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57-404: The province encompasses a variety of climates and geographical features, from its coastal regions to the central highlands and plains. The majority of the population is concentrated in the urban centers of Kurunegala , the provincial capital, and Puttalam . Kurunegala is the largest city in the province and serves as a major commercial and administrative hub. Puttalam, located on the western coast,

114-577: A mayor with 21 other elected members. The 21 elected members represent the following wards: Kurunegala is a central city in Sri Lanka. It is directly connected to a large number of major cities and towns of the island. Kurunegala can be reached by the railway on the Northern railway line . By road, it is connected to Colombo , Kandy , Matale , Puttalam , Trincomalee , Narammala , Negombo , Anuradhapura and Kegalle . Due to its status as

171-414: A crossroads city, the city is a good base for exploring important ancient landmarks a short distance away. The Kurunegala central bus stand, opened in 2005, is one of Sri Lanka's most efficient and modern bus stands, with a parking capacity of about 200 buses. Central Expressway Construction Under the directives of MoHEH, RDA has initiated a study to find out a suitable road corridor to construct

228-668: A large portion in population. There is a smaller Sri Lankan Tamils community and they are scattered all over the Province but a larger population reside in the North of Puttalam District . The following Table summarises the population of the province according to their ethnicity: Religion in North Western province (2012) Buddhism is the main and the most widely practiced religion in North Western Province. It

285-435: A long time back the city had a severe drought. To exacerbate matters for humans, animals had threatened the city's storage capabilities by consuming huge amounts of water. A witch volunteered to alleviate the problem, transforming some of the animals magically into stone figures. Kurunegala had a citadel in the 13th century. Its ascendancy as an ancient capital of Sri Lanka began with a series of events that took place during

342-529: A number of cricketers that represented the nation. One of the best known spin bowlers of all time in Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath is an iconic cricketer from Kurunegala. Wilpattu National Park Wilpattu National Park ( Sinhala : විල්පත්තු ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය ) is a national park in Sri Lanka . The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" (natural lakes) – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located on

399-440: A significant portion of the population. The province contributes approximately 18% of Sri Lanka's total rice production. With over 150,000 hectares dedicated to paddy fields, the region produces around 700,000 metric tonnes of rice annually. The province is one of the largest coconut-producing regions, accounting for about 25% of the national coconut output. Annually, it produces around 1 billion coconuts. The province also grows

456-799: A tropical climate to inland areas that experience a more varied climate. The region features several prominent water bodies, including the Puttalam Lagoon , Mundal Lagoon , and the Deduru Oya . Other significant rivers in the province include the Mee Oya and the Kala Oya rivers. The province also contains a portion of the Wilpattu National Park , one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The region's highest point

513-499: A variety of spices (such as Pepper and Cardamom ), vegetables, and fruits. Approximately 10,000 ha (25,000 acres) are used for spice cultivation, producing around 12,000 metric tonnes annually. Manufacturing in the North Western Province is diverse, playing a crucial role in the region's economic growth. The textile and garment industry employs over 50,000 workers. The region hosts several factories, contributing to around 20% of Sri Lanka's total garment exports. The province

570-698: Is a major city in Sri Lanka . It is the capital city of the North Western Province and the Kurunegala District . Kurunegala was an ancient royal capital for 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the 14th century. It is at the junction of several main roads linking to other important parts of the country. It is about 94 kilometres (58 mi) from Colombo , 42 kilometres (26 mi) from Kandy and 51 kilometres (32 mi) from Matale . Located at an altitude of 116 metres (381 ft) above sea level, Kurunegala

627-495: Is also home to a wide range of other religious faiths and sects including Islam , Christianity , and Hinduism . Even among them almost all Muslim population follows Sunni Islam and the preponderance of Christians follow Catholicsm , predomantly in Puttalam District . Wayamba is divided into 2 districts: North Western Province contains six villages with the same name, Galagedara . The 2020 parliament election

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684-507: Is based on a plain area with the exception of the surrounding rock outcrops. The northern part of the town is slightly higher than the south. Kurunegala Lake is the primary geographical feature of Kurunegala and adorns the town. The region comprising the Kurunegala town is well above the sea level compared to the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. However, the region is not as high as the central hill country. The nearest beaches to Kurunegala are to

