Request for a good road to Uchchimunai Island

There is an urgent need of a good, motorable road to Uchchimunai Island

Pix and text by Pathma 

Kumari Kankanamge

Fr. Mathew Johnston Thamel

Residents of Uchchimunai island, the most populated of the Kalpitiya archipelago,  have requested for a road link between the island and the mainland.

They pointed  out that the only access road from Karakudawa fisheries village in the mainland to the island is the 28 km  narrow road about eight feet wide which undergoes erosion during the six month season of rough seas rendering it impassable. They said only four wheel drive double cabs and tractors ply on this sandy  road,  which turns into a marsh during heavy rain.

Prasident of Dutch Bay Fishermen’s Organisatin Dinesh Suranjana Fernando said Uchchimune island is of importance for several reasons.  He said  Uchchimunai Church is highly venerated by devotees all over the country and it is accessible by  sea, or by tractors along this road. 

“ Kirimundalama Sub Post Office and several schools have been located in this island, Students, teachers, Grama Niladharies, Development Officers and Public Health Officers often travel to this sisland. Fishermen have to transport fish harvested by them to land. In case of a sudden illness,  the patient has to be rushed to Puttlam hospital” He said.

“The consumption of fuel per trip by sea to the island is about 20 litres and the boatmen charge between Rs. 13,000 and Rs.15,000 for the journey to and fro. The journey by boat is a risky undertaking during the season of rought seas.”                       

Parish Priest of Vellankanni Church in Uchchimune Rev. Fr. Mathew Johnston Thamel said the people have been making repeated representations in this regard,  and any improvments to the road would be an investment for tourism as well. 

“This church is a place of religious worship and a tourist attraction as well. Local and foreign tourists often visit this church and they include Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Catholics as well. They spend days in the island. However,  they are facing hardship for want of an access road by land,” he added.