griffin was the transportation superintendent at Maradana.

At railway stations, sign- boards are a common sight. Although “please” is a polite expression, Griffin removed it from all the signboards, because he believed that passengers should be aware and responsible for their own safety.

In the railway service, drivers are responsible for their duties.

They must ensure that they see to everything before the journey begins and trains will not proceed without signals. Nowadays, all locomotives are installed with powerful headlights, so the risk is much lessened. During World War 2 , illegal transportation of food items was prohibited.

When D.B. Rampala was the General Manager, he streamlined the railway services. He was an engineer, who had bright ideas for the improvement of the railway services.

The author also narrates the humorous moments of his career.

The book has colour and black and white pictures of railway stations, tracks and places where important incidents took place.