Mawanella Brick Bridge

Mawanella town is located in the tropical greenish wetland region of Kegalle district, surrounded by a waterway called Ma oya running near the Mawanella town. the historical Mawanella brick bridge built across the Maoya in the British era during the colonial period.


This brick bridge commenced in 1832 and was completed in 1833 under the supervision of Captain Brown in the reign of Governor John Fester in that period. The brick bridge became famous and known for its unique constructional format, using mostly bricks all over the bridge, quite different from the other bridges in the near provinces. In the colonial period, British rulers wanted to be carried out in a smooth operational transport system regarding tea and coffee harvest from central Highlands to westlands, so this bridge expresses one of the iconic spots on that purpose.


The Mawanella bridge was 70 meters long and included 4 arches. each arch 15 m in length entirely from bricks. Special about this is not a nail or piece of iron used for this bridge, and even up to today it has not been repaired either. Apart from that, this bridge still plays a major role in transportation when it comes to Colombo-Kandy Way.


When you travel to Kandy or the middle mountains in the central province from the seaside or from the westlands through Kegalle, you can see this brick bridge located on the Colombo Kandy route at 89 km post. It's not only a bridge with testament to the engineering skills but also blended with picturesque scenery packed with Arjuna trees (kumbuk trees) with hanging bats and other birds also.


So Mawanella Brick Bridge is one of the best things to add to your bucket list, not only for a visit because it's a great spot for an evening walk and for photography too.