Alex is one of 29 thoroughbred horses that are currently part of Sri Lanka's Mounted Police Division and is a common sight during heavy traffic hours in the central part of Colombo as he works to keep the vehicles moving during the afternoon rush. Horses are perhaps an unusual tool for traffic control but it is a rich tradition with roots in Sri Lanka's colonial past.

The Mounted Division was started in 1921 at a time when the country was part of the British Empire and horses were the main mode of transport. The original building still stands today with its distinctive Dutch and British architecture and part of it is used as a stable.

The colonial heritage is apparent in almost every aspect of this division - from the archways of the building to the ceremonial duties carried out by the members.

Mounted Division Director Senior Superintendent of Police RanmalKodithuwakku explained to Xinhua that the department functions much like it did over 90 years ago when it first started. At the time the Mounted Division was a special unit under the British rule until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948.

"At that time records show there were eight European Mounted Sergeants and Constables that were trained equestrians. They were later promoted as Mounted Sub-Inspectors. In 1948 the equestrian section was re-organized and expanded. For the first time three Sri Lankan Sub Inspectors were trained. It was subsequently decided that young Sergeants and Constables would also be trained for this purpose," he said detailing the history of the Mounted Division.

Later in 1956 the proper Police Mounted Division was established with the strength of one Sub Inspector, two Police Sergeants and 22 Police Constables with 23 thoroughbred horses imported from Australia.

Senior Inspector of Police A.P Keerthiratne, who is one of the oldest members of the division, remembers in those early days with the Australian horses as being quite challenging. "They were bred for racing and therefore very spirited. Those horses were very fidgety in the traffic and would bolt at every opportunity."

However his first horse "Amber," which Keerthiratne was given in the early 1980s, is still his favorite, despite nearly 30 years of riding horses for the division and his eyes light up when he recalls the Australian gelding.

Nonetheless a policy decision was taken to import horses from France and the Netherlands since those breeds were seen to be more suitable for Sri Lankan requirements.

Within the last few years a shipment of Indian horses also added to the collection and a range of beautiful thoroughbreds is the result.