The Central Cultural Fund has announced that the opening of the lighting project at the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge—a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists—has been postponed indefinitely.
Director General Dr. Nilan Cooray explained that the delay is due to a dispute over securing an electricity line through a private property. The landowner has objected to allowing the power cables required to supply electricity to the transformer installed for illuminating the bridge and its surroundings.
Dr. Cooray added that although alternative methods to obtain the electricity line have been planned, the process is technically complex. As a result, the project, which was expected to be completed this month, has been delayed without a revised timeline.
The initiative aims to develop the Nine Arch Bridge and its surrounding area into a tourist zone and is being implemented as a joint venture between the Central Cultural Fund and the Railway Department.
