Sri Lanka Railways Forum

Update 2: The  Centenary Celebration is scheduled to be hold on 9th of march 2009 at 9.30 AM, this article has been updated with the new dates

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the events planned for tomorrow has been postponed, the general public will be updated with the new dates shortly!

The construction of the Sri Lanka Railways Network was inaugurated on 3rd August 1858, and the Railway Transport System was opened for public transport on 27th December 1864. At the initial stage, the Ceylon Government Railways used a very limited number of Steam Locomotives which were maintained in a very small running shed established at Maradana,  (presently between Maradana and Colombo Fort Stations).

With the beginning of the 20thCentury, the broad gauge track was expanded to various areas of the island and the number of Steam Locomotives required was increased. With the increasing of the number of steam locomotives, the original maintenance shed was not adequate for the maintenance of such a large fleet and a new large maintenance shed was required. Hence it was decided to construct the Running Shed – Dematagoda, which included a massive Running Shed building, Combined Turning Table, Water Storage Tank, Coal Stage and Office Complex etc.., in 1907 adjoining the premises where the first sod for the railways was cut.

The Main Running Shed Building was constructed under the architectural design of running sheds in England which prevailed at that time. The construction work of Running Shed – Dematagoda was completed in early 1909. This Shed was used to maintain not only broad gauge but even narrow gauge steam locomotives till 1997. With the conversion of narrow gauge to broad gauge, the Running Shed – Dematagoda was rehabilitated to maintain Canadian Diesel Electric Locomotives and available steam locomotives from 1999 to date.

To mark the establishment of the Running Shed – Dematagoda, it has been planned to celebrate its Centenary on 17th Feb 2009, at the Running Shed – Dematagoda.

The agenda will be as follows:

·  8th March 2009:-

–  Chanting of Pirith all through the night and followed by Sangika Dana.

·  9th March 2009:-

–  Issuing of the commemorative stamp including the first day cover.

–  Presenting the commemorative plaque and souvenir.

–  Declaring  the Running Shed as an Archaeological Site.

–  Running of the Commemorative Train between Dematagoda – Ambepussa – Dematagoda.

This Celebration Ceremony will be graced by Hon. Minister of Transport – Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma and Hon. Minister of Post and Telecommunication – Hon. Mahinda Wijesekara, Secretary of Ministries, Director General of Archaeological Department, General Manager Railways and Railway Officials.

Organizations, Companies and well Wishers can Advertise in the souvenir, they can also provide Sponsorship for the event, please contact through telephone number: 0094-0714-393863, 0094-0726-145124  or by email: info@slrfc.org

Source: Mr. H. L. R. Fonseka, (Chief Locomotive Foreman, Running Shed – Dematagoda, Sri Lanka Railways.)

Tags: broad gauge, colombo, commemorative stamp, dematagoda, diesel electric locomotives, locomotive, maintenance, maradana, narrow gauge, network, public transport, sponsorship, sri lanka railways, steam locomotives, transport system, water storage tank

                            

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