SHOWCASE OF ENGINEERING SKILLS BY CORPS OF ENGINEERS IN EXPEDITIOUS ALTERNATIVE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AT PIGEON ISLAND MATARA

As per the directions given by the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General LHSC Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil troops of Corps of Engineers constructing an alternative bridge linking the Pigeon Island and Matara town. The alternative bridge facilitates the movement of pilgrims to the Pigeon Island temple which was hindered due to collapse of the bridge linking the Pigeon Island and Matara town on 04 March 2022.

With the directions and expertise engineering guidance of the Chief Field Engineer Major General WMGCSB Wijayasundara RSP USP ndu, General Officer Commanding Engineer Division Major General MK Jayawardena RSP USP ndu and the Commander General Engineer Brigade Brigadier PPA Perera psc Hdmc troops of 12 Field Engineer Regiment initiated and commenced construction of alternative concrete bridge on 05 March 2022. This national endeavour continues with the active contribution of officers and troops from Sri Lanka Engineers. The bridge is constructed using hume pipes and electric posts with expanding the support span of 340 feet and width of 03 feet.

12 Field Engineer Regiment drives the construction work with expertise engineering assistance and tremendous contribution of Officers and Other Ranks from 14 CBRN Regiment, 16 Workshop Regiment, 4(V) Engineer Regiment and 12 (V) ESR. Further troops of 613 Infantry Brigade and 3(V) GW are providing their valuable manpower expanding the support for the construction work. The commendable effort of Sapper troops highly appreciated by the local government authorities and the public of the area.