High Commission of India

Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Inauguration of Bailey Bridge under India’s USD 450 Million Assistance Package in the Central Province

A 120-foot Bailey Bridge on the B-492 Kandy–Ragala Road was jointly inaugurated by Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Hon. Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Member of Parliament, under India’s Post-Ditwah Reconstruction Assistance. The newly commissioned bridge restores a vital road link and strengthens connectivity for communities in the region. It re-establishes an essential transport corridor critical for passenger movement, the supply of essential goods, and the revival of local economic activity. 

2. This is the second Bailey Bridge on the Kandy–Ragala Road constructed under India’s USD 450 million Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Assistance to Sri Lanka. It follows the launch of a 100-foot Bailey Bridge on the Kandy-Ragala Road (KM-21) on 10 January 2026, jointly inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Hon. (Dr.) Prasanna Gunasena, and the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna. 
   
   
3. The project forms part of India’s reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance extended to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused severe disruptions to connectivity due to landslides and the collapse of existing bridges. The newly commissioned Bailey Bridges have significantly improved access and mobility for communities in the affected areas, particularly in challenging hilly terrain. These restoration efforts are being undertaken in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development Authority (RDA). 
   
   
4. In the next phase, additional Bailey bridges will be constructed over the coming weeks to ensure comprehensive restoration of connectivity across all affected areas. 

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Colombo 

21 January 2026