User:Pooja Ekanayake/sandbox

Stone Bridge - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura in the Cultural Triangle area of Sri Lanka, this has been built over the Malwathu Oya where it passes the village of Permiyankulama.

Only a part of this ruined bridge exists today and it has been dated back to the 5-9 centuries.

As folklore states, during the reign of King Dewanampiyatissa when Bhikkuni Sangamitta arrived from Dambakolapattana (India) with the sapling of the Jaya Shri Maha Bodhi under which Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment, the King built this bridge for her to travel to Anuradhapura.

This stone bridge measures 10 feet in width and a horse carriage could easily get through. It is situated well above spill level and 9 granite pillars still stand today.

This ancient stone bridge lies just about 100 meters from the Abayagiri Vihara complex, down the Kuttampokuna-Galpalama (B509) road.

Situated in a highly scenic surrounding this is a must-visit when in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura was the first real capital of Sri Lanka over two thousand two hundred years ago. The road network was in a highly developed stated during this era, with major roads leading to Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna and the southern kingdoms from Anuradhapura. These roads were not only used for foot traffic but carts carrying goods traveling on trade and commercial activities. With the development of the road network, the ancient kings built sturdy bridges out of granite slabs and pillars. Ruins in various bridges around Anuradhapura can be found across Malwathu Oya, Hal Pan Ela, Kandara Oya, Yan Oya, Kala Oya and Deduru Oya.

'''The road leading to Perimiyankulama Gal Palama is located close to the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds). Traveling 3,4 kms from Sangamitta Mawatha, passing some picturesque paddy fields, you can reach the point where this ancient stone bridge crosses the Mawathu Oya.'''

Only a part of this stone bridge can be seen today. Stone slabs are laid across rows of 3 stone pillars. There have been attempt to restore this bridge in the recent past but work has been abruptly stopped in 2001. But recent visit showed the bridge conserved to a great extent. This stone bridge has been dated to 5-9th centuries.

There are at number of stone bridges discovered in Sri Lanka. These are in various states while some have been conserved to an extent. The most popular is the bridge over the Malwathu Oya.

01.Stone Bridge over Malwathu Oya (Anuradhapura) 02.Stone Bridge over Halpan Ela (Anuradhapura) 03.Stone Bridge close to Mahakanadarawa Reservoir (Mihintale) 04.Stone Bridge at the Girihandu Seya (Tiriyaya) 05.Kayankerni Stone Bridge (Eastern Province) 06.Habagama Stone Bridge 07.Yanoya Stone Bridge 08.Weliela Mankada Stone Bridge 09.Palamgala Stone Bridge 10.Alubedda Stone Bridge 11.Palugaswewa Stone Bridge 12.Thirappane Stone Bridge 13.Ebawalapitiya Stone Bridge 14.Thulawelliya Stone Bridge

Driving Directions to Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya at Anuradhapura Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttalam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura Through : Negombo – Chillaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo :213 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through

Route 02 from colombo to Anuradhapura Through : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo :213 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through

Route 03 kandy to anuradhapura Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :139 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map

Route from Anuradhapura Railway Station to Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya Distance : 8 km Travel time : 15 minutes Driving directions : see on google map