President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed Secretary to the Ministry of Highways RWR Pemasiri to take steps to construct a new bridge to access the Pigeon Island in Matara.
The bridge over the Pigeon Island had been in a dilapidated state for a long time and had collapsed with people on it last morning.
Ven. Omare Kassapa Thero had informed the President that a situation had arisen where he is unable to enter the island at present. The island is also a popular destination for local and foreign tourists.
Officials of the State Development & Construction Corporation are scheduled to visit the Pigeon Island this morning to inspect the construction work and the government expects to complete the construction of the bridge within six months.
