Minister Bimal Rathnayake on Saturday (13) inspected the “Yaka Palama” bridge in Peradeniya, Kandy District, which was damaged due to the recent extreme weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
During the visit, the minister stressed the need for an urgent damage assessment of the bridge, noting that debris and waste accumulated around the structure must be removed promptly to facilitate a proper technical evaluation.
Rathnayake held discussions with officials from several institutions, including the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, Department of Conservation, Sri Lanka Railways, Road Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, on coordinated interventions required to clear debris from the area.
He emphasised the importance of obtaining a rapid assessment report on damage to the bridge’s foundation and instructed officials to take immediate steps to remove the remaining waste obstructing inspection work.
An Italian delegation involved in disaster management operations in Sri Lanka also met the minister at the site during the inspection.
Authorities said further decisions on repairs and safety measures would be taken once the damage assessment is completed. (Newswire)