Sri Lanka has become one of the world’s most captivating tourist destinations. Ranked as the fourth most popular tourist destination for 2024 by Forbes magazine, the island’s diverse offerings, ranging from pristine beaches to lush tea plantations and historical landmarks, continue to attract travellers from across the globe.
One of Sri Lanka’s most beloved attractions is the small hillside town of Ella, nestled among rolling green peaks. Known for its tranquil ambience and scenic vistas, Ella offers visitors the chance to trek through misty hills, explore verdant tea estates, and marvel at architectural wonders. Among these wonders is the Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era masterpiece symbolising Sri Lanka’s engineering brilliance and natural beauty.
However, despite Ella’s growing popularity, one significant shortcoming has remained: the lack of distinctive souvenirs that encapsulate its unique attractions. This gap inspired a research team from Uva Wellassa University to embark on an innovative project to create a sustainable and meaningful solution. By repurposing gem mining waste—a by-product of one of Sri Lanka’s oldest industries—the team has crafted a stunning prototype of the Nine Arch Bridge, providing a glimpse into how innovation and sustainability can redefine the country’s tourism landscape.
Ella’s Nine-Arch Bridge: A timeless landmark
The Nine Arch Bridge, often called the “Bridge in the Sky,” is a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering. Constructed in 1921 during British colonial rule, the bridge connects two mountains along the Badulla-Colombo railway line. This remarkable structure was built entirely of stone and cement without steel. Spanning 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width, and standing between 80-100 feet tall, the Nine Arch Bridge is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views as they walk along the bridge or marvel at the sight of a train crossing this architectural gem. Despite being a major tourist attraction, Ella lacks iconic souvenirs symbolising the bridge’s cultural and historical significance.
Sri Lanka’s gem industry and the problem of waste
Sri Lanka’s gem industry is renowned worldwide, with the country affectionately referred to as Ratna-Dweepa, or “Gem Island.” The city of Ratnapura, known as the “City of Gems,” is the industry’s epicentre, contributing significantly to the economy by extracting and trading precious stones. However, the industry also generates vast amounts of waste, primarily in the form of gem-bearing gravel. This by-product is often discarded or used to backfill mining pits, leading to environmental concerns and missed opportunities for resource utilisation. The research team from Uva Wellassa University recognised the potential of this waste stream as a raw material for creating eco-friendly products. Their project aimed to repurpose gem mining residue into something beautiful and functional, aligning with sustainability principles while addressing the souvenir gap in Ella.
The journey of the Nine-Arch Bridge prototype
The project began with sourcing materials from the Ratnapura region’s gem mining sites. The team mainly focused on three minerals commonly found in gem mining waste: black tourmaline, quartz, and calcite. These minerals were chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and abundance in the discarded gravel. Once collected, the mineral fragments were carefully crushed into smaller pieces suitable for crafting a miniature replica of the Nine Arch Bridge. The team then used specialised adhesives to bind the crushed minerals, assembling the structure to replicate the bridge’s distinctive design. The finished prototype is a stunning tribute to the original bridge, capturing its iconic arches and intricate details while showcasing the natural beauty of the recycled materials. The use of black tourmaline added a striking contrast, while quartz and calcite contributed a shimmering effect, enhancing the prototype’s visual appeal.
Sustainability meets tourism
This innovative project goes beyond creativity, marking a pivotal step in integrating sustainability into Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by transforming gem mining waste into valuable souvenirs. It addresses critical issues such as waste management by reducing environmental degradation and promoting circular economy practices by repurposing what is often dismissed as low-value by-products.
It also generates significant economic benefits by creating opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and artisans, particularly in rural areas. It also enhances tourism appeal with unique, sustainable mementoes celebrating Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
The success of the Nine Arch Bridge prototype highlights the potential for similar initiatives across the country, with other iconic landmarks like Sigiriya or the Temple of the Tooth Relic being ideal candidates for eco-friendly replicas crafted from locally sourced materials, thereby supporting tourism and local economies alike.
Additionally, the approach of repurposing mining waste could be expanded beyond souvenirs to include applications in construction and landscaping. The durability and composition of gem mining gravel make it an ideal material for eco-friendly aggregates and decorative elements.
Challenges and the way forward
While the project demonstrates immense promise, it is not without challenges. Scaling up production will require investments in processing facilities, training for artisans, and marketing strategies to ensure the products reach the right audience.
Partnerships with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, local businesses, and environmental organisations will be essential to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, raising awareness about the value of sustainable souvenirs among tourists and regional stakeholders will play a crucial role in the project’s success. Educational campaigns and collaborations with souvenir shops in Ella can help highlight the story behind the products, emphasising their cultural, environmental, and economic significance.
A souvenir with a story
The Nine Arch Bridge prototype is more than just a miniature replica; it symbolises innovation, sustainability, and the fusion of tradition with modern solutions. It offers tourists a tangible connection to Ella’s history and beauty. For Sri Lanka, it represents a model for transforming waste into wonder, contributing to the tourism industry while promoting environmental stewardship.
As Sri Lanka continues to attract global attention as a premier travel destination, initiatives like this remind us of the importance of preserving the island’s natural and cultural heritage. By turning challenges into opportunities, the research team from Uva Wellassa University has created a unique souvenir and laid the foundation for a more sustainable future for the country’s tourism and mining industries.Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge will always be a marvel to behold. Still, with this innovative prototype, visitors can now carry a piece of its story home—a story of resilience, creativity, and the endless possibilities of sustainable innovation.
