05th July 2021 23:18:34 Hours
Responding to a directive given by HE the President, technically-qualified troops of the 4 (V) Sri Lanka Engineer (SLE) Regiment within a few months erected an overhead bridge for Middeniya Primary School students, considering the safety of students who often cross the main road between the primary and the secondary school, situated astride of the main road.
In November 2020, during a visit undertaken by HE the President to the area, teachers and parents requested the President to get an overhead bridge done in front of both sections of the school since Middneiya - Panamura main road (B286) that runs across is heavily inundated with traffic and this has posed a threat to safety of children because of a few previous accidents that caused injury and loss of lives.
Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva instructed the Chief Field Engineer, Major General Nihal Amerasekara and the Commander, General Engineer Brigade Brigadier Dumindu Jayasinghe to undertake the construction of this overhead bridge as advised by HE the President and report to him upon completion.
Within a few days, Army Engineers visited the site and directed the Commanding Officer of the 4 (V) SLE Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel K Warahena and his troops to undertake the task and complete it. The construction work commenced on 18 November 2020 was headed by Captain Asitha Wijayabandara and his technical troops.
The overhead bridge in Middeniya high cost Rs. 16.4 million and is 17 m in length and 1.5m in width. The project was successfully completed on 27 June 2021 and remains ready for its use.
