There has been much discussion recently about the old iron chains and ladders uncovered by the landslide at Ehela Kana on the Hatton Road. These structures are not modern; they are remnants from the distant past that may date back hundreds of years, and possibly even further. It is likely that other similar relics remain buried under the jungle along the Hatton Road.
This phenomenon is not unusual. At the top of Mahagiridamba on the Ratnapura Road, many iron ladders and chains—both large and small—can still be seen near the Ehela Kana wind tunnel. These chains are embedded in the rock, extremely strong, and have not deteriorated significantly over time. Remarkably, the cracks connecting the chain links are hardly visible, suggesting that some may have been forged from a single piece of iron. Even after centuries of exposure to sun, wind, and other corrosive elements, the iron remains more than 70% intact.
Although some believe this iron technology was introduced by colonial powers, historical accounts indicate that explorers and colonial officials were astonished by these chains and ladders. Some reports suggest they may date back 1,000–1,500 years, although precise dating has yet to be conducted; it is reasonable to estimate their age at over 500 years. Early black-and-white photographs of Sri Pada taken in the 1900s show the upper Hatton Road and eye posts, yet these ladders were not actively used with the chains at that time.
The Hatton–Nallathanniya road was the easiest route for colonial administrators to access the area due to the plantations, so stairs were built there. In contrast, the Ratnapura Road—or Sri Pada Rajamawatha—has a longer history, dating back to the royal era, and was historically used by locals from the South and Sabaragamuwa regions. The Ratnapura Road climbs steep slopes quickly and faces strong western winds, unlike the more sheltered and gradual Hatton Mahagiridamba, which made climbing relatively easier.
For these reasons, the Ratnapura Road Mahagiridamba was equipped with large, twisted iron chains. Some of these chains are so robust that a single link can support a person entirely.
Legend holds that the Siripa Mawatha was discovered by King Nissankamalla. This royal road, passing through Malwala Gilimale Palabaddala, is historically described as challenging and arduous. King Nissankamalla reportedly cut off the Hatton road to facilitate safer access. Inscriptions from Ratnapura Gilimale and Hatton Ambagamuwa confirm that various kings may have installed these iron chains and ladders according to the terrain, allowing safer passage for travelers—though many may have lost their lives during construction or while crossing.
If this iron technology was not introduced by colonial powers, it likely originated in ancient Sri Lanka. Iron extraction and production techniques were historically present in areas like Balangoda. Colonial reports also acknowledge the exceptional strength of this iron. One account by a colonial officer describes the difficulty of climbing Samanala Mountain, where climbers relied on these chains in extreme cold and wind, and some fell due to the harsh conditions.
Attached notes and drawings from past explorers provide insight into these iron chains and ladders. While the ladder chains near the Hatton Road were recently revealed by the landslide, all other examples are part of the Ratnapura Road Mahagiridamba.
