The regional expansion of vintage motor cars imported to Sri Lanka in the latter part of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century

Abstract

The latter part of the19th century could be considered as the beginning of considerable changes, taken place within Sri Lankan history. An import export economy came into being where the then economy which was mainly based on agriculture, introduced by the British who came to Sri Lanka in 1815, was changed. In that aspect the infrastructure facilities, the communication system and also the modes of transportation were developed. Development achieved in the field of transportation seems to be most outstanding. The traditional or existing transportation system was more or less primitive and it was restricted mainly to walking, riding on animals, dolawa etc. However in the latter part of 19th century, the motor car which is a product of modern technology started to find its roots in the island. Hence a unique situation was created in the establishment of this island. Different social stratus in the island embraced this motor car. It is understood that the motor car in particular became quite popular even within varying regional circumstances. A system had been introduced in the registration of motor vehicles from 1928 onwards where a letter from A to Z was allocated to each province, Sri Lanka having been divided into 26 provinces. In this research paper, it is expected to present as to how the vehicles imported to Sri Lanka were regionally distributed based on 400 vintage motor cars imported during the latter part of the 19th century taking into account research carried out for five years