Features

Ceylon Government Railway – when the Burghers ruled the roost

Published

3 years ago

2022/07/10

by ACB Pethiyagoda

In the years gone by little children played games such as olinda, panchi, drafts, guessing games etc. in the evenings when TV had not even been heard of and only a few in the towns owned radios. A common riddle was to name what the Anguru kaka, wathura bibi Colomba duwana yakada yaka was. All players, except the newcomers shouted ‘The Colombo train.’ so Carl Muller’s book titled Yakada Yaka left hardly any one guessing what it was about.

By 1871 the railway had been laid up to Kadugannawa from Colombo and year by year thereafter it covered the rest of the country thanks to the strenuous and consistent efforts of the British ruler. Of course, these efforts were not through concern for the local population but for the quick and cheap transport of produce from their plantations to Colombo for export. The produce at first was coffee, then tea and coffee and later tea and rubber. Passenger transport benefited the people and also contributed to Government’s revenue as the railways then was a paying concern.

Five or six decades ago the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) later Sri Lanka Railway and now Sri Lanka Railway Authority was a well managed service on par with that in England. It boasted of safety, comfort, reliability and punctuality. On long journeys three course meals were served in the restaurant car on good crockery, with starched napery and gleaming cutlery to First Class ticket holders. This was quite unlike today’s pavement pettikade service.

Up to about the early forties CGR drivers and guards were mostly Burghers while the top management officials were English. Stations were mainly manned by the Sinhalese with a few Malays, in all parts of the country except in the Jaffna Peninsular where the Tamils were a clear majority. Some of them opted to work in Colombo to send their children, particularly sons, to Colombo schools to `better’ their prospects while maintaining a base in the peninsular.

In this hilarious book readers are treated to rib tickling story after story about the Burgher drivers, guards, their wives, sisters, brothers, in-laws, children and their life styles, habits, love affairs etc. Most stories revolve round Sonnaboy a hardworking, hard drinking, devil may-care engine driver who drunk or not physically beat up or tongue lashed anyone and everyone who risked standing up to him. They could be superiors, equals or neighbours in Railway quarters which formed small townships in places such as Anuradhapura, Nawalapitiya etc.

“However, he was good hearted, a popular partyman, relative and friend. The Tamils and Sinhalese rarely, if ever, joined the roistering Burghers because they worked hard, attended to extended family obligations and saved what they could while the Burghers ate, drank and cared less about tomorrow. It was the good life they pursued with little to regret later while members of the other two communities often had neither enjoyed their working lives counting pennies nor retirement battling with rising costs of living on meager pensions “.

According to Muller, Tamils in the service “regarded the Burghers as a vastly inferior race and checked out the minus points with smug self-satisfaction “.

“They, with perhaps Sinhalese fellow workers agreeing, derided the Burghers because they never saved a cent, did not give their daughters dowries, did not go from one astrologer to another or pray to numerous gods for favours like good health and prosperity; with rare evidence of their pleas being heard! They were also shocked that the Burghers “spent freely, borrowed freely and spent what ever they borrowed just as freely. They disapproved of the Burghers for their hard drinking.”

Permitting their children to do just as they liked with no respect for authority and gave no thought about their futures or those of their children. That was of course partly because the Burghers knew their sons would find a place in the Railways, Police or Excise Departments and daughters good jobs in commercial establishments, schools, the health sector and finally eligible men as husbands.

Of the Tamils, Muller says, “the north was their particular preserve and endured Burgher peccadilloes and disliked the way the drivers and guards swaggered around. Sonnaboy decided to liven up the sleepy Northern Stations. He knew them well and ribbed them whenever he could”.

Two instances which one cannot help laughing at until almost ending in tears occurred at a station in the North. Muller says, “On one occasion Sinnathamby, the Tamil Station Master, had come to hand over the tablet to Sonnaboy comfortably attired in his verti, banian and slippers. Sonnaboy decided to indulge in a little jesting and exclaimed,

`My God! You’re the Station Master?’ `Yes, yes. Vy you’re looking like that?’

Must be my eyes. When I saw you coming I thought an asparagus with a cap on. What, men, you’re saving so much money won’t’ even eat?

‘Here the tablet. You take and go.’

`Sonnaboy would smile and open the steam cocks and Sinnathamby would deftly hop out of the way. “If come home, ” Sonnaboy calls as he glides away, “can put you in the bathroom to be the towel rack.”

“Sinnathamby detested these smart-aleck Burghers and Sonnaboy in particular. He (Sinnathamby) was painfully thin, true, but that was his Tamil business in his Tamil station in this Tamil region. To demonstrate the Tamilness of his character he would always change into a verti in the evenings and, with a Jaffna cheroot stuck in his mouth, would do his duty. Railwaymen came to accept this as peculiar of the northern station staff. They knew the S.M s and accepted that they stride their narrow world in verti or dhoti or whatever else the Tamils togged up in.

“On another occasion returning late from Talaimannar, Sonnaboy learned out of the engine to watch Sinnathamby trot up. The tablet was proffered. Sonnaboy folded arms. ‘Who the hell are you? ‘

Sinnathamby was taken back. ‘Vat, brother, yam the S.M. no?’

`S.M. ? Who said? How do I know you’re the S.M. ? Anybody come and give tablet and blow a whistle, you think I’ll just take and go? Who are you? I don’t know you!’

“Sinnathamby goggled. This driver had to be drunk; or perhaps he was losing his eyesight. ‘Vat, brother, as if don’t know who I yam. Las’ week also you talking to me, no? Vat has happened today? Yam Sinnathamby. You know, No?

`No, I no know! How do I know you’re the S.M.?’

As if you don’t know. Don’t delay the train, brother’.

“Sonnaboy climbed down to the platform, ‘Until S.M. comes I will wait. If S.M won’t come I’m going to shut down steam and wait. Where is SM.?

`But I yam S.M.’ ! Sinnathamby bawled. “

`Sonnaboy shook his head. ‘I say, Martinus, ‘he called to his apprentice, ‘look at this b … ….. r. Saying he’s the S.M. You know who he is?’

“Martinus who is enjoying the joke, gives a bland ‘no.’

There, you see, nobody knows who the devil you are. If you’re the S.M. where’s your uniform? Where’s your cap? Only coming with whistle won’t do.’

‘But vart, brother, jus’ did a change. Yevening time put on something comfortable. That’s all.’

‘Can’t do like that, ‘Sonnaboy insisted. ‘Have regulations, no? I also did exams and all. What is the rule for S.M.s on duty? Must be in uniform and always must have the cap on the head. You think I don’t know? If you’re the S.M. then go and put on the uniform and come like the S.M

‘Ho! Now you’re coming with rules? Rules I know. You don’t need to tell me about rules’.

‘Then follow the bloody rules,’ Sonnaboy snarled, ‘otherwise I’m going to stay the night here. Stationmaster must have his cap on at all times. ‘

“Sinnathamby raced back to the office and returned with his cap on, verti flapping. He looked most peculiar. Sonnaboy accepted and checked the tablet. ‘Next stop Madhu Road, Good. God, you look like a scarecrow’ and with a piercing hoot, yanked on the regulator. Sinnathamby stalked off fuming. The driver was right but nobody seemed to mind. Fellow was just being a nuisance. ‘

‘Wait, will you,’ he muttered, `vun day I’ll catch him doing something and then he will know hoo I yam.’

Today the wheels of the RailwayAuthority’s rolling stock run only up to Pandikulam (?) a village about two miles North of Vavuniya. But other wheels have turned slowly and surely in the North and the track and all station buildings from Pandikulam or wherever to Kankasanthurai have been found other uses by some of the grandchildren of many Sinnathambys.

Are they recalling ‘Wait will you vun day……

Of course many of the grandchildren of the Sonnaboys are now ‘down under’ still partying knowing that tomorrow will look after itself.

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Features

US’ drastic aid cut to UN poses moral challenge to world

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

An UN humanitarian mission in the Gaza. [File: Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency]

‘Adapt, shrink or die’ – thus runs the warning issued by the Trump administration to UN humanitarian agencies with brute insensitivity in the wake of its recent decision to drastically reduce to $2bn its humanitarian aid to the UN system. This is a substantial climb down from the $17bn the US usually provided to the UN for its humanitarian operations.

Considering that the US has hitherto been the UN’s biggest aid provider, it need hardly be said that the US decision would pose a daunting challenge to the UN’s humanitarian operations around the world. This would indeed mean that, among other things, people living in poverty and stifling material hardships, in particularly the Southern hemisphere, could dramatically increase. Coming on top of the US decision to bring to an end USAID operations, the poor of the world could be said to have been left to their devices as a consequence of these morally insensitive policy rethinks of the Trump administration.

Earlier, the UN had warned that it would be compelled to reduce its aid programs in the face of ‘the deepest funding cuts ever.’ In fact the UN is on record as requesting the world for $23bn for its 2026 aid operations.

If this UN appeal happens to go unheeded, the possibilities are that the UN would not be in a position to uphold the status it has hitherto held as the world’s foremost humanitarian aid provider. It would not be incorrect to state that a substantial part of the rationale for the UN’s existence could come in for questioning if its humanitarian identity is thus eroded.

Inherent in these developments is a challenge for those sections of the international community that wish to stand up and be counted as humanists and the ‘Conscience of the World.’ A responsibility is cast on them to not only keep the UN system going but to also ensure its increased efficiency as a humanitarian aid provider to particularly the poorest of the poor.

It is unfortunate that the US is increasingly opting for a position of international isolation. Such a policy position was adopted by it in the decades leading to World War Two and the consequences for the world as a result for this policy posture were most disquieting. For instance, it opened the door to the flourishing of dictatorial regimes in the West, such as that led by Adolph Hitler in Germany, which nearly paved the way for the subjugation of a good part of Europe by the Nazis.

If the US had not intervened militarily in the war on the side of the Allies, the West would have faced the distressing prospect of coming under the sway of the Nazis and as a result earned indefinite political and military repression. By entering World War Two the US helped to ward off these bleak outcomes and indeed helped the major democracies of Western Europe to hold their own and thrive against fascism and dictatorial rule.

Republican administrations in the US in particular have not proved the greatest defenders of democratic rule the world over, but by helping to keep the international power balance in favour of democracy and fundamental human rights they could keep under a tight leash fascism and linked anti-democratic forces even in contemporary times. Russia’s invasion and continued occupation of parts of Ukraine reminds us starkly that the democracy versus fascism battle is far from over.

Right now, the US needs to remain on the side of the rest of the West very firmly, lest fascism enjoys another unfettered lease of life through the absence of countervailing and substantial military and political power.

However, by reducing its financial support for the UN and backing away from sustaining its humanitarian programs the world over the US could be laying the ground work for an aggravation of poverty in the South in particular and its accompaniments, such as, political repression, runaway social discontent and anarchy.

What should not go unnoticed by the US is the fact that peace and social stability in the South and the flourishing of the same conditions in the global North are symbiotically linked, although not so apparent at first blush. For instance, if illegal migration from the South to the US is a major problem for the US today, it is because poor countries are not receiving development assistance from the UN system to the required degree. Such deprivation on the part of the South leads to aggravating social discontent in the latter and consequences such as illegal migratory movements from South to North.

Accordingly, it will be in the North’s best interests to ensure that the South is not deprived of sustained development assistance since the latter is an essential condition for social contentment and stable governance, which factors in turn would guard against the emergence of phenomena such as illegal migration.

Meanwhile, democratic sections of the rest of the world in particular need to consider it a matter of conscience to ensure the sustenance and flourishing of the UN system. To be sure, the UN system is considerably flawed but at present it could be called the most equitable and fair among international development organizations and the most far-flung one. Without it world poverty would have proved unmanageable along with the ills that come along with it.

Dehumanizing poverty is an indictment on humanity. It stands to reason that the world community should rally round the UN and ensure its survival lest the abomination which is poverty flourishes. In this undertaking the world needs to stand united. Ambiguities on this score could be self-defeating for the world community.

For example, all groupings of countries that could demonstrate economic muscle need to figure prominently in this initiative. One such grouping is BRICS. Inasmuch as the US and the West should shrug aside Realpolitik considerations in this enterprise, the same goes for organizations such as BRICS.

The arrival at the above international consensus would be greatly facilitated by stepped up dialogue among states on the continued importance of the UN system. Fresh efforts to speed-up UN reform would prove major catalysts in bringing about these positive changes as well. Also requiring to be shunned is the blind pursuit of narrow national interests.

Features

Egg white scene …

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Hi! Great to be back after my Christmas break.

Thought of starting this week with egg white.

Yes, eggs are brimming with nutrients beneficial for your overall health and wellness, but did you know that eggs, especially the whites, are excellent for your complexion?

OK, if you have no idea about how to use egg whites for your face, read on.

Egg White, Lemon, Honey:

Separate the yolk from the egg white and add about a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and about one and a half teaspoons of organic honey. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are mixed well.

Apply this mixture to your face and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before cleansing your face with a gentle face wash.

Don’t forget to apply your favourite moisturiser, after using this face mask, to help seal in all the goodness.

Egg White, Avocado:

In a clean mixing bowl, start by mashing the avocado, until it turns into a soft, lump-free paste, and then add the whites of one egg, a teaspoon of yoghurt and mix everything together until it looks like a creamy paste.

Apply this mixture all over your face and neck area, and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water and a gentle face wash.

Egg White, Cucumber, Yoghurt:

In a bowl, add one egg white, one teaspoon each of yoghurt, fresh cucumber juice and organic honey. Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a thick paste.

Apply this paste all over your face and neck area and leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then gently rinse off this face mask with lukewarm water and immediately follow it up with a gentle and nourishing moisturiser.

Egg White, Aloe Vera, Castor Oil:

To the egg white, add about a teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and castor oil and then mix all the ingredients together and apply it all over your face and neck area in a thin, even layer.

Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off with a gentle face wash and some cold water. Follow it up with your favourite moisturiser.

Features

Confusion cropping up with Ne-Yo in the spotlight

Published

20 hours ago

2026/01/1

Thilina Walpola

Ne-Yo: His management should clarify the last-minute cancellation

Superlatives galore were used, especially on social media, to highlight R&B singer Ne-Yo’s trip to Sri Lanka: Global superstar Ne-Yo to perform live in Colombo this December; Ne-Yo concert puts Sri Lanka back on the global entertainment map; A global music sensation is coming to Sri Lanka … and there were lots more!

At an official press conference, held at a five-star venue, in Colombo, it was indicated that the gathering marked a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry as international R&B powerhouse and three-time Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo prepares to take the stage in Colombo this December.

What’s more, the occasion was graced by the presence of Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, alongside distinguished dignitaries, sponsors, and members of the media.

Shah Rukh Khan: Disappointed his fans in Sri Lanka

According to reports, the concert had received the official endorsement of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, recognising it as a flagship initiative in developing the country’s concert economy by attracting fans, and media, from all over South Asia.

Nick Carter: His concert, too, was cancelled due to “Unforeseen circumstances

However, I had that strange feeling that this concert would not become a reality, keeping in mind what happened to Nick Carter’s Colombo concert – cancelled at the very last moment.

Carter issued a video message announcing he had to return to the USA due to “unforeseen circumstances” and a “family emergency”.

Though “unforeseen circumstances” was the official reason provided by Carter and the local organisers, there was speculation that low ticket sales may also have been a factor in the cancellation.

Well, “Unforeseen Circumstances” has cropped up again!

In a brief statement, via social media, the organisers of the Ne-Yo concert said the decision was taken due to “unforeseen circumstances and factors beyond their control.”

Ne-Yo, too, subsequently made an announcement, citing “Unforeseen circumstances.”

The public has a right to know what these “unforeseen circumstances” are, and who is to be blamed – the organisers or Ne-Yo!

Ne-Yo’s management certainly need to come out with the truth.

However, those who are aware of some of the happenings in the setup here put it down to poor ticket sales, mentioning that the tickets for the concert, and a meet-and-greet event, were exorbitantly high, considering that Ne-Yo is not a current mega star.

We also had a cancellation coming our way from Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for the City of Dreams resort launch, and then this was received: “Unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

Referring to this kind of mess up, a leading showbiz personality said that it will only make people reluctant to buy their tickets, online.

“Tickets will go mostly at the gate and it will be very bad for the industry,” he added.