Ulapane bridge

In the past, the Mahaweli river had to be crossed by boat to travel from Ulapane to Kotmale. One such ferry was at Pallegama in Passage, Nawalapitiya. Shortly after the British occupation of the Kandyan area, plantation crops such as coffee, tea and rubber were introduced by the British. The need to construct a bridge was felt to cross over Mahaweli Ganga at Ulapane. A site at Mahawatura close to Ulapane, having a narrow stretch along the Mahaweli river, was selected for the construction of a bridge by the Department of Public Works in 1903. This bridge with arch-shaped structures measured 66.46 metres (216 ft.) in length and 3.08 metres (10 ft.) in width. The arches are found in the centre portion of the bridge. This bridge was opened to the public on 2nd November 1904.

The total cost of construction was Rs. 69,975.

With the experience gained during this construction, the bridge at Peradeniya was constructed in 1905. A new bridge has been built under the Kotmale project a short distance below the bridge. Hence, this bridge has gone out of use. This is a monument that deserves protection.

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P65)

Unique Sri Lanka

Ulapane Fool's Bridge (Upside Down Bridge)

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