Authorities have moved to expedite the restoration of the historic Halaba Bridge in the Badulla district, which connects the Hali Ela and Uva Paranagama areas and is now in a structurally unsafe condition.
Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna conducted a special inspection of the site on May 24 to coordinate arrangements for its rehabilitation.
The bridge, more than 100 years old, is a recognised archaeological monument built with iron supports and wooden planks. Years of neglected maintenance have left several planks deteriorated and the structure weakened. Despite the safety risks, local residents continue to use it.
Uva Provincial authorities have allocated Rs. 5 million through the Provincial Ministry of Tourism for immediate conservation work. Additional funding is expected under disaster rehabilitation plans following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused further damage across affected areas late last year.
The restoration is the latest recovery effort in a district still rebuilding from the cyclone, where the government has been releasing housing relief in phases. Officials have not given a timeline for completion of the conservation work.
