Oct. 25, The longest bridge so far built in Sri Lanka, linking the Northern and Eastern Province across the 'Mahaveli River' at Manampitiya was declared open today.

The foundation stone to construct this bridge was laid when President Mahinda Rajapaksa was serving as the Prime Minister of the country two years ago. The Bridge 302 m. in length, 10.4 meters wide is located at the 81st kilometer of Maradankadawala, Habarana-Thrikkundiyadimadu road in the Pollonnaruwa district.

This has been built at a cost of Rs.1.3 billion. With help from the Japan international co-operation agency, on the request of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena, who was earlier the Mahaveli Minister. This is a gift to Sri Lanka by Japanese Government on the request of Minister Mithreepala Sirisena to strengthen the bond between Japan and Sri Lanka.

(Picture by Sudath Silva)