Railways in Sri Lanka were built in the 19th century under British rule. Around the turn of the last century, the then NMA Railway Signalling from Broek op Langedijk replaced the original British protection system, still with pull wires and arm signals, with a more contemporary protection system with two projects here on the 'Coast Line'. This has included signals with bulbs, protection with VPI or safety relays and electric points and level crossings. A power supply system and radio communication from Colombo to each station have also been installed.

Rob de Vries, as an engineer from that time, will take you through what is involved such as realising a project from the Netherlands and on site. What to look out for and what to avoid in order to deliver a system that can also be maintained by the local railway organisation.

There is also a focus on unexpected events, such as a tsunami and how that affects the delivery and handover of the project.

Finally, the usual Lessons Learned from such a foreign project.

The programme is as follows:

  • 17:00 - 17:10: Welcome and introduction
  • 17:10 - 17:40: Presentation by Rob de Vries on this project
  • 17:40 - 17:55: Questions and discussion
  • 17:55 - 18:00: Closure

Costs: There is no cost to participate in this activity, everyone is welcome.

Registration: Via the KIVI website. You will receive the link for participation after registration.

For questions, please send an e-mail to the Rail Department: rail@kivi.nl with the subject "Sri Lanka webinar 2022".