Halaba Steel Bridge

The Halaba Steel Bridge is a remarkable structure located in the small village of Halaba, near Hali-Ela in the Badulla district. This bridge spans the Uma Oya, between the Uva Paranagama and Hali-Ela areas. Measuring 372 feet in length, the bridge is built at one of the widest points of the Uma Oya, which is approximately 300 feet wide and 25–40 feet deep. The bridge’s ends are 10 feet wide, while the middle section narrows to 6–8 feet.

Constructed entirely of steel, the Halaba Bridge was completed in 1919 during the British colonial era. It is segmented into three parts, each 124 feet long. A small plate on the bridge indicates it was manufactured at a government plant in 1919. However, the purpose of building such a massive bridge in a remote area without any road connections remains a mystery.

Some folks suggests that the bridge was originally intended for Halawatha (Chilaw) but was mistakenly installed in Halaba due to the similarity in names. This unusual structure features wooden sleepers laid across it to facilitate foot traffic.

To reach the Halaba Bridge from Hali-Ela, one must take the Ketawela Road towards the Bogoda Bridge and continue for about 2.2 km before turning onto the Nikagolla-Ketawala Road. From there, a challenging 6 km journey, suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles, leads to the bridge. Alternatively, from Uva Paranagama, travelers can take the Welimada-Uva Paranagama Maspanna Road, turning at Bambarapana Junction onto the Maha Kumbura Road, and continue for 10 km, with the last 3 km being particularly difficult.

The Halaba Steel Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering feats of the British era and remains a curious landmark due to its location and construction.