A BRIDGE OF HOPE: A Lifeline for Sri Lanka’s Struggling Villages

COLOMBO(News 1st): We live in an extraordinary age. One marked by rapid development and progress that none of our ancestors have experienced. Modern technology and innovative processes have made our lives faster, simpler, and more connected. Yet, despite these remarkable strides, the benefits have not reached every corner of the globe. In countless rural regions, where a majority of the world's population still lives, millions remain untouched by this wave of progress. Many of them face harsh realities in the form of extreme poverty and unmet basic needs.

This reality is even more striking in countries like Sri Lanka, where stories of contrast constantly emerge. Rideemaliyadda, Koleyaya, and Eldeniya are three picturesque villages located in Badulla, deep in the heart of Sri Lanka. Agriculture is what sustains these communities, as it has done for generations. But, behind the lush tapestry of the region, lies a stark truth - one of hardship and struggle.

Infrastructure is a vital component of a nation's development. It extends far beyond bustling cities and commercial hubs. Sir Isaac Newton very famously said, "We build too many walls and not enough bridges". The lack of this proverbial "bridge" is a live reality for the locals of Rideemaliyadda, Koleyaya, and Eldeniya, ridding them of an opportunity to cross over to a brighter, more stable future.

For decades, over 600 residents of the 3 villages have faced a daily struggle some of us might find unimaginable: they have no proper bridge to cross the Kuda Oya River, the body of water that cuts through their land. Each day is a struggle for them, finding makeshift methods to make their way across.

During the rainy season, it is a perilous task. Schoolchildren, elders, and others alike risk their safety to go about their daily tasks, braving the currents. The alternative route for children to reach their school is a 12 km long detour, which exhausts them even before reaching the classroom. 

For farmers in the area, the lack of a bridge isn't merely a missing piece of infrastructure. It is a threat to their livelihoods. After toiling hard for months to reap a considerable harvest they look forward to bringing it to the market, hoping to fetch a fair price for their efforts. The challenge of navigating across the river threatens the quality and safety of their produce. 

'Gammadda', Sri Lanka's largest rural community development initiative identified this urgent need and saw an opportunity to give these communities a better life. The story of these villages and their daily struggle first came to light during the Gammadda 'Door to Door' initiative. Through this program our teams explore the length and breadth of Sri Lanka to identify, highlight and address various hardships endured by everyday Sri Lankans. 

When we came across this village and saw their struggles, we knew something had to change. And so, we got to work. The foundation stone to construct a brand new bridge was laid only a few months ago with the generous financial aid of Speedmark Transportation Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. 

Today (08), Managing Director of Speedmark Transportation Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sunil Malawana and Gammadda Leader of the Gammadda Movement, Chevaan Daniel unveiled the “Unity Bridge”, the cheers and excitement of all the locals filled the air. For them, this bridge is more than a simple structure. It represents a new pathway - a pathway to opportunity, security and one where they do not have to risk their lives daily just to reach the other side. 

It was a powerful reminder of why Gammadda was born - to be an initiative for the people, by the people.