The bridge was built in 1833 in Mawanella over the Maha Oya.

[2][3][4] In 1820 the British commenced construction of the Colombo - Kandy Road, under the orders of the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton.

The construction of the road was supervised by Captain William Francis Dawson.

Construction of the bridge commenced in 1832 and was completed in 1833.

[5] The bridge was formally recognised by the Government as an protected archaeological site on 1 November 1996.