RESPONSE TO AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN DM OF OCTOBER 27, 2018
I have seen when these lamps were functioning in the city. I thought of sharing my knowledge on this. I was school boy in 1950, one of these lamps was in front of my house at Ketawalamulla lane Dematagoda.
In you picture the Lamp at Vetn: Dept Borella, originally they were gas lamps.ln this picture the top part where the Gas lamp is modified to accommodate the Electric light with bulb. The triangular portion is added. Originally the ‘ Y ‘ portion of the post carried the gas lamp. Which is about 1 1/2 ft in height and hexagonal cross section with glass all around. The gas line with on/ off cock leading into the lamp and the mantle at end similar to that of a Petromax lamp.
The lamp lighter has a stick about 6ft long with a metal hook at the end and small wick soaked in kerosene. He turns the gas on & lights the lamp in one stroke. The light is bluish white on colour.
The gas supply I believe was from the GAS & WATER CO that was at Gas Work street, Pettah, had large tanks similar to those at petroleum, but these were in two halves with one side open and kept open end up while the other slipped in with open end downwards, free to slide up & down on a spiral railing on rollers. This I believe is to maintain pressure. This road may have got the name because of this company. Now this premises is no more as there is a road connecting Saunder’s place.
The taller post on your picture are the vent pipes of the drainage net work of the city. It is in these columns that carry the name of the manufacture - HAM BAKER
& Co Ltd.(you have got this incorrect).
I doubt very much bringing them to life again. As much as the tramcar.