Watamadakandan Bridge declared open for community use in Thanamalwila
 

On the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Sri Lanka Navy has been implementing a wide range of community development programmes in different parts of the country. The Navy, being one of the frontline forces in undertaking programmes of national and communal interest, ceremonially declared open the Watamadakandan Bridge in Hambegamuwa, Thanamalwila on 15th of this month. The bridge was in ramshackle condition before the Navy carried out reconstruction work.

The situation of this bridge was first revealed by the Gammedda programme of Sirasa TV. Paying his serious cause of concern over this matter, the Commander of the Navy issued directives to the Navy’s Research and Development Unit to reconstruct this bridge which was in dilapidated condition. The financial allocation needed for the project was extended by the Development Lotteries Board and the Naval Civil Engineers under the leadership of then Command Civil Engineering Officer of South Eastern Naval Command, Lieutenant Commander KGTC Munasinghe carried out construction work of the bridge.

The residents in the area had endured a lot of hardships over the last 17 years as a result of the ramshackle bridge. Over 1,500 villagers of Kukulkatuwa and Rathambalagama have used this bridge in their daily chores. The Navy could finish all construction work of this bridge within a short time span of two months utilizing their manpower.

The significant feat of this project is that, the Navy could complete construction work of the new bridge of higher standard and durable, incurring less than Rs. 1.5 million. The citizens in the area highly appreciated the Naval Civil Engineers for making the villagers’ dream come true. Further, they also extended their profound thanks to the Commander of the Navy and Navy as a whole. The Sri Lanka Navy is determined to undertake a number of community service projects in the future as well.

Venerable Maha Sangha, senior officers, the General Manager of Development Lotteries Board, sailor and a large number of people from the area were also present on this significant occasion.