Disaster lurks on this old and famous bridge

The Badulla iron bridge was built over Badulla Oya during the period of British rule. When the Railway services were introduced to Badulla Town, this bridge became famous and useful, due to vehicles passing over this day and night, clearing goods from the goods shed. At the time most essential commodities were transported by rail from the capital city.

During the pre-Independence era, this bridge was under the care and management of the Ceylon Government Railway and was maintained very well. They attended to repairs when necessary, painting the bridge with black and white non-corrosive paint every six months.

After Independence, transporting of commodities by Railway to sub stations was reduced day by day due to improvement in the highway transport facilities. This change was the main cause for the state to neglect the Railway Department and its services. For the past 59 years this bridge has been neglected and today we can see that the base of the bridge has given way in many places, posing a threat to people and vehicles.

If preventive measures are not taken by the relevant authorities to rectify the dangerous state of this iron bridge, disaster to life and property may well happen in the near future.

By D. Sivarajah, Badulla