The museum was officially opened in 2009 by the Road Development Authority (RDA). It was established on the site of Sri Lanka's first machinery workshop, which was built by the British in 1921. This historic workshop was originally used to repair and maintain road construction equipment. Today, it has been carefully restored and converted into a museum while preserving its colonial architectural features.
One of the main attractions of the Highway Museum Complex is its impressive collection of vintage road construction machinery. Visitors can see old steam rollers, road rollers, tractors, bulldozers, cranes, asphalt paving machines, stone crushers, and surveying instruments that were used to build and maintain roads during different periods of Sri Lanka's history. Many of these machines date back to the British colonial era and demonstrate the evolution of highway engineering technology.
The museum also displays historical photographs, maps, engineering drawings, documents, road signs, and communication equipment used by the Road Development Authority. These exhibits explain how Sri Lanka's road network has expanded from ancient footpaths and cart roads to modern expressways and highways. Information panels provide valuable knowledge about road planning, bridge construction, and transportation development throughout the country.
The museum grounds are spacious and well maintained, allowing visitors to walk among the large machinery displayed outdoors. The peaceful environment and historical atmosphere make the museum an enjoyable place for families and tourists interested in science, engineering, and history.
