The traditional Bradby Express, the train which the Royalists used to go to Kandy for annual Bradby Shield rugby match in Kandy, will be on tracks again on 28 May to Kandy from Fort Railway Station.
Bradby Express was incarnated last year after the tireless efforts of the Royal College 2007 batch.
According to Himal Tennekoon, who is an integral part of the Bradby Train organizing committee, this was one of the great Royal traditions that was abandoned 20 years ago due to the torrid war situation in Sri Lanka. The peaceful situation in the country had prompted the 2007 batch along with the help of the ‘Royal College Union’ to re-introduce the much loved Bradby Express, where the Royalists in huge numbers went to Kandy.
The specialty of this years Bradby train is that for the first time in the history of Royal College, the Bradby train would be solely booked for Royalists and their families., as in the yesteryears other passengers also use to travel in the train. According to Liril Liyanaarachchi, who is a part of the promotions committee, the train would be decorated in bright gold and blue colours and there would be separate compartments for both students and teachers.
‘Last year we had over 700 people and this year too we expect around 1000 Royalists, their families and anyone who loves this wonderful event’ said Lirill.
There would be eight compartments in this specially chartered train which includes four for the old boys and their families, two for the students, one for the group of 2007 and the VIP compartment. The proud sponsors for this event are Yes FM and Channel 1 MTV who would be providing Live coverage from the train.
There would be plenty of entertainment with popular ‘Papare bands’ in action. The committee has increased the number of Papare bands to three to provide maximum entertainment for the crowds to swing to the groove.
There would also be a VIP compartment in the observational deck for the Royal College Principal, Ministers and high profile CEOs of blue chip companies.
According to Ayesh Rajapksha, who is the Chairman of the organizing committee, the seating arrangements are more formalized this time and College flags, a specially decorated engine and balloons are all part of the Express.
The train would be leaving Colombo Fort at 7.30 am and reaches Kandy by 11.30 am. According to the organizing committee, the Trian travellers can come in their vehicles and park their vehicles in the Lake House car park. After the grueling and exciting Bradby game, the train will leave Kandy Railway station at 7.00 p.m.
There will be a special shuttle service that will be made available along the main roads for all the passengers after reaching Colombo Fort.
Tickets are priced at Rs 900/- for both ways, Rs 600/- for one way and a concessionary price of Rs 500?- for students.Contact Ayesh Rajapakshe on 0773109897 for more details.
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