The newly constructed bridge over Gallak Ela at Girikola, Agalawatta, will be opened amidst "seth pirith" at 7.48 am (SL time) on February 28th, 2004. There will be a small ceremony to mark the opening, the Girikola Buddhist Association told us. Five of us will attend the ceremony from Panadura. According to the organisers of this ceremony (President, Girikola Buddhist Association), Kumara Welgama (ex-Deputy Minister of Transport) who had been instrumental in obtaining the rail carriage underframe for Girikola Village, the Chairman and a member of the Agalawatta Pradeshiya Sabha, who have helped filling the road way up to the bridge, and the Divisional Secretary-Agalawatta, will be invited for this ceremony. The opening of the bridge will be signified by lighting a coconut oil lamp, unclothing the plaque, walking over the bridge accross the Ela, and planting a 'na' sapling. There will be 'pirith' by Monks, followed by 'heel daane' offered at the bridge. Ven Sumangala thero's temple will be represented by a 'podi haamuduruwo', according to Girikola Buddhist Association. I went there for the final inspection yesterday. It was very pleasing to see the bridge complete. I will get a few photographs and send them to you. At the ceremony, I-FREED will be thanked in public for its contributions. In fact, it would have been impossible to do this job if not for your generous support. Pls communicate our thanks and regards to all your members, and to you, Ven Sumangala and Prof Gemunu Gunaratne, in particular.