Fate of Peradeniya's 'Black Bridge' to be Decided Today

 The railway bridge, commonly known as the 'Black Bridge,' constructed across the Mahaweli River between Peradeniya and Sarasavi Uyana railway stations, has suffered severe damage due to the recent disaster. Initial observations indicate that the bridge is in such a critical condition that it may not even be possible to repair it.

General Manager of Railways, Mr. Ravindra Padmapriya, stated that although the current condition of the bridge has been observed, the accurate and final decision regarding it is expected to be made today.

Further actions will be decided after technical evaluations regarding the practical feasibility of carrying out repair work.

However, in light of this situation, the Railway Department is focusing on developing this railway system, which spans the Mahaweli River in the Peradeniya area, as a double track.


Mr. Ravindra Padmapriya, General Manager of the Railway Department, said that while observations indicate the bridge is beyond repair, a precise decision can be made regarding it.

“We expect to decide from Monday how the tilted section of the bridge can be reconstructed. Plans will proceed accordingly. Most likely, we plan to move forward with a new bridge. We are planning to build it as a double track. This is because temporary maintenance of this bridge is not in a very suitable condition.”