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THE BUTTERFLY BRIDGE
The Butterfly Bridge was another important Sri Lankan icon that was destroyed in the tsunami that occurred on the 26th of December 2004. In March this year, Project Galle 2006 was approached by the Mayor of Galle, Mr Ariff Ismail Mohamed, with a request that we give consideration to rebuilding the bridge. At the time PG06 was not able to secure funding for this project and it was placed on the back burner. In April Project Galle received a visit from Luke Simon, a director of the Piers Simon Foundation. Luke came to Sri Lanka specifically to meet with Project Galle. Luke, as did we, fell in love with this particular little project and decided it was worthwhile funding. The Piers Simon Foundation donated £50,000 to Project Galle, a portion of which was to be used to rebuild the bridge. I recommend you check out their website and see for yourself some of the good work that they have done.
The Butterfly Bridge was located on the north western side of Galle Fort. It spanned the Kunuella Canal, also known as the Dutch Canal and linked the Samanala Community Ground with Dharmapula Park. Historically the Butterfly Bridge was most popular in the evenings where couples, young and old would stroll through the gardens of the park, over the bridge and into the Fort. Dharmapula Park was another PG06 project that was completed in April.
Originally constructed in 1968 the bridge was built to commemorate the centenary of the Galle Municipal Council. The Butterfly Bridge soon became more than a local landmark and in 1970 the Prime Minister of the day, Mrs. Sirimawo Bandaranayaka, chose to hold the National Independence Day ceremony in front of the bridge rather than in Colombo. It was due to that particular ceremony that the park lying between the bridge and the Fort was named the Samanala Ground. Samanala means butterfly in Sinhalese.
The bridge was rebuilt in 1998 by a local Galle identity and philanthropist, Aryaseela Wickramanayaka, then chairman of the Master Divers Association of Sri Lanka. It was therefore in near perfect condition when the wave hit. Sadly between 50 and 60 people were standing on the bridge at the time and many lost their lives as a result.
It is our intention to rebuild the bridge using original specifications and materials. Work started late in April and the interest generated within the Galle community has been astounding. The Butterfly Bridge is important to the people of Galle. Rebuilding the bridge will be a further step forward in the post tsunami recovery process for them.
The first picture below is a photograph of the original bridge, circa unknown. Apparently the design of the two spans is how the name of the bridge was derived. The second photo shows the what is left today, the centre support. In the background can be seen the Samanala Ground (used extensively by Galle locals to play cricket) and beyond that the walls of the magnificent Fort.
Allen Cooper
Project Manager
April 2006
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