Sri Lanka has five large-scale stone bridges that are worth seeing. In ancient Sri Lanka, the basic needs of the people were met by their local communities, which served as a social network.

Instead of traveling vast distances, the majority of them choose to go inside the village, and most of their journeys are undertaken on foot. Thus, they were opposed to the establishment of convenient transportation facilities connecting settlements.

They do, however, desire a more extensive and convenient road network in their administrative and economic areas. During the Anuradhapura period, the main administrative centers can be recognized as Anuradhapura and the Magama in the Ruhuna region.

A road connecting Anuradhapura and Magama was required in order to carry out the activities between these two locations. There were three significant ports in Sri Lanka during this time period.

As previously stated, the port of Jumbukolapattana was located in Jaffna, with Mathota now being served by the Mannar and Gokanna as Trincomalee. During the Anuradhapura period, these ports can be characterized as the most important commercial centers.

In ancient Sri Lanka, the basic needs of the people were met by their local communities, which served as a social network. They were opposed to convenient transportation facilities connecting settlements. A road connecting Anuradhapura and Magama was required in order to carry out activities.

When traveling along the Anuradhapura-Dambakolapatuna route, we can see several ancient stone bridges over the Malwathuoya and the canal, which originates from the reservoir and is known as Galpalama (Galpalama means “beginning from the reservoir”) (stone Bridge).
According to archaeological evidence, the Mahakanadarawa ancient bridge is the best-preserved ancient bridge from the Anuradhapura period. In order to cross the Kanadarawa River, this stone was erected. This road has been in the area between Anuradhapura and Gokanna for quite some time (Trincomalee).

By examining the ancient bridges, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical abilities possessed by ancient Sri Lankans. By observing those ancient bridges, people can get knowledge about how to design roads today.
When it comes to the old bridge of Mahakanadarawa, the length is 80 feet and the breadth is 10 feet, respectively. The bridge is supported on the riverbed by 42 columns measuring 12 by 12 inches in size. The bridge is made of concrete.

In this particular instance, 14 stone beams measuring ten feet in length have been laid across the river. On the bridge, we can see that its thickness ranges between six and eight inches. Near the Ratmale, you may find the ruins of another bridge, which is called Yan Oya.

However, it is not as well kept as the Mahakanadarawa Bridge. People, as well as elephants, have benefited from the construction of this bridge. Elephants have been sustained by this bridge, which varies in breadth and length, as well as in strength, depending on the conditions.

In ancient Sri Lanka, the basic needs of the people were met by their local communities, which served as a social network. They were opposed to convenient transportation facilities connecting settlements. A road connecting Anuradhapura and Magama was required in order to carry out activities.

When looking back in time in Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura had a well-structured road network, which is something to be proud of. The Malwathuoya River is crossed by another significant stone bridge, which was built in the same year. This one is in close proximity to the twin ponds (kutttampokuna).

It may be reached by traveling roughly 4 kilometers from the town of Anuradhapura. However, you can only view a portion of the bridge from this vantage point. Traveling further down the same road, you will come across another stone bridge named Halpan Ela gal palama, which is located in the historic city of Anuradhapura, close to the Twin Ponds.

Continue on this route until you reach another stone bridge called Halpan Ela gal palama. The Halpan Ela was crossed by this bridge, which was built in 1997.

Unfortunately, most guides and locals failed to notice these crucial structures built by our forefathers, owing to a general lack of understanding of the significance of this elder creature. In this artwork, you may get a sense of how ancient Sinhalese people used their technological skills to create this masterpiece.

We should be proud of and protect these structures that were built by our ancestors, the Sinhalese. They possessed the necessary expertise to design this road network in the absence of technology resources at the time.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura had a well-structured road network, which is something to be proud of. The Malwathuoya River is crossed by another significant stone bridge, which was built in the same year. This one is in close proximity to the twin ponds (kutttampokuna).

Image Credit: Wiki