The Historical Evolution of the Colombo: Galle (A2) Main Road

Abstract

A course/ path that is used for transportation between two or more pointsis known as a “Road”. Since the Anuradhapura Period, Sri Lankan Civilization had a road network that connected major cities with the Capital city. Several literary sources as well as archaeological evidences suggest this fact. One such significant ancient road is the Maritime Road that runs along the beaches of this island. In the Present, part of this natural trail is known as (A2) main road alias Colombo – Galle Main Road. Although the importance of the Colombo – Galle Main Road increased during the Colonial era , the usage of this road began in the Anuradhapura Period. Several literature evidences prove this fact. The objective of this research is to identify the nature of evolution of this road and recognize the factors that triggered this evolution. The historical evolution of the Colombo – Galle Main Road can be divided into four stages. They are First Stage - The period before 15th Century A.D., Second Stage – The period between 15th & 16th Century A.D., Third Stage – The period between 17th and 18th Century A.D., Fourth Stage – The period between 19th and 20th Century A.D. Interestingly, in each of these stages, road construction technology associated with this road drastically changed according to that era’s Political and Socio – Economic interests. Climatic conditions as well as the geographical features of this region also played a crucial role in determining the evolution of Colombo – Galle Main road. The Methodology of this research is mainly a literature survey, followed by a field survey. Main literary sources are Sri Lankan Pali Chronicles, Sandesa Kawya, and Colonial Records on Maritime Provinces and Travelers’ records.