[2] It was the oldest and longest iron bridge in Sri Lanka.

[3] On average 10,000 vehicles crossed the narrow, single lane bridge daily.

[3] Accidents on the bridge would lead to traffic problems in the area.

In 1954 two American priests from St. Michael's College National School, Rev.

2.6 billion (US$20 million) and was financed by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency under the Pro-Poor Eastern Infrastructure Development Project.