Perimiyankulama Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya – Anuradhapura – අනුරාධපුර පෙරියන්කුලම මල්වතු ඔය ගල් පාලම

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Anuradhapura was the first real capital of Sri Lanka over two thousand two hundred years ago. The road network was in a highly developed stated during this era, with major roads leading to Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna and the southern kingdoms from Anuradhapura. These roads were not only used for foot traffic but carts carrying goods traveling on trade and commercial activities. With the development of the road network, the ancient kings built sturdy bridges out of granite slabs and pillars. Ruins in various bridges around Anuradhapura can be found across Malwathu Oya, Hal Pan Ela, Kandara Oya, Yan Oya, Kala Oya and Deduru Oya.

The road leading to Perimiyankulama Gal Palama is located close to the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds). Traveling 3,4 kms from Sangamitta Mawatha, passing some picturesque paddy fields, you can reach the point where this ancient stone bridge crosses the Mawathu Oya.

Only a part of this stone bridge can be seen today. Stone slabs are laid across rows of 3 stone pillars. There have been attempt to restore this bridge in the recent past but work has been abruptly stopped in 2001. But recent visit showed the bridge conserved to a great extent.  This stone bridge has been dated to 5-9th centuries.

There are at number of stone bridges discovered  in Sri Lanka. These are in various states while some have been conserved to an extent. The most popular is the bridge over the Malwathu Oya.

1. Stone Bridge over Malwathu Oya (Anuradhapura)
2. Stone Bridge over Halpan Ela (Anuradhapura)
3. Stone Bridge close to Mahakanadarawa Reservoir (Mihintale)
4. Stone Bridge at the Girihandu Seya  (Tiriyaya)
5. Kayankerni Stone Bridge  (Eastern Province)
6. Habagama Stone Bridge
7. Yanoya Stone Bridge
8. Weliela Mankada Stone Bridge
9. Palamgala Stone Bridge
10. Alubedda Stone Bridge
11. Palugaswewa Stone Bridge
12. Thirappane Stone Bridge
13. Ebawalapitiya Stone Bridge
14. Thulawelliya Stone Bridge

Also See

• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

• Anuradhapura – The city of the God King

Map of Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya

Driving Directions to Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Malwathu Oya at Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttalam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).