Crossroads of time: Saving Halloluwa footbridge-by Jonathan Frank

Older than the Independence of this country; the Halloluwa footbridge has spanned the churning muddy waters of the Mahaweli for more than eight decades.

In addition to connecting the villagers of Halloluwa and Dodanwala for many years, it was and still is, an iconic landmark in Kandy. With almost five stars.

Fallen into disrepair

Sadly, the bridge has fallen into disrepair over time. The planks have rotted and dropped off and the rusty rafters have given way—creating a major hazard for visitors.

In January 2017, a new bridge that can accommodate vehicles and pedestrians was opened by former President Maithripala Sirisena. Rendered obsolete, the Halloluwa footbridge is languishing for eight years in the newcomer’s shadow.

Just a nine-minute drive to Gannoruwa is another iconic suspension bridge; the Peradeniya Sangilli Palama connecting the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden and the Gannoruwa School of Agriculture. The Sangilli Palama is one of the Botanical Garden’s main attractions that visitors do not miss for a photo-op. Two pairs of 9.5-metre high steel pillars hold the steel cables of the 127 metre-long bridge. The bridge was built in 1931. The Peradeniya Sangilli Palama is currently closed for repair.

Kandy’s third historic footbridge is found in Lewalle. The Lewalle suspension bridge is now in disuse after a larger bridge for vehicles and pedestrians sent it into retirement much like Halloluwa.

These bridges are well known for things other than being used as crossovers. The Peradeniya Sangili Palama and Halloluwa footbridge mark the start and end of the Warathenna – Hakkinda Environmental Protection Area (EPA). The EPA is made up of a highly sensitive riparian ecosystem which includes the widest and the narrowest places in the Mahaweli River which include riverine islands at its widest meander.

The Warathenna – Hakkinda EPA is high in bio diversity. It’s a habitat for rare and threatened fauna and flora including plants for indigenous medicine. Also, the Dalada Maligawa’s annual pageant concludes with the iconic ‘water cutting’ ceremony not too far from the Halloluwa footbridge.

The Halloluwa ward comes under the Harispattuwa Local Government’s jurisdiction.

We spoke to the officials to find out what is being done regarding the footbridge’s dilapidated state. Krishantha Senaratne, the Chief Executive Officer of the local authority said they haven’t been informed about the footbridge’s derelict state and added that the Council was not functioning since members have not been elected. However, Senaratne acknowledged the gravity of the situation and admitted the footbridge’s importance as a tourist attraction.

For context, Sri Lanka hasn’t held a Local Government election since 2018.

The Sunday Observer spoke to officials of the Department of Local Government of the Central Province which said that the Councils could function but political representatives had so far not been elected to them. We made a further call to the Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary of Engineering Services who assured that this situation will be looked into.

While the local authorities show oversight, there are citizens who are fighting to preserve the things that add value to the community.

Amal Kumara Medagedara owns Samagi Cabs and Tours and his business is adjacent to the Halloluwa footbridge. He told the Sunday Observer that the bridge was in a bad state and has called on the Road Development Authority (RDA) for restoration work but to no avail.

Overgrown with weeds

“Many tourists come in search of this bridge but they can’t use it and we warn them not to go on it. It’s also overgrown with weeds. It’s generally in good condition; you just have to fix the planks. We told the RDA to refurbish the bridge and put ticket kiosks for visitors, so that a walk on the bridge could generate an income and cover the cost of maintenance but nobody pays heed to this suggestion”, he added.

Amal said the RDA had asked for a written request about a month ago but he didn’t have time to accede to it. “It’s a scenic spot and can make good money. I think this bridge will share the same fate as the one in Lewella,” he said adding that he was ready to invest half of his own money to restore the bridge if the Government is open to a partnership.

The Halloluwa footbridge, just like many historic landmarks stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era and the pressing need for preservation in the present. Its state of disrepair reflects not just the erosion of physical infrastructure but also a neglect of cultural and environmental heritage.

While the local authorities and Government Departments appear mired in administrative delays, passionate citizens such as Amal offer a glimmer of hope. Their dedication underscores the potential for public-private partnerships in safeguarding these treasures.