Sepala Amarasiri’s home was close to the Colombo-upcountry two track railway line close to the Polgahawela Railway Station. He lived with his wife and three children. That day, his wife and the two elder children were busy, watering the plants and packing a few bags. Sepala was expected early from his office in Colombo. They were going to Mrs. Amarasiri’s mother's home in Bandarawela for the long weekend. They were to take the night mail from Polgahawela.
Anura, the youngest in the family was watching. His tired mother, aiya and akka were fast asleep after a quick lunch. Two-and-a-half year old Anura was in smiles. Wow! Home alone. The front door was open. Anura wobbled through the gate and struggled towards the railway track.
The Udarata Menike was late. It was speeding to Colombo Fort. A slow train to Polgahawela was on the other track. Little Anura was fascinated. He loved to watch the trains. Today he had no one to carry him or hold him. He got on to the track.
Sindu and Bindu were two stray dogs who were very popular in the neighbourhood, at times a nuisance. They saw Anura “Look, our little Anura is on the railway line. His brother and sister love him, so do their parents. Quick! we must do something.
There is no time to call anyone. Anura was on the track on which the Udarata Menike was speeding. He was thrilled to see the iron monster rushing towards him. The crew was a bundle of nervous wrecks. They kept on horning. Spoke to the guards, and to the crew of the slow train coming towards them on the other track. Passengers were shouting.
Our little Anura was seated on the track quite unaware of the prayers and the almost impossibility of bringing the train to a halt before coming to the spot.
Bindu and Sindu got on the track and amidst shrieks, clutched the clothes of Anura and pulled him out of the track. An angry Anura was hitting the two dogs. They dragged him to a distance and held on to him, unconcerned about the beatings.
The train passed the spot before screeching to a stop. More or less all the passengers were on the track with the crew. The slow train had the time to stop before the lethal spot. A solitary figure approached the spot. The figure was Amarasiri coming home from Colombo in the train.
Anura’s mother, sister and brother were at the spot. Amarasiri ran up to them. Sindu and Bindu released their grip. Moved to a side as if to say “Everything is a big bow bow” from us saying “Mission accomplished”, Amarasiri embraced the two heroes.
Little Anura was cuddled by a weeping mother, brother and sister. The railway crew members and many passengers were in tears while caressing our doggies.
Amarasiri told the railway personnel about their trip to Bandarawela by the night mail. In the evening, a high ranking railway officer visited Amarasiri's home. He said, "Here are the two heroes. Our heroes are also invited to travel in the berth. The berth has been arranged to accommodate them, our distinguished invitees."
Late that evening, Amarasiri and family were at the Polgahawela Railway Station. The station was teaming with a happy crowd. Sindu and Bindu were the star attraction. All admired their quiet and friendly attitude.
The night-mail arrived. In it were the General Manager of Railways and many railway personnel.
Also many officers from the Department Amarasiri was attached to. Then a surprise. The Hon Minister and family too were there. There were lots and lots of tears, smiles and love that day at the Polgahawela Station.
The train started. Lots of cheering. There were receptions at every stop. A happy and an unforgettable weekend.
Sepala Amarasiri returned with the joyful family comprising Malini, three children and the added family members Sindu and Bindu.