741-408: Is currently limited to approximately 25% of the park, the remainder of which is dense forest or scrub. Popular visiting periods span between the months of February and October, although there are a number of private ecotourism groups that conduct safaris year-round. The Mahavansa records that in 543 BC Prince Vijaya landed at Tambapanni now known as Kudrimalai Point (Horse Point), established

798-488: Is home to multiple food processing plants. The food and beverage sector contributes approximately LKR 20 billion to the provincial GDP annually. Puttalam hosts one of the largest cement factories in Sri Lanka, producing about 2.5 million tonnes of cement annually, which accounts for 40% of the country's cement production. The North Western Province has significant mineral resources, contributing to Sri Lanka's mining industry. The region's limestone deposits are crucial for

855-668: Is known for its lagoon and salt production. The region has numerous archaeological sites, including the ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa and the Panduwasnuwara ruins. European colonization began with the Portuguese Empire in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch Empire and the British Empire . The province was established in its current form in 1833 during British Ceylon era and became part of

912-424: Is multifaceted, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and service industries. The province is the location for Mawathagama and Polghawela Export Processing Zones and boasts several other industrial estates such as Dambadeniya , Makandura West, Makadura East, Pannala, Lunuwila, Heraliyawela, Dangaspitiya, Dankotuwa and Noorani. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the North Western Province's economy, employing

969-419: Is one of the most popular destination for Sri Lankan high school students for private tutoring. The region is served by an extensive rail and road transport system providing linkages to the major cities and ports in Sri Lanka. Some major roads include, The North Western Province, comprises the districts of Kurunegala and Puttalam , is a vital region for the country's economic landscape. This region's economy

1026-511: Is surrounded by coconut plantations and rubber estates. There are eight very noticeable large rocks that encircle and dominate the city. Kurunegala's rocks rise from the plain below and have characteristic names, six of which come from the animals that they are imagined to represent. The largest among them is Ethagala or the " Elephant Rock" (though the translation is actually tusker ), reaches 325 metres (1,066 ft). The shape of Ethagala resembles an elephant . Kurunegala has been named after

1083-535: Is the Dolukanda range, which is part of the central hills that gently slope towards the coastal plains. The plains are predominantly used for agriculture, with key crops including paddy, coconut, and various spices. The province also has significant limestone deposits, which contribute to the local cement industry . The North Western Province is ecologically diverse, with coastal ecosystems , dry monsoon forests , and wetlands . Significant ecological areas include

1140-628: Is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is world-renowned for its leopard ( Panthera pardus kotiya ) population. A remote camera survey conducted in Wilpattu from July to October 2015 by the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust captured photographs of forty-nine individual leopards in the surveyed area, the core area density of which was between that of Yala National Park 's Block I and Horton Plains National Park . A second, more extensive camera trap survey

1197-499: Is the main and the most widely practiced religion in Kurunegala. The town is also home to a wide range of other religious faiths and sects including Hinduism , Christianity and Islam . Prominent Buddhist temples in Kurunegala include Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya. It is said that the fabled Jathaka stories were composed at this historic temple. The temple is located on the left hand side of the Kandy-Kurunegala main road in

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1254-568: Is the only one of that kind in NWP, is situated on the Colombo Kurunegala road about 0.75 k.m. away from the city towards Colombo. Teaching Hospital Kurunegala is one of the largest hospitals in Sri Lanka. The bed count is over 1700 and the staff is over 3500. The hospital spreads over 35 acres land and serves people through more than 100 units. The teaching hospital Kurunegala caters more than 1.2 million patients annually. This number includes

1311-708: The Munneswaram temple and the St. Anne's Church in Thalawila, which attract pilgrims from across the country. The province's natural attractions, such as the Wilpattu National Park and the Puttalam Lagoon , are popular with tourists. North Western Province's western border follows the coastline along the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Puttalam Lagoon in the north to the estuary of the Maha Oya River in

1368-588: The garganey ( Anas querquedula ), pintail ( Anas acuta ), whistling teal ( Dendrocygna javanica ), spoonbill ( Platalea leucorodia ), black-headed ibis ( Threskiornis malanocephalus ), large white egret ( Egretta alba modesta ), cattle egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) and purple heron ( Ardea purpurea ). The most common reptiles found in the park are the monitor lizard ( Varanus bengalensis ), mugger crocodile ( Crocodylus palustris ), common cobra ( Naja naja ), rat snake ( Ptyas mucosus ), Indian python ( Python molurus ), pond turtle ( Melanonchelys trijuga ) and

1425-800: The northern province . The expansion of the Wilpattu National Park boundary in 2012 is considered a significant obstacle for internally displaced people, particularly those affected by the Expulsion of Muslims from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka by the LTTE to return to their homeland. After the end of the civil war, allegations had been made that parts of the reserve has been occupied to build houses by certain politicians in an attempt to create Muslim colonies in Wilpattu. The multiple civil societies and researchers put forth

1482-670: The Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance , and the Mangrove forests along the coastline. These areas support a variety of flora and fauna , including several Endangered species . The climate of Wayamba is tropical, with a marked dry season, and temperatures averaging between 20 °C (68 °F) in January to 25 °C (77 °F) in March. The south of

1539-851: The Chief Minister, the Provincial Council, and the Governor. As of the most recent General elections, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the dominant political party in the province. The Governor of North Western Province, the representative of the President of Sri Lanka , is currently Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya . The economy of North Western Province is primarily based on Agriculture , Manufacturing , Fishing , and small-scale industries . Major agricultural products include coconut, rice, and spices, while

1596-688: The Elephant rock (ඇතුගල). "Kurune" means tusker or an elephant with protruding teeth and gala in Sinhala means rock. Kurunai means tusker or an Elephant and gal in Tamil means rock or hill. Kurunegala's old name was Hasthishaila-pura , which can be translated as 'The City of the Elephant Rock' in Sanskrit . In some ancient literature, the word Athugal-pura (ඇතුගල්පුර) is employed to describe

1653-562: The Kurunegala epoch, the economy then was based on agriculture, trade, and taxes. The king's income primarily came from agricultural produce, with farmers contributing a portion of their harvest, as well as from precious gems such as pearls, moonstones, and blue diamonds. Today, Kurunegala remains an important economic and cultural hub in Sri Lanka. The city's historical legacy of agricultural prosperity and trade continues to influence its modern economic activities, blending tradition with contemporary development. The Teaching Hospital Kurunegala

1710-764: The National Apprentice Industrial Training Authority, the Wayamba Technical College, the National Youth Council and the Vocational Training Authority have centres in the city. Most of the private-sector higher educational institutions also have branches in Kurunegala. Major sporting venues in and around Kurunegala include: Kurunegala is one of the outstation cities that is popular for cricket and produced

1767-671: The Sinhalese kingdom in Tambapanni and founded the Sinhala nation. In 1905 the area was designated a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.' Kudrimalai, or Horse Point, was visited by a subject of Emperor Claudius in 47 AD, who was blown off course by the monsoon. The local king later sent his own envoys to Rome during the time of Pliny. The annual Rainfall is about 1,000 mm (39 in) and

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1824-606: The Wilpattu National Park are the elephant ( Elephas maximus maximus ), sloth bear ( Melursus ursinus inornatus ), leopard ( Panthera pardus kotiya ) and water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ). sambar ( Rusa unicolor unicolor ), spotted deer ( Axis axis ceylonensis ), mongoose, mouse and shrew are more of Wilpattu's residents. The painted stork , the open bill, little cormorant , Sri Lankan junglefowl ( Gallus lafayetii ) along with many species of owls, terns, gulls, eagles, kites buzzards are to be found at Wilpattu National Park. Wetland bird species that can be seen in Wilpattu are

1881-695: The annual temperature is about 27.2 °C (81.0 °F). Inter-monsoonal rains in March and the northeast monsoon (December – February) are the main sources of rainfall. There are many types of vegetation to be found in Wilpattu, including littoral vegetation, such as salt grass and low scrub monsoon forest with tall emergents, such as palu ( Manilkara hexandra ), and satin ( Chloroxylon swietenia ), milla ( Vitex altissima ), weera ( Drypetes sepiaria ), ebony ( Diospyros ebenum ) and wewarna ( Alseodaphne semecapriflolia ). 31 species of mammals have been identified within Wilpattu national park. Mammals that are identified as threatened species living within

1938-542: The cathedral of the Diocese of Kurunegala , mosques and Hindu temples in the city. The Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala cares for the North-Central Province and Kurunegala, Kandy , Matale , Kegalle and Anuradapura districts. The Kurunegala Municipality Council is responsible for the overall administration, sanitary, welfare, and other general activities of the city. The Municipality Council headed by

1995-577: The cement industry. Annually, around 3 million tonnes of limestone are mined in Puttalam. NWP is a significant source of Silica sand , essential for the Glass industry , with annual production reaching approximately 200,000 tonnes. The service industry in the province is rapidly growing, encompassing a wide range of activities from financial services to education and healthcare. Kurunegala Kurunegala ( Sinhala : කුරුණෑගල , Tamil : குருணாகல் )

2052-468: The city of Kurunegala. Nearby are three archeological cities — Parakramapura (Panduvasnuwara, පඬුවස්නුවර) (northwest) with remains of a moated palace and monasteries from the 12th century, Dambadeniya (දඹ‍‍‍‍දෙනිය) (southwest, mid-13th century) and Yapahuwa (north). Kurunegala enjoys a pleasant location with huge rocky outcrops some of which have been given names of the animals they resemble: elephant rock, tortoise rock etc. According to folklore legend,

2109-448: The coastal areas are known for their fishing industry, the urban areas such as Kurunegala , Kuliyapitiya , Nikaweratiya and Mawathagama is famous for their Industries. The province also has significant mineral resources, including limestone and ilmenite . North Western Province is known for its cultural heritage, with numerous festivals, traditional dances, and local crafts. It is home to several important religious sites, including

2166-501: The death of King Parakrama Bahu III, King Buwanekabahu II (1293–1302), followed by Parakramabahu IV (1302–1326), ruled from Kurunegala. The ruler in Kurunegala from 1326 to 1335 was Buwanekabahu III, also known as Wanni Buwanekabahu. He was the son of Pandit Parakramabahu II and is believed to be the last king to rule the country from Kurunegala. After the reign of Buwaneka Bahu III, the newly throned king Vijayabahu V ruled from Dambadeniya and Yapahuwa from 1335 to 1341 before once again

2223-669: The expressway from Kadawatha to Dambulla via Kurunegala under Central Expressway Project. The second stage of the construction of the Central Expressway Project (CEP Project-2) from Meerigama to Kurunegala was launched on 2017 February 1. Subsequently, the expressway will cross Gampaha , Meerigama, Kurunegala while ending at Dambulla . The project has been implemented in four stages; from Kadawatha to Mirigama (37 km), Mirigama to Kurunegala (39.28 km), Pothuhera to Galagedara (32.5 km) and Kurunegala to Dambulla (60.3 km). Expressway to Kurunegala

2280-547: The heat of the day. During the month of April the temperature can rise up to about 35 °C (95 °F). The only major change in the Kurunegala weather occurs during the monsoons from May to August and October to January when heavy rains can be expected. While the city does experience noticeably drier weather during January and February, it does not qualify as a true dry season as average precipitation in both months are above 60 millimetres (2 in). In general, temperatures from late November to mid February period are lower than

2337-691: The independent Dominion of Ceylon in 1948, later becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka . During the Sri Lankan civil war the Puttalam District was considered a part of proposed Tamil Eelam by the Tamil Tigers , despite the smaller Tamil population. North Western Province had nineteen seats in the Sri Lankan Parliament in last General elections. The provincial council consists of

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2394-562: The kingdom of Sri Lanka shifted to Gampola . Few remains of the Palace of the Tooth relic that housed the tooth of the Buddha have avoided natural destruction, including few stone steps and a part of a doorway. Archaeological remains of this site are few but give a glimpse of its past glory and comprise the handsome stone entrance, steps, rock pillars and ruined walls of the royal palace and

2451-643: The late 12th century at Yapahuwa. The sacred tooth relic which was in the Yapahuwa Kingdom was taken by an Aryacakravarti from the Jaffna Kingdom to the Pandyan country during the rule of Buwaneka Bahu I from 1272 to 1284. The relic was brought back by King Parakrama Bahu III who ruled from Kurunegala between 1287 and 1293. Over the next half a century Kurunegala was the capital and the governing centre for three other kings of Sri Lanka. After

2508-457: The northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka, the park is 30 km (19 mi) west of Anuradhapura and 26 km (16 mi) north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km (110 mi) north of Colombo ). The park is 1,317 km (508 sq mi) (131,693 hectares) in area and ranges from 0–152 m (0–499 ft) above sea level . Nearly one hundred and six lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu

2565-415: The notion that these were people who had been forcibly driven away by the LTTE in 1990 in accordance to their ethnic cleansing policy who had returned to their original villages. Notably, the park was extended to the current size in 1999 after the ethnic cleansing where the old villages were marked as part of the park as claimed by the people in this area. Aerial images taken in 2018 reputedly shows that

2622-600: The palace of the tooth relic. A large man-made water reservoir constructed by ancient kings. The lake is in the outskirts of the central business district accessible by the Kurunegala- Dambulla and Kurunegala- Puttlam roads. The tank is used as a water supply source for the city. The Kurunegala clock tower was built in 1922 as a tribute to the officers, who were from Wayamba province and sacrificed their lives in World War I . Topographically Kurunegala town

2679-742: The patients from the other districts also, namely Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa , Trincomalee , and Mathale . Kurunegala is home to some of the island's oldest and leading schools. The Wayamba University of Sri Lanka is situated in Kuliyapitiya, while the Open University of Sri Lanka , the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology , the National Institute of Business Management , the College of Technology,

2736-500: The province is wetter, with almost 2,000 mm (79 in) of rainfall per year, but the north of the province is one of the driest regions in Sri Lanka, averaging under 1,100 mm (43 in) of rain in parts. Ethnic identities in the province (2020) The population of North Western Province in the year 2021 was 2,592,000. The majority of the population belongs to the Sinhalese majority. Sri Lankan Moors community represent

2793-611: The rest of the year. The average annual rainfall in Kurunegala is about 2,000 millimetres (79 in). Kurunegala is a Sinhalese majority city; there are sizable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Moors , Tamils , Burghers and Malays . Residents from ethnic minorities live in all parts of the city, however, sizeable communities of Moors and Tamils live in the areas of Teliyagonna and Wilgoda. Source: 2015 Census Data The common languages of Kurunegala, depending on social classes, social circles, and ethnic backgrounds are Sinhalese, Tamil and English . Buddhism

2850-436: The soft shelled turtle ( Lissemys punctata ) which are resident in the large permanent Villus. The boundary of the Wilpattu national park originally enclosed the Puttalam District in the south and Anuradhapura District in the east. On October 10, 2012, the government published several gazettes (section 3 of the forest conservation ordinance, chapter 451) which effectively extended the park's boundary to include regions of

2907-727: The south. The northern border is shared with the Northern Province, Sri Lanka with a very small border. delineated primarily by natural features such as the Kala Oya . To the east, it is bordered by the North Central Province, Sri Lanka while to the south, it is bordered by the Sabaragamuwa and Western Province, Sri Lanka . The North Western Province is characterised by a variety of topographical and climatic conditions, ranging from coastal regions with

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2964-541: The vicinity of the Kurunegala town, Ibbagala Raja Maha Viharaya, Angangala cave temple, Wilbawa Purana Viharaya and Bauddhaloka Viharaya. An ancient replica of Buddha's footprint that is found on the summit of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), a little dagoba and some paintings depicting the Buddha and his disciples can be seen at the Ibbagala Raja Maha Viharaya. There are also numbers of churches, including

3021-548: The west and include Negombo and Chilaw . Kurunegala is surrounded by several major rock outcrops, