This important infrastructure project involved the design of a 53m arch bridge outside the town of Ratnapura, famous as Sri Lanka’s gemstone capital. The bridge crosses a deep ravine and is the main pedestrian and vehicular route between the Kahawatte-Embilipittya road and the National College of Education at Wellandura. Its construction has had a hugely beneficial effect on the local community, reducing the travelling time from the college to the main road by at least half an hour and easing congestion on the existing link road.

Buro Happold was selected to carry out the concept and detailed design. The bridge, which supports a pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete deck, is a landmark structure as it is the first arch bridge to be built in Sri Lanka. It was decided from the outset that the construction materials chosen should be inexpensive and readily available on the island.

Ratnapura Bridge was an aid funded project with finance provided by the International Development Agency and the World Bank.