Restoration work on the historic Kabellawatta old stone bridge along the Rambukkana–Mawanella main road has reached its final stage, according to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development.

The Rambukkana–Mawanella road is slated for future development into a dual carriageway in parallel with the Central Expressway project, making the restoration of the bridge a critical requirement. 

Construction work was undertaken during periods when train services were suspended, allowing uninterrupted progress.

Authorities said the original stone bridge has been removed, with plans to construct a replica at an adjacent location to preserve its heritage value.

The project is being carried out with the joint intervention of the Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Railways Department, and the Department of Archaeology. 

Once completed, the bridge will facilitate both rail and road transport: trains will run over the restored structure, while vehicles will pass underneath.

The MInistry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development said that completion is expected by November 2026. (Newswire)

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Restoration work on the historic Elahera Anicut commenced on Sunday (10) under the national programme “Wari Mahima – Our Heritage”. 

The project was launched with the participation of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Deputy Minister of Housing Construction and Water Supply T.B. Sarath.

The Elahera Anicut, a world heritage site severely damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, is being restored in its initial phase with an estimated allocation of Rs. 309,144,000.

Speaking at the event, Minister Lal Kantha stressed the importance of paddy cultivation in the Polonnaruwa District, noting that 90 per cent of the area depends on rice farming.

He assured farmers that sufficient fertilizer stocks have already been imported and distribution for the Yala season has begun through agrarian service centres, with private institutions also authorized to distribute supplies.

The minister further stressed the need for economic diversification among farmers. “If a farmer can rear even five dairy cows, it is valuable. We must look at alternative income sources instead of relying solely on paddy cultivation. Income diversification is essential,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Army has commenced restoration of the steps that had become unsafe in the Mahagiridamba area along the main access route to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) due to the disaster situation in the country, to facilitate safe access for devotees.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage season for this year commenced on 04 December 2025, but the steps along the route have become unsafe due to landslides that occurred in the area due to extreme weather.

Accordingly, the Army promptly deployed troops for restoration work with effect from 11 December 2025. 

At present, around 400 troops are engaged in restoration work, providing the necessary assistance to transport construction materials to the site through difficult terrain.

According to an Army statement, the 300 mm side wall has been fully completed, while construction of the 500 mm wall reached approximately 90% completion on 31 December 2025. 

The main retaining wall is presently under construction, with around 65% of the work completed, and the handrail is also approximately 70% completed.

The Sri Lanka Army states that the project is expected to be completed by 05 January 2026. (Newswire)

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