Ruins of Palugaswewa Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Kala Oya – පලුගස්වැව පුරාණ ගල් පාලම නටබුණ්

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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.

Outside the more popular stone bridges over Malwathu Oya and Halpan Oya, ruins of few other bridges have been discovered. There may be many more still  undiscovered stone bridges across the unknown ancient routes.

As you travel along the Yodha Ela originating from Kala Wewa Reservior towards the famous Avukana Buddha Statue, you will come across the Hondungama four way junction after passing the Avukana Statue. Turning right at this small roundabout leads to the small town of Hiripitiyagama. Traveling a little over an kilometer along this road will bring you to the bridge over Kala Oya also originating from Kala Wewa. Taking the gravel road to right just before the bridge and traveling about 600 meters upstream from the bridge lies indications of an ancient stone bridge across Kala Oya. This bridge had connected Alubedda and Palugaswewa across Kala Oya. Ruins of another older stone bridge lies a further 200 meters upstream known as Alubedda Stone Bridge

These ruins lies in the left bank belong to the Aluth Udagama in Alubedda GS division belonging to Galenwa PS division which in turn belongs to Anuradhapura district.

Not much of the ruins are found at the site. Some rock pillars can be seen scattered around the waters. Few broken pillars can be seen still standing on the right bank of Kala Oya. The bridge has been built at a much narrow point compared to Alubedda bridge. The location has been selected due to a rock surface running across the bottom of Kala Oya providing a solid foundation to the bridge. Due to the absolute lack of any pillars of slabs at the Alubedda Bridge, it is assumed that any remaining pillars and slabs would have been re purposed for this bridge.

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

Note that the location shown below on the Google Map is approximate based on the provided directions.

References

• පුරාණ ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ශෛලමය පාලම් නිර්මාණ කිහිපයක් සහ එහි තාක්ෂණය පිලිබඳ මූලික විමසුමක් – ආචාර්ය චන්දන රෝහණ විතානාච්චි
• Ancient Irrigation System of Dry and Intermediate Zones as Revealed from Ancient Canals – Dr. C.R. Withanachchi

Also See

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

Map of the Ruins of Palugaswewa Gal Palama over Kala Oya

Traveling Directions to the Ruins of Palugaswewa Gal Palama over Kala Oya