History And Railway Routs Of Sri Lanka

History

The Railway Network was introduced by British in 1864. The main aspect of having a railway system in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was transportation of Tea and Coffee from hill country to Colombo. Initially the service began with the Main Line of 54 kilometers connecting Colombo and Ambepussa.

Extensions were made to Main Line in 1867, 1874, 1885, 1894 and 1924, extending its service to Kandy, Nawalapitiya, Nanu Oya, Bandarawela and Badulla, respectively. Many other railway lines added to Ceylon Railway System within first century of its life, such as a line to Matale in 1880, Coast Railway Line in 1895, Northern Line in 1905, Mannar Line in 1914, Kelani Valley in 1919, Puttalam Line in 1926, and Railway Line to Batticaloa and Trincomalee in 1928. Thereafter, no any extends were added to the Sri lankan (Ceylon) Railway Routes as the British left the country for native rule.

Till 1953, Sri Lankan Railway served with steam locomotives and enhanced its service to more power with diesel locomotives. Various types of diesel locos were added to the service.

Railway Routes

* Main Line – Colombo to Badulla
* Southern Line – Colombo to Matara
* Northern/East Line – Colombo to Kankesanthurai (The Northern Line) and Colombo to Trincomalee and Batticaloa (Eastern Line)
* Puttalam Line – Colombo to Puttalam
* Kelani Valley Line – Colombo to Avissawella