Peradeniya 4-Span Railway Bridge (Yaka Palama) – Damage Assessment and Restoration

During Cyclone Ditwah–induced flooding in November 2025, the Peradeniya 4-Span Railway Bridge sustained significant damage, leading to the suspension of railway operations.
The Peradeniya Railway Bridge, commonly known as the Yaka Palama, is located approximately 350 m
from the Peradeniya Railway Station towards Kandy, at an elevation of about 1,500 ft (457 m) above mean sea level. The bridge comprises four simply supported spans—two spans of approximately 100 ft and two spans of approximately 60 ft.
The original bridge, constructed between 1865 and 1866, consisted of Warren-type wrought-iron girders carrying a single railway track, supported on stone masonry piers approximately 45 ft high with a pier-head thickness of about 9 ft. All original superstructure elements were fabricated from wrought iron. Following severe flood damage in 1947 and increased railway axle loads, the superstructure was replaced in 1952 with
a lattice-type steel truss system, while the original masonry piers were retained.
As part of the restoration initiative, Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Railways and University of Peradeniya, conducted a joint site inspection to assess the structural condition of the bridge. A noticeable upstream tilt of the central pier had caused distress to the substructure and required immediate engineering intervention. The pier had displaced due to severe scouring around the
foundation It was necessary to prevent further deterioration and stabilize the structure with continuous monitoring and provide immediate stabilization measures. After carrying out comprehensive structural and geotechnical
analyses and preliminary strengthening solution was proposed.