Reflections On Sri Lanka's Automotive History By Mr. Sylvi Wijesinghe

[Sylvi]

Members,

The last SS silencer I fabricated for a friend of mine who had a Generator near the sea side hotel in Arugambay. he had to change every 18 months a new one, because generator was inside a totally enclosed room silencer barrel was exposed to sea cost.

Three feet of 18 gauge good high quality (non magnetizing) SS sheath length was 30 inches. Got this rounded by a rolling machine. two ends were welded in my work shop using Brass welding. Three compartments inside using all SS sheath, connecting pipes was also SS. There were few parts from the engine had original steal pipes came with the generator which was installed about 12 years ago never gave any problems because that section was inside a covered room. Only from the existing good section to outside exposed to sea spray parts (pipes with SS new brackets ) were changed. With new SS pipes, fabricated barrel and end tail pipe all new. Welding gas set was borrowed from a party in site area, for site assembly installations.

The entire cost I charged for the silencer was Rupees  12000/00. without any profit. labour costs  were paid separately to the workers by the owner including fitting on to he generator. Originally this new Generator was installed by me and my workers.

Today for a car silencer with SS will cost to fabricate will cost any thing under  Rs.15000/00. If material purchasing is done by your self.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[VWvortex]

Hi Mr. Wijesinghe , I was at your place today to get some windscreen scratches removed.  Unfortunately polishing cannot be done since the scratches are towards the edge of the glass.

My previous visit to your place was in 2003 for a similar matter and faintly remember meeting you. I believe you personally attended to it then. Hope your keeping well. 

[Sylvi]

2 hours ago, VWvortex said:

Hi Mr. Wijesinghe , I was at your place today to get some windscreen scratches removed.  Unfortunately polishing cannot be done since the scratches are towards the edge of the glass.

My previous visit to your place was in 2003 for a similar matter and faintly remember meeting you. I believe you personally attended to it then. Hope your keeping well. 

First of all thank you for visiting my home and work shop at Kollupitiya remembering me. Am still living with few ailments, first is age, next is due to bad habits acquired in mid 1970. ( Middle age) When a person is young, no one will notice the bad habits will affect in late life. A person will have to control his eating and drinking habits early in life. Am suffering from Diabetics, BP, elevated lipids,. What I mentioned 90% of my age people are suffering. I was inactive for few years from late 2010 to late 2018, Since of late I was compelled to change my regular specialist physician, present physician changed my lethargic life completely.

From early last year I switched on to early life instead of entrusting work to others, started to get back to the way how I was used to be early. This made some of my regular staff bit uncomfortable, I supervised all work instead of getting them 100% to do the daily duties, That changed my life back to early.

Coming to your problem of edge W/S Glass polishing is a time consuming job, this has to be done very carefully without allowing the W/S glass edge overheating. Fitted W/S glass on to a vehicle edges cannot be cooled in that position, not like a glass removed then that glass can be inserted in to a water container, Polisher has the cooling water mixed with special polishing compound circulating. I hope you can visualize my explanation. Removing W/S glass is not advisable, because the W/S glass will never be re fitted like factory fitting. W/S glass sitting body frame will already have some corroded points. If there is corrosion then that has to be treated, refit the glass. If the scratches are not effecting to your driving, better to use as it is.

My explanation on above is little long. I hope my Glass polishing person had explained above to you.

Sylvester Wijesinghe.

Sylvi.

[VWvortex]

Hi Mr. Silvi, thanks for the detailed explanation. Your worker also said the same.

As you rightly said , at this stage in life best to keep your self mentally and physically active as much as possible. Take care and best wishes. 

[gamini1943]

On 9/5/2020 at 8:54 AM, VWvortex said:

Hi Mr. Silvi, thanks for the detailed explanation. Your worker also said the same.

As you rightly said , at this stage in life best to keep your self mentally and physically active as much as possible. Take care and best wishes. 

