pigeon island access bridge at Matara collapses injuring several tourists

By Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

The bridge on the access road to Paravi Duwa Uposathagara temple in Matara collapsed into the sea all of a sudden while several tourists were visiting the Paravi Duwa temple.

Police said 60 tourists had been injured and that they were provided free treatment at the Matara Cooperative hospital. 

An urgent meeting of the Matara District Development Committee to look into the disaster had been convened by Charman Nipuna Ranawaka. The committee decided to erect a temporary bridge within two days with the help of the army.

Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways to construct a new bridge. The Chairman of the District Development Committee said the project would be completed in six months.
Mahasangha including Ven. Omare Kassapa, Ven. Votoyala Indarathana, and Ven. Bengamuwe Wimala, Secretary to the Ministry of Highways R.W.R.Pemasiri, District Secretary Y.Wickremesiri, SSP Nishantha De Soysa , and  Divisional Secretary Kaushalya Kumari were present. Police said 60 tourists had been injured and that they were provided free treatment at the Matara Cooperative hospital.