A-32 highway to Jaffna:

A dream comes true

By Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The Jaffna Peninsula linked by a 13 kilometre strip of land plays a significant role in geographical, social, economic and political aspects of the country. Jaffna was isolated as a result of LTTE terrorism from the mid 1970's.

Although Jaffna has two main entrances on the land route, air and sea transport became the only mode of access to the peninsula until recently. Therefore, moving in and out of Jaffna was costly for the average civilian. The two land routes, namely the A-9 Road and the A-32 Road were the main highways that linked the North with the rest of the country for centuries. The development of the North was related due to the 30-year long conflict.

Though the A-9 is the mainland route to the North, the A-32 Road, the coastal line, was the choice of the curious traveller. A journey on the A-32 highway to Jaffna provides a glimpse of the country. The A-32 highway links the Jaffna peninsula with a ferry service from the Sangupiddy Jetty in Pooneryn which was abandoned due terrorist activities. In maintaining an unbroken communication between the North and the South the A-32 highway served as an important alternative to the A-9 Road that stretches from Katugasthota to the Jaffna town. The A-32 highway had to be abandoned due to the increasing LTTE activities.

Minister Douglas Devananda, Northern Province Governor G.A. Chandrasiri and senior officials visiting the Manithalai jetty The Sangupiddy bridge under construction

The ferry service resumes today while a new bridge is being constructed across the lagoon from Pooneryn to Jaffna.

Ferry re-launch

After normalcy returned to the North following the victory on May 19, State employees and other civilians travelled to Jaffna through Elephant Pass after spending much time and energy.

Reconstruction work on the pier was started following a decision by Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa during his recent visit to assess the development drive in the North.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa directed that the new parliamentarians while serving their electorates would acquaint themselves with the development priorities of the government.

"Earlier, it was a two and a half hour journey to Jaffna via Elephant Pass and with the re-launch of the ferry service it will take only around half an hour," Northern Province Governor Major General G.A. Chandrasiri said.

The pier in Manithalai, Pooneryn and is being constructed by the provincial building departments. The pier location is 10 kilometres from the Pooneryn junction.

"The Road Development Authority renovated the road up to the pier from the Pooneryn junction and a special bus service will be operated to transport passengers from the Pooneryn junction to the pier," the Governor said.

Passengers will be transported from Pooneryn to the Gurunagar Jetty. According to the Governor there will be two large boats to carry passengers.

The Cooperative Societies and the provincial authorities will and operate the transport service with the support of the Sri Lanka Navy. The Sri Lanka Navy provides security for passengers. "We will purchase two new boats in the near future," Governor Chandrasiri said.

Sangupiddy bridge

The Road Development Authority is constructing a 280-metre long bridge across the Jaffna Lagoon, connecting the Jaffna peninsula with the mainland.

"We are planning to complete construction by September this year," said Road Development Authority Chairman R.W.R. Semasiri. The Authority has commenced construction work a month ago though the actual ground work began six months ago.

"It was a remote area and as we started our work soon after cessasion of hostilities we faced few problems with the basic infrastructure facilities, especially accommodation for our officers and technicians," Semasiri said.

Having overcome the problems the RDA launched the much awaited project of building the Sangupiddy bridge.

It is not just constructing another bridge. The engineers need to build a bridge that would last for centuries across the large water body of the lagoon. "The bridge costs approximately one billion rupees," Semasiri said.

The road to Jaffna is from Mannar, Pooneryn, Karathivu, Chavakachcheri and the A-9 Road. The A-32 highway links the A-9 Road at Chavakachcheri. The stretch of road on the A-32 highway on the Jaffna peninsula is in good condition according to RDA officials.

The part of the A-32 Road leading from Mannar to Pooneryn is under re-construction. Several private contractors are building 17 kilometres of road from Mannar.

According to the Chairman negotiations are under way to raise funds for the remaining stretch of road.

When the road located south of Mannar is completed, the alternative route to Jaffna will be a reality. The dream of a legendary trip to Jaffna through one of the most elegant land routes soon to be realised.

Pic: Courtesy RDA / NP Governor's Secretariat