“P.M.G’s OFFICE, COLOMBO FORT” – By Des Kelly     Yet another wonderful article to be shared with all of you, who are members of eLanka. This superb building in the very heart of Colombo Fort, holds special memories for “your’s truly”, as well, because it was here that the girl of my dreams worked as a Stenographer in the 1950’s. It was from one of those windows (upstairs), that she first saw the Queen of England, Elizabeth ll, making her way into Queen’s House (where else ?), which was practically opposite the P,M,G’s building. Her Majesty was in a magnificent car of course, with her husband, but they were deliberately being driven very slowly, so the adoring crowds could catch a glimpse of them. Cynthia Georgesz, one of my girlfriends at the time, told me that she was very lucky indeed to be able to see our Monarch quite clearly, ...

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Remembering the Railway’s Three Sisters – By Dishan Joseph The Uda Rata Menike passes the Nine Arch Railway Bridge Source:Daily News The prudent railway engineer and general manager of the railways B.D. Rampala came up with the brilliant idea to launch three trains to three popular destinations. These three trains were lovingly known as the Railway Sisters of Ceylon. When we pause to reflect on the past, it generously offers us a deeper insight to appreciate the present. Travelling by train is a lovely experience that all Sri Lankans enjoy. The dazzling views of the villages, mountains, green fields and beaches will leave you with splendid memories. The beautiful old railway stations are an iconic reminder of the golden days of train travel in Ceylon. By 1845 the Ceylon Railway Company (CRC) was formed. The new railway projects were full of challenges: there were rocks to be blasted, water clogged ...

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Wolvendaal – the oldest Dutch church in Colombo – By Dishan Joseph Source: Sunday Observer, April 7, 2019 As we continue our series on ancient churches there is one magnificent house of God that stands out in every aspect. Towering majestically above other buildings with her bright red dome, on Vivekananda Hill (Colombo 13) is the Wolvendaal Church with its sacred roots dating to the Dutch Reformed Church in Sri Lanka (subsequently changed to Christian Reformed Church). Being an island Ceylon was subject to invasion. The Dutch after subduing the dominant Portuguese began to build churches along the once vibrant ports of Jaffna, Matara, Kalpitiya, Galle and Colombo. The Colombo city was a very different place four centuries ago. The landmarks we are familiar with today did not exist then. The Portuguese established a fortified stockade in Colombo. The exact boundaries are hard to identify today. The Portuguese clergy had built a small ...

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