A newly-wed couple reaching the bank after a perilous boat ride crossing the Sitawaka River at Thimbiripola in the Dehipwita Pradeshiya Sabha area. Residents of the area still remember the fanfare with which Minister A. H. M. Fowzie laid the foundation stone for a bridge five years ago. The dream of the villagers of crossing the river on a bridge never materialised and they are compelled to make the journey on boats and canoes. (J. Anthony, Ratnapura corr.)