President takes quick action over 'Paravi Duwa' Bridge Collapse

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways to construct a new bridge connecting the Pigeon Island and the Matara Beach, the President's Media Division said. The steel bridge connecting Pigeon Island and Matara collapsed on Friday (4), while people were crossing the bridge. Ven. Omare Kassapa Thero had informed the President that it has become impossible to reach Pigeon Island as the bridge connecting it to the mainland collapsed after being in a dilapidated condition for a long time, the PMD noted. The island which houses a temple of the Siam Sect is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists. The officials of the State Development & Construction Corporation are scheduled to visit the site on Saturday (5) morning to inspect the construction work. The construction work of the bridge is expected to be completed within six months, the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways noted.