All members,

Today is my Golden jubilee of my married life. I and my wife had gone over many hurdles in last fifty years. I do not have any functions to celebrate.

Golden jubilee comes once in life time for a husband and wife. Many couples had gone through silver jubilees.

Both of us had the opportunity see the happy day with our only child daughter her husband together with their two children.

Most of our members will have POTV. If any member tunes to channel 93 today, go back to 7.30 AM Daily mass there was our weeding photograph and two of us photograph on my Daughter's weeding  ceremony. For two days on POTV this mass can watch.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Sylvi]

All members,

Today is my Golden jubilee of my married life. I and my wife had gone over many hurdles in last fifty years. I do not have any functions to celebrate.

Golden jubilee comes once in life time for a husband and wife. Many couples had gone through silver jubilees.

Both of us had the opportunity see the happy day with our only child daughter her husband together with their two children.

Most of our members will have POTV. If any member tunes to channel 93 today, go back to 7.30 AM Daily mass there was our weeding photograph and two of us photograph on my Daughter's weeding  ceremony. For two days on POTV this mass can watch.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Davy]

4 hours ago, Sylvi said:

Today is my Golden jubilee of my married life. I and my wife had gone over many hurdles in last fifty years. I do not have any functions to celebrate.

Happy anniversary Mr. @Sylvi. May you both have many more happy years together!

 

[harshansenadhir]

Good to see you after long time. Happy anniversary and wishing many more happy years together. 

[Sylvi]

Members,

I reply regarding the partly hidden picture on the post by Supra_Natural one of the Moderators, to me.

If I remember this picture was taken by me few years back, and posted to A/L informing only remaining Tram car halting please name board, for the people to remember the Tram Cars existed and was in operation in  Colombo. 

This Name Board was existing there till about 10 years back. Later this picture was removed by the person who build a building on that Boundary, where this was fixed to build his building.

One of A/L member wrote regarding this post and he had met this person who removed the board,

This person who was responsible for removing this historical Tram Ways halting place board had agreed to the said member, he will fix same board in a suitable place so that future generation can have a look on that.

I do not see this said board any where to that building at present.

Said member mentioned he is well known to the person who removed this board, if he can give A/L any information of that board, because this is a historical name board in Sri Lanka existed Tramways. Also has a Archeological value.

This Tram ways name board is belongs to Sri Lankan People as a Archeological article which is more than 100 years old. Not belongs to the person who removed same.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Sylvi]

Merry Christmas greetings to all Auto Lanka members

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

[Kavvz]

On 12/24/2020 at 2:23 PM, Sylvi said:

Merry Christmas greetings to all Auto Lanka members

Sylvi Wijesinghe.

Thank you Mr Sylvi.

I had a great Christmas this year as thanks to Corona as we pretty much stayed home, so no silly office parties or dressing up and going out etc. And it was great! Best Christmas I've had in years...Ended up playing lots of games, eating some good food and relaxing. Was very nice!

I hope your Christmas was as enjoyable too: Best Wishes of the season to you and the rest of our Autolanka members! 

[Sylvi]

Kavvz,

Sorry for belated reply. Because I did not log in to Auto LANKA forum for some time.

Normally I invite few of my friends to X mas dinner, this time I had to inform them we will have a dinner when this Pandemic ease up. My daughter and Son-in law with their two kids went to his mothers house because his two family members who are residing in Island had come for Xmas lunch. I enjoyed with my staff members and my wife, Xmas lunch, normally we all enjoy Xmas dinner early years. We all go for Xmas mass in the night but this time it was not like early years. Have to adjust our life accordingly to the situation. 

Best wishes for you and your family, HEALTH WEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Kavvz]

On 1/14/2021 at 1:28 PM, Sylvi said:

Normally I invite few of my friends to X mas dinner, this time I had to inform them we will have a dinner when this Pandemic ease up.

That's the best way to do things. Better safe than be sorry afterwards! Well done.

On 1/14/2021 at 1:28 PM, Sylvi said:

Best wishes for you and your family, HEALTH WEALTH AND HAPPINESS.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

Thank you Mr. Sylvi: Its always nice to hear from you. I appreciate the reply and the good wishes! 

[Sylvi]

 

Under is not related to Automobiles. What happened to a Government servant and a Entrepreneur fifty years ago.

I had  Customer who got my services who was a Brilliant Engineer who had headed last five years of his Government service life in a (1940 to 1960) Government Department. He left the Government Department and started a very well organized Earth moving business with all new machines. I cannot estimate the cost of his entire set up then.

He had started in 1962 and after working in then Ceylon South Galoya tank hydro distribution canals, from Embilipitiya up to Hungama across the country. I was involved in maintenance of those machinery from 1966 Electrical systems only.

Used to travel with him at least once a month to the his operational sites until he closed the business. I really enjoyed  those trips with money coming in for the services I rendered, to his owned faulty Electrical units of his heavy earth moving machinery. During those days there were only handful of private operators who were in the Earth moving business.

Agents of those Machinery had used all stocks of spares in few years of import restrictions. As I was already in heavy earth moving machinery Electrical repairs. Agents of some machines I was handling to their satisfaction. When they ran short of spares the agents themselves recommended myself to him and few others in the earth moving private sector.

Then the South was not developed like today, Embiliyapitiya was a very small town with few shops and few hotels on the road side. Our turn off was from that town, Said Engineers Earth Moving set up did very good work. He had two Surveys and Engineering assistant working permanently on those sites, to get all required accurate Measurements for billing. The end of the every month. One 4 wheel drive Vehicle surplus from 2nd world war and two motor cycles were for sites utility use.

He started during the dark era there were no imports to the country, with a different Governing party. They wanted him to do this, due to nonavailability of any people to come forward to undertake a such complex project. Then governing party who was in power, implemented import restrictions, like for motor vehicles today.  The land development projects went on with difficulties, not having spares for the heavy machinery used for earth moving. There was no raw materials for correct rebuilding of wasted parts. At that time the need of spares for automobiles as well as all other industries also in short supply, every body suffered lot.

There after opposition party came in in 1965. they also ended up in 1970. Change of government in 1970 one of the newly appointed Government member was not in favor of his business, because he did not give any contribution to his Election fund . Due to his honesty including not looking after the member (OILING) and relevant officers who was responsible for work completed certified by government authorities, bill payments relevant to the completed work successfully. His payments were delayed New government member in the earth work operational area was not in favor to get the administrative staff for expediting required papers to be submitted to authorities in Colombo for final payments. That was purely due to no share was coming to the member of the area. Not only that administrative staff also wanted a share, he decided to close up every thing and leave the country, which he did. After meeting the relevant top government leaders explaining his displeasure of treatment he received from said people.

His only daughter was married to a well known Cricketer and was living in UK. Son was in Australia studding Engineering mostly related to Road transport heavy vehicles, including earth moving Machinery maintenance That was the time Australia developed Some earth moving machines operating in completely Electrical controlled. Which was not like Hydraulically controlled systems. Later We had few of those earth moving machines in Mahawalliy development project in Kandy, there was an a Australian technically qualified officer working in that area. I had the opportunity of repairing one of them due to a Electrical failure of one Bucket Scraper machine.

He worked out his decision to leave the country, handing over all his machines to the Government, Valuation was done his Income taxes were pending and he was able to settle all with the Inland Revenue Department. He also paid his entire staff full salary for two years because the closer of his Business. There was no problem with Labour department.

 Government at that time required if a person is leaving the country not to come back, one condition was only after income Tax clearance with an a Exit permit.

Other than the inventory involved in his Earth moving, what he had his personal lands were sold and he presented all of his Electrical testing equipment to me. At last he cried embraced me and told me, All he did to the country as a single person heeding a department with his knowledge he had got from his studies in Ceylon and UK was able to work in a establishment which was originated by the Colonial regime in Ceylon. Today the Politicians  and the public servants who do not understand how to develop this country with all the resources  what we have, for future generations to come. All our people appointed members to govern the country and Government officers are interested in amassing wealth for their generations to come,not to develop our mother land.

He is unable to predict how the present generation will do in few decades time. All children are born will be the free educated by then thanks to Mr. C.W.W.Kannangara.  I decided to leave every thing in my mother land and to settle down in Australia. I will first go to UK first have good holiday with my daughter contact few old friends in there, for a month or so and leave directly to Australia to close my Eyes there as a third class migrant treated with few benefits.

His last few words to me was still I remember. I am a first class Citizen in my mother land where I was born and served to my country, hole heartily, also after leaving the Government service, I thought to have a Earth moving set up, you are aware what good work I and my entire staff did.

Few days time I will leave this Blessed country to be a Third class Citizen in a Developed country, which Colonial regime was responsible for AUSTRALIA developing to present state to be par with any western developed country. Forcibly deporting their unwanted Citizens, to settle down in Australia, where full of resources to develop like their United Kingdom. Which they did with the help of the original Citizens of that country.

This post is purely to explain (50) years ago Ceylon and at present Sri Lanka (2021) there is no difference to compare, bribery and corruption are originated from the top to bottom of our country.

If no Palm oil is passed to the hands of our Government officers as well as other Municipality officers cannot get any of our requirements done in double quick time.

I remain for today.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

 

[Kavvz]

8 hours ago, Sylvi said:

His last few words to me was still I remember. I am a first class Citizen in my mother land where I was born and served to my country...............

This post is purely to explain (50) years ago Ceylon and at present Sri Lanka (2021) there is no difference to compare, bribery and corruption are originated from the top to bottom of our country.

If no Palm oil is passed to the hands of our Government officers as well as other Municipality officers cannot get any of our requirements done in double quick time.

I remain for today.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

 

Interesting incident Mr. Sylvi, but its also a sad one. And yes, you're right. People often speak gloriously of the past and the "Gentleman' politicians of times gone by. But its often not true-There have always been bribery & corruption and there has always been 'Gentleman'. Its up to us to decide who we associate with, and emulate. 

As always: Lovely hearing about your life and your experiences Mr. Sylvi

Edited January 19, 2021 by Kavvz

[Sylvi]

Members.

My neighbor had sold his Land Rover Jeep bought new (not in very good running condition had done 160,000 Kilometers, engine was in good condition, not the others) few days back, for 4.1M which was used by him for 22 years bought new wanted to go for another small Gasoline vehicle because his wife wanted to use by herself, was looking for a smaller van.

She was interested in a small  Avery Van for under 3M. Her son and husband wanted me to go with them to see a good vehicle, then we came across a vehicle 25 Kilometers away from Colombo visited the place, and examined the van and had a trial run satisfied and requested his selling price. He informed us that there is an offer for 2.65M for the same, if he gets 2.7M he will agree to sell the vehicle. We promptly agreed for that, offered him an advance, he said it is not necessary. We will buy the van next day to take delivery. 

Last Monday we contacted him that we are coming with cash to buy the vehicle, he informed us that there is a offer for 2.75M if we give 2.8M he will give the vehicle. We said you should have informed us about that, if so we will look into another vehicle. My neighbor was in situation that he has no time to go in looking for vehicles cannot waste time, informed him OK we will come on Tuesday with cash 2.8m he agreed, next day morning we get a SMS message from him, that there is a another offer 2.85M, if we gives him only 2.9mM he will sell the vehicle.

Decided not to buy, got another person to give a call to him in a few hours later. Requesting the selling price, he informed that person that there is an offer for 2.8M. If he gets  w 2.9 M he will sell.   

What  this person is trying is to find out the correct price that he will get and sell. I later contacted the Finance company, the absolute owner of that vehicle, they informed me the vehicle was seized a few months back, and was not in good running condition with a few dents on the body. Kilometers reading was 127000 on the meter. This person is an Ex officer in the forces and he buys vehicles regularly from them. Repaint, fix new Tyre's and do other necessary things to sell at the highest offer.  When we saw the meter reading was 66800 Kilometers. 

This is real cheating of used vehicles to new buyers.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.                   

[iRage]

3 hours ago, Sylvi said:

Members.

My neighbor had sold his Land Rover Jeep bought new (not in very good running condition had done 160,000 Kilometers, engine was in good condition, not the others) few days back, for 4.1M which was used by him for 22 years bought new wanted to go for another small Gasoline vehicle because his wife wanted to use by herself, was looking for a smaller van.

She was interested in a small  Avery Van for under 3M. Her son and husband wanted me to go with them to see a good vehicle, then we came across a vehicle 25 Kilometers away from Colombo visited the place, and examined the van and had a trial run satisfied and requested his selling price. He informed us that there is an offer for 2.65M for the same, if he gets 2.7M he will agree to sell the vehicle. We promptly agreed for that, offered him an advance, he said it is not necessary. We will buy the van next day to take delivery. 

Last Monday we contacted him that we are coming with cash to buy the vehicle, he informed us that there is a offer for 2.75M if we give 2.8M he will give the vehicle. We said you should have informed us about that, if so we will look into another vehicle. My neighbor was in situation that he has no time to go in looking for vehicles cannot waste time, informed him OK we will come on Tuesday with cash 2.8m he agreed, next day morning we get a SMS message from him, that there is a another offer 2.85M, if we gives him only 2.9mM he will sell the vehicle.

Decided not to buy, got another person to give a call to him in a few hours later. Requesting the selling price, he informed that person that there is an offer for 2.8M. If he gets  w 2.9 M he will sell.   

What  this person is trying is to find out the correct price that he will get and sell. I later contacted the Finance company, the absolute owner of that vehicle, they informed me the vehicle was seized a few months back, and was not in good running condition with a few dents on the body. Kilometers reading was 127000 on the meter. This person is an Ex officer in the forces and he buys vehicles regularly from them. Repaint, fix new Tyre's and do other necessary things to sell at the highest offer.  When we saw the meter reading was 66800 Kilometers. 

This is real cheating of used vehicles to new buyers.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.                   

Sadly this is what Sri Lanka has become...you simply cannot trust ANYONE when it comes to buying cars.
Also, it is always recommended that the vehicle be taken to a place like car ch**ks or the agents to get a proper inspection done. Sadly, what people do with cars is so deep that you cannot simply do a visual inspection and test drive and determine the condition of the car....it will have to be put up on the hoist, ECU read, go through every inch with a  looking glass.

Glad that your friend managed to dodge the bullet. 

[Sylvi]

iRage.

This person not sold his vehicle yet, he had send a message through a broker and informed my neighbor that a good vehicle is for sale, wanted him to go with him to show the vehicle. The vehicle was brought to another house close to Colombo and my neighbor had gone there to see that.  The vehicle is same vehicle with a Trade plate and given a trial, he requested the papers there it was proved same. He had scolded the broker and told him the story, came back home.

It is not easy to sell a used vehicles today, because who have stocks had jack up the prices. No good used vehicles over 5 years are available. Almost 50% are badly used finance vehicles.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Kavvz]

On 3/22/2021 at 9:34 AM, Sylvi said:

iRage.

This person not sold his vehicle yet, he had send a message through a broker and informed my neighbor that a good vehicle is for sale, wanted him to go with him to show the vehicle. The vehicle was brought to another house close to Colombo and my neighbor had gone there to see that.  The vehicle is same vehicle with a Trade plate and given a trial, he requested the papers there it was proved same. He had scolded the broker and told him the story, came back home.

Wow! What a cunning fellow! 

[Sylvi]

Members,

My land in Colombo 00300 was owned by our family, originally there was many members who had shares in this land. When the last most senior member expired in year 1945 it was sold as all owners for the entire land was unable to come for a settlement how should they divide the Colombo 00300 land. In year 1946 put in for sale by a Court order in Public Auction.

 Auctioneer had to give first preference to my late father because he was occupying the entire land, was given to him in year 1931 by the last living co-owner of the land who was controlling all the family important matters,  was also a owner of a liquor Bar and he had many other tenement lands in the city also out of the city controlled by him.

My father in year 1946 bought entire land in the public Auction costing him Rupees 500/00, for a perch. Later in year 1956 he sold 20 perch block in rear for Rupees 1000/00, for a perch. Land price had gone up by almost by 100%. For 10 years.

Later in year 1993 that block of land the owners children who was living in Australia and UK sold said land to a land inverter who keep the land for few years develop get all required infrastructure 3PH power Municipal Drain system.

Three children sold with a  30 year old house for Rupees 50,000/00, for a perch. Land price had gone up by almost by 500%. For 35 years.

5 years Later the new inverter added one perch from my rear land to that, sold same land blocked in to three blocks, getting three numbers for Rupees 1,000,000/00 a perch to build three houses.

I sold my 1 perch for Rupees 750,000/00.

Today the Colombo 00300 lands are going for Rupees 6 Millions in interior on Roads and lanes.

Galle Road land in Colombo from Galle face to Dehiwala will go from Rupees 30 to 20 Millions. On Marine drive from 8 Millions to 10 Millions.

Out of Colombo in Ja Ela the main road lands go for 3 to 5 millions depending  on the situation and the extend of land. Interior will go to about 1 Million to 3 Millions.

I sold my Coconut land in year 2008 for Rupees 1 Million a Acre, which I bought for Rupees 10000/00 a Acre in year 1980. After 28 years developing replanting with a Tube Well, Fixing water pipes for about twenty trees to water during dry weather time. New holiday home with a small 10 X 30 feet water tank for me to take a dip when ever I go there. occasionally my relatives and friends go there to spend few days.

The relaxation in out of Colombo after working here. I may have spend few thousands every year to develop my land for almost 25 years major cost was the Tube well. only that I can remember other developments I did in stages never recorded an a account.

I always believe in land investment. Did 10 years from 1988 many imports of vehicles from Japan, Singapore, UK, Europe but never made high profits. Always gave them to the dealers. They had the lion share from them.

At present I am 78 years old to go in for any new investments Waiting for the last call with few ailments Due to my bad living habits. No regret for my pat life.

Above is my experience in investment.

Best wishes for all AL members, for correct investments.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

 

countries

[Sylvi]

Members,

HOW MOTOR VEHICLE COSTS WENT UP FROM YEAR 1962.

There was a similar situation like today, in year 1962 (59 Years ago) then Government banned all imports of Motor Vehicles and spares.

Few people who went out of the country employed for resonable time that  they can prove their $ earned enough to buy a car then they get a permit. There one more permit system that was importer has to prove his relationship to get a gift permit then he or she had to pay the gift tax.

Like today permits were sold to any body who pays.

Spares was allowed on a quota system according to importers who had imported spares early. They have to prove that with past import papers. Also banks have to certify that money was transferred.

To import anything have to go behind import control department for number of days, bribe the lover rankers (Then Biggest Note for to palm oil them) in the import comntrol department to get an approval.

Then came the CRA. Many items with Motor Vehicles was also allowed for convertible Rupee Account holders. Gems had the highest rate of 25% for their exports and many other exporters also got from 10% of the income from they get, can be utilized for imports.

All export Company directors got car permits to import cars. I too got two motor vehicles for my CRA.

I got a Gem dealer to export in the name of my partnership which I registered and gave all documents to the Gem dealer to export on my behalf. I only have to sign export documents, give him 125% of the export Rupee value.

Within 20 days I get in to my Bank Account Rupee Value. 25% of that I can import 1 Car, my other partner can import 1 car. No restrictions no tax. Only when you sell the cars if you make profit above the cost, then you pay your normal tax.

I did number of gem exports like that way. All other earned CRA was used to import for my business requarements. Then I was in the Electrical Maintanance industry.

Simple explanation is if any spare part cost is (CIF) 1 Rupee then you have to pay Rupees 1/25.

Vehicle selling prices sky rocketed and continued till the Green party allowed all imports after 17 dark years of past regime, All 5-year-old Vehicles and other necessary new items freely.

By that dark 17 years Panchikawatthe spare parts importers made big profits also most of the spare parts shops were tenements. Converted to shops by the people who were living on those tenements. Rented To Spare part delears, big time spare part dealer’s bought the tenement lands and build large buildings with number of flows.

I do not want to name them, today their 2^nd generation are owners of those buildings. Also some of their 2^nd generation in motor spares business.

I remember my late father used to tell me tahat M/s, Sangaralimgam Pillai was the first to open a sparepart shop in Panchi....., when the Colombo tram ways had the transport service in panchi.... Road.

All Motor vehicle importers of today are born after 1978. Before that all motor vehicles were imported to this country was from UK, USA, Germany and Italy. By very old Companies most of them were british owend later sold to Ceylonese. At present ony to my knowledge Carmart, D*MO, Colonial, Richerd Peris, Unit#d Mot#rs A*W and Tuckers are the companies existed in that era, they are still active.

BMW Motor cycles was imported by M/s, Wallyes Garage at Kotahena. Cargiles BSA MOTOR CYCLES.

Philip bros imported Simcars they had many models.

There was few importers one of them was Mr Victor Demel who imported Invicta (2) cars, one and ony car in Sri Lanka Railton still with his family. Railton cars were made to order not many was made in the world.

Waker Sons Ltd, M/s, Rowlends, Collets, Continental motors  (Skoda) General Trading company later Stuarts, Singer and Bogwards, CFT Motor Engeneering, Renaults Cargiles BSA MOTOR CYCLES.

There are more things I can write about Panchi..... 

Battery manufactories are developing new Batteries with low cost, do not know when they will come to the Market.

If any member wants to know more about past please post me a Email to <[email protected]>

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Kavvz]

5 hours ago, Sylvi said:

Members,

HOW MOTOR VEHICLE COSTS WENT UP FROM YEAR 1962.

There was a similar situation like today, in year 1962 (59 Years ago) then Government banned all imports of Motor Vehicles and spares.

.......

Lovely write up! Thanks for sharing- Would love to hear more Mr Sylvi ! 

[GK_007]

10 hours ago, Sylvi said:

Members,

HOW MOTOR VEHICLE COSTS WENT UP FROM YEAR 1962.

There was a similar situation like today, in year 1962 (59 Years ago) then Government banned all imports of Motor Vehicles and spares.

Few people who went out of the country employed for resonable time that  they can prove their $ earned enough to buy a car then they get a permit. There one more permit system that was importer has to prove his relationship to get a gift permit then he or she had to pay the gift tax.

Like today permits were sold to any body who pays.

Spares was allowed on a quota system according to importers who had imported spares early. They have to prove that with past import papers. Also banks have to certify that money was transferred.

To import anything have to go behind import control department for number of days, bribe the lover rankers (Then Biggest Note for to palm oil them) in the import comntrol department to get an approval.

Then came the CRA. Many items with Motor Vehicles was also allowed for convertible Rupee Account holders. Gems had the highest rate of 25% for their exports and many other exporters also got from 10% of the income from they get, can be utilized for imports.

All export Company directors got car permits to import cars. I too got two motor vehicles for my CRA.

I got a Gem dealer to export in the name of my partnership which I registered and gave all documents to the Gem dealer to export on my behalf. I only have to sign export documents, give him 125% of the export Rupee value.

Within 20 days I get in to my Bank Account Rupee Value. 25% of that I can import 1 Car, my other partner can import 1 car. No restrictions no tax. Only when you sell the cars if you make profit above the cost, then you pay your normal tax.

I did number of gem exports like that way. All other earned CRA was used to import for my business requarements. Then I was in the Electrical Maintanance industry.

Simple explanation is if any spare part cost is (CIF) 1 Rupee then you have to pay Rupees 1/25.

Vehicle selling prices sky rocketed and continued till the Green party allowed all imports after 17 dark years of past regime, All 5-year-old Vehicles and other necessary new items freely.

By that dark 17 years Panchikawatthe spare parts importers made big profits also most of the spare parts shops were tenements. Converted to shops by the people who were living on those tenements. Rented To Spare part delears, big time spare part dealer’s bought the tenement lands and build large buildings with number of flows.

I do not want to name them, today their 2^nd generation are owners of those buildings. Also some of their 2^nd generation in motor spares business.

I remember my late father used to tell me tahat M/s, Sangaralimgam Pillai was the first to open a sparepart shop in Panchi....., when the Colombo tram ways had the transport service in panchi.... Road.

All Motor vehicle importers of today are born after 1978. Before that all motor vehicles were imported to this country was from UK, USA, Germany and Italy. By very old Companies most of them were british owend later sold to Ceylonese. At present ony to my knowledge Carmart, D*MO, Colonial, Richerd Peris, Unit#d Mot#rs A*W and Tuckers are the companies existed in that era, they are still active.

BMW Motor cycles was imported by M/s, Wallyes Garage at Kotahena. Cargiles BSA MOTOR CYCLES.

Philip bros imported Simcars they had many models.

There was few importers one of them was Mr Victor Demel who imported Invicta (2) cars, one and ony car in Sri Lanka Railton still with his family. Railton cars were made to order not many was made in the world.

Waker Sons Ltd, M/s, Rowlends, Collets, Continental motors  (Skoda) General Trading company later Stuarts, Singer and Bogwards, CFT Motor Engeneering, Renaults Cargiles BSA MOTOR CYCLES.

There are more things I can write about Panchi..... 

Battery manufactories are developing new Batteries with low cost, do not know when they will come to the Market.

If any member wants to know more about past please post me a Email to <[email protected]>

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

Amazing history. Thanks for sharing, as @Kavvz mentioned love to hear more. 

[Sylvi]

Members,

I was a 9 year boy when Ceylon had their 1st old automobile rally, remember going with my late father to look at those vehicles at Tucker's Show room at Union Place. There were hand full of cars and few commercial vehicles were there. I remember writing a comment few years back about that.

If any one has any old writings and pictures of that old car rally can any member publish those on this A/L.

Also like to mention the historical name boards of roads and any historical pictures to publish on this A/L.

Once I took a Picture of old Tram ways Tram car halting place was on opposite road of, one of our old established Engineering firm Lathe and Re boring, Edirisinghe Brother's Establishment close to (Inguru Kade) junction.

One member of this A/L forum promised to take action on that matter as he was known to this person, but there was no follow of that.

The person who removed same that he will refit after completing his building, still not done.

This board is not his property, it is belongs to Colombo Municipality. Also that board carries a Archeological value.

Sylvester Wijesinghe

Sylvi.

[Kavvz]

Hi Mr Sylvi,  I trust you have been well and are weathering out the current health crisis without too much trouble...

The news that the De Soysa building collapsed was quite sad and I couldn't help but think that its such a shame this historic building, one that is so significant to the business community of Colombo Fort wasn't preserved properly. While I understand that we do need to progressively develop our city,  I think a creative solution could have been created so this building could have been preserved in some form. What a shame to lose such an important part of our city in this manner! 

Mr Sylvi, during your many business endeavors did u have any interaction with this building or anyone who did business there?