Following a fatal accident near Polonnaruwa Manampitiya Kotaliya Bridge on 9th of July, the Sri Lanka Road Development Authority and other relevant authorities have implemented a necessary security program to reduce the frequency of accidents in the area.
The measures include reducing drivers’ excessive speed by using small asphalt blocks on both sides of the narrow bridge, replacing damaged road signs, danger signs, and control signs. P.L. Chandratilaka, an official with the Road Development Authority, confirmed these measures.
The accident resulted in the death of 11 people, and 41 people were admitted to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.
Prompted by the incident, a group of young community activists, including Attanakadawala Janathalankara Thero and the Registrar of Dimbulagala North Sasana Security Force, engaged in a protest yesterday (11). They called for permanent solutions for the unsafe Manampitiya Kotaliya bridge without plastering and urged the widening of this bridge as soon as possible to ensure passengers’ safety.
It was also revealed that Road Development Authority officials had informed political authorities on several occasions about the need to expand Manampitiya Kotaliya bridge and Gallalella bridge and the importance of attention to its safety.
