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Batticaloa Lagoon

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Batticaloa Lagoon is a very large estuarine lagoon in Batticaloa District , eastern Sri Lanka . The city of Batticaloa is located on land between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean .Batticaloa district is flourished with three lagoons, such Batticaloa lagoon, Valaichchenai Lagoon and Vakari Lagoon. Among them, Batticaloa lagoon is the largest lagoon in Batticaloa District. Batticaloa lagoon is a long and narrow lagoon situated in the east coast of Sri Lanka with the total area of approximately 11,500 ha of water.

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10-493: The lagoon is 56 km long. This lagoon extends from Eravur (Batticaloa district) in the north to Kalmunai (Ampara district) in the south. This lagoon opens into the sea at two points. One in the southern end of the lagoon at Kallar and the other is midway of the lagoon at Palameenmadu which is close to the Batticaloa town. Both are narrow and approximately 200 m wide. The width of the water flow at their openings varies with

20-419: A significant role in shaping its history and culture. Kalmunai has a historical background that dates back centuries. The region has been influenced by various civilisations, including the ancient Tamil kingdoms, colonial powers, and the indigenous Muslim community. Over time, Kalmunai became an important trading post due to its coastal location, facilitating maritime trade routes with other countries. During

30-527: Is a city located in the Ampara District of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. The name "Kalmunai" is believed to have originated from the Tamil words "Kal" and "Munai," which respectively mean "stone" and "corner." This name refers to the geographical location of the city, as it is situated at a corner where the land meets the sea. Kalmunai's strategic position along the eastern coast of Sri Lanka has played

40-507: Is situated on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east. Kalmunai MC covers an area of 2,740.08 ha (6,770.9 acres) (Data Source _ Survey Department). To the north of Kalmunai lies the village of Periyaneelavanai, which serves as the border between Ampara and Batticaloa Districts. To the south, the city is connected to the suburb of Karaitivu. Kalmunai's geographical features, including its proximity to

50-544: The Sri Lankan civil war, Kalmunai experienced the devastating effects of the conflict. The city faced numerous challenges, including forced disappearances, civil unrest, and violence targeted at local civilians. In 2004, Kalmunai was severely impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami . The natural disaster resulted in the loss of many lives and caused extensive damage to the city's infrastructure and property. Kalmunai

60-446: The city's economic growth. The commercial centre of Kalmunai is home to a marketplace where a wide range of goods and services are traded. The city's agricultural sector primarily focuses on rice cultivation, horticulture, and fishing, utilizing the fertile land and coastal resources. Kalmunai also hosts various industries, including garment manufacturing, food processing, and construction. The city's administration collaborates with

70-537: The city. The main divisions of Kalmunai include: In addition to these divisions based on geographical locations, Kalmunai also has administrative divisions that cater to specific communities: Kalmunai serves as a major economic hub in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, with key sectors including trade, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and services. Kalmunai's coastal location has facilitated international trade, attracting investments and contributing to

80-519: The dry season these channels are blocked by sand bars . The lagoon is surrounded by a densely populated region used for cultivating rice , coconut and other crops. The surrounding land is used for shrimp farming and rice cultivation. The lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and some sea grass beds. The lagoon attracts a wide variety of water birds . Kalmunai Kalmunai ( Tamil : கல்முனை , romanized:  Kalmuṉai ; Sinhala : කල්මුනේ , romanized:  Kalmunē )

90-483: The ocean and neighboring villages, have shaped its identity and provided opportunities for economic growth. Kalmunai is known for its diverse population, with a significant majority being Muslims. The city is one of the few municipalities in Sri Lanka where Muslims constitute the majority. Kalmunai is governed by a system of administrative divisions that reflect the diverse characteristics and neighborhoods within

100-422: The seasons. During the dry season the width of the bar mouth of the lagoon decreases and gradually it get closed with the onset of the north east monsoon which piles up the sand bar by the end of dry season. Later with the rains and with the lagoon mouth closed. The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers . It is linked to the sea by a two narrow channels , one at Batticaloa and the other at Periyakallar. During

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