Kadugannawa Station, Sri Lanka Early 1900s
Kadugannawa incline, the gateway to the hill country is one of the major engineering feat which involves 1400 ft climb through 12 tunnels.
Starts from Rambukkana (290ft above sea level), the train begins its climb (roughly 1 foot for every 50 ft) and reach its peak at Kadugannawa station 1690 ft. The station is located by the side of the Colombo-Kandy road which was completed in 1832, 30 years before the railway line was built. The historical landmark of Dawson Tower which was constructed at Kadugannawa in memory of Capt. Dawson, who successfully completed the Colombo-Kandy road construction, is seen through the train window.
I have photos of this railway while under construction, my father James Sommerville was an engineer working on the Kandy to Colombo railway line. Sadly I never knew my father all I have is a few photos. Plus this one on the page. I have tried to trace his whereabouts, he must now be deceased.
Sommerville , tea brokers in Colombo too was Sommerville co Ltd, British invest ment made Ceylon a tea land
My father was born in Kadugannawa in 1910 and lived there 20 years with brother George and parents. My grandfather George William Elderkin wasInspector of works on the Lower district Coast line.
I am visiting Sita Lanka for the first time in August with daughter and her family and will visit the railway ..
Do you have any information concerning my grandfather?