THE newly constructed Mannar bridge and renovated causeway are ready to be opened after 97 percent of the construction work is complete.
The bridge and causeway construction project commenced in 2007 aiming to be completed this year.
JICA and the Sri Lankan Government have jointly allocated Rs. 2,460 million for the project. However due to LTTE terrorist activities, the construction process couldn’t commence in 2007 and construction was delayed by six months. It began only in 2008.
The old bridge had been blasted by the LTTE aiming to make an obstacle to the advancing security forces personnel.
However, Security Forces personnel were able to reconstruct a temporary bridge and provide an entry point to the Mannar island.
While the construction project was being done, terrorists attacked the site with mortars. Security Forces personnel encouraged the construction crew by providing security.
“Mannar was regarded as a difficult area. But now the area cannot be considered as such since this Government has done a great service to uplift the living standards of the people by carrying out various development projects,” Senior Provincial Engineer for Mannar and Vavuniya J. Cruze said. (Courtesy: Daily News)
