Opening of 9-arch bridge lighting project postponed indefinitely

23 November 2025 09:07 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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By Indika Sri Aravinda

Colombo, Nov.23 (Daily mirror) - The Central Cultural Fund has announced that the opening of the 9 Arch Bridge lighting project in Demodara has been postponed indefinitely due to issues involving the installation of electricity cables through private land.

Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Dr. Nilankure, said the delay arose after landowners objected to laying the electricity cables required to power the transformer constructed for illuminating the historic bridge and its surroundings.

He said that although an alternative plan to obtain the necessary cabling has been prepared, it remains a technically challenging task.

The project, initially scheduled for completion this month, has therefore been put on hold without a new opening date.

Dr. Nilankure added that the lighting initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a tourist zone around the Demodara 9 Arch Bridge, with the Central Cultural Fund and the Railway Department jointly preparing to launch the project as a partnership venture.

Comments - 15

Guppi Sunday, 23 November 2025 09:34 AM

So when they went their to lay cable only they realized the land owners wouldn't permit? What sort of feasibility study was done prior to wasting money and time, on a hypothetical project?

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Angna Kouross Sunday, 23 November 2025 09:58 AM

They can think of using LED as it consumes far less energy that can be powered with just from a large enough battery or a dynamo. The railway motion by trains may be harnessed to power it. Our educated engineers have so many possibilities but they're too lazy and depends too much on hydroelectricity.

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Najith Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:08 AM

Typical excuses from an inept President and his useless government

1 0

Juanis Perera Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:35 AM

LED lights coupled to solar panel system would be the best.

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Nihal J Sunday, 23 November 2025 10:42 AM

I would say this project should not be proceeded with since it would change the landscape entirely making the area like a township and the visitors would not see it unique but a modern set-up ..... In fact why should Tourist visit us if our country is changed similar to S'pore .... Policy makers should consider these aspects ... nj

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Ali Sunday, 23 November 2025 11:37 AM

I was really looking forward to this, to plan a train travel to Ella. If solar is technically feasible, can choose it. Anyway, why publicize the project when a project critical factor such as land owners issue not yet resolved? It seems, project stakeholders need a workshop on common sense

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Nihal S Sunday, 23 November 2025 01:45 PM

Why the Authorities not obtained the land owners consultation before the works commence? Who will be responsible for the wasted money? The Client has to pay the Contractor though expected result is not delivered.

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Ram P Sunday, 23 November 2025 01:55 PM

The bridge is old and have withstood everything for many decades. I do not know what maintenance action have been taken over the years. I wish if it is left the way it is without adding any lamp poles etc In the process of erecting lamp poles it can even damage the bridge. I am no engineer but this is my thinking

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Sana Sunday, 23 November 2025 02:07 PM

Just run it beside the track to the nearest road crossing. May not be the most efficient, but at least you won't have to make regular ongoing compensation payments to the land owners.

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johan Sunday, 23 November 2025 02:09 PM

Are they sure Solar power will not work

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wickrama Sunday, 23 November 2025 08:18 PM

IMHO, the bridge should be cealed-up and maintained properly. No additional development should be carried out, destroying the natural setting. It should be for the enjoyment of the rail passengers only instead of attempting to make this a 'Nine-Arch Village.'

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Mohan Sunday, 23 November 2025 08:30 PM

What about solar power on site? No need to lay cables then?

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R Navaratnam Sunday, 23 November 2025 09:22 PM

I do think, this is a waste of taxpayers money. Maintenance will be disaster. So, please reconsider.

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Cassie Sunday, 23 November 2025 11:05 PM

Use solar lights. Change the lighting design to creatively install it and highlight the features of the bridge.

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P Kunchithapathan Monday, 24 November 2025 06:35 AM

The historic Nine-Arch Bridge has long been a treasured tourist attraction. This initiative was long overdue, but better late than never. Illuminating such iconic heritage sites is essential to enhancing their beauty and drawing more visitors and tourists.

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