Introduction
The arrival of the steam locomotive Leopold in 1864 marked the beginning of railway operations in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). It was the first engine to haul a train on the island, ushering in a new era of transport, trade, and development. Built in England and shipped to Ceylon, Leopold holds a proud place in the history of Sri Lanka Railways as Ceylon Government Railway Locomotive No. 1.
Origins and Specifications
Leopold was manufactured by Robert Stephenson & Company, one of the pioneering locomotive builders in Britain. It was classified under the ML Class and carried the serial number 1263. The locomotive followed the 4-4-0 wheel configuration, which was popular at the time for its balanced design and capability to handle both speed and weight.
Key specifications:
- Wheel arrangement: 4-4-0
- Gauge: 5 ft 6 in (broad gauge)
- Driving wheel diameter: 61 inches
- Boiler pressure: 160 psi
- Cylinder size: 16 × 22 inches
- Locomotive weight: 59 long tons (including tender)
- Tractive effort: approximately 9,400 lbf
First Trial and Inaugural Journey
Leopold arrived in Ceylon in January 1864 and began trial runs between Colombo and Ambepussa on 7 March 1864. Later that year, on 7 December 1864, the locomotive officially pulled the first public train, marking the beginning of passenger railway service in the country.
This inaugural journey was a prestigious event. Among the dignitaries on board was the Duke of Brabant, who would later become King Leopold II of Belgium. The locomotive was named in his honour.
Operational History
After its successful debut, Leopold served on the newly built Colombo–Ambepussa section of the Main Line, which later extended to Kandy and beyond. It was one of seven locomotives of the ML Class imported in 1864, all tasked with supporting the early expansion of railways on the island.
The locomotive was operated by the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) and remained in active service for nearly four decades. It was officially withdrawn from service in 1901, primarily due to aging mechanical components and the arrival of more modern engines.
Unfortunately, Leopold was scrapped after retirement and was not preserved for display.
Cultural Impact
For many Sri Lankans at the time, steam locomotives were a marvel—and a mystery. Locals famously described these early iron machines as:
“Anguru Kaka Wathura Bibi Colaba Duwana Yakada Yaka”
(The coal-eating, water-drinking iron demon rushing to Colombo)
This vivid expression shows both awe and amusement at this new technology, and it remains one of the most colorful descriptions of early railway culture in Sri Lanka.
Legacy
Though Leopold no longer exists, its contribution to the country’s development is immeasurable. It played a critical role in transporting goods, especially from the tea and coffee plantations in the hill country to the port in Colombo. This boosted trade and strengthened the economy under colonial rule.
The legacy of Leopold lives on through:
- The continued use of the Main Line it helped pioneer.
- The establishment of Sri Lanka Railways as a vital part of the country’s infrastructure.
- Exhibits and stories in the National Railway Museum in Kadugannawa, which preserve the history of the early steam era.
Conclusion
The story of Leopold is not just about a machine—it is about how modern technology arrived on the shores of Sri Lanka and changed the course of the nation’s progress. As Locomotive No. 1, Leopold will always remain the symbolic beginning of the railway journey in Sri Lanka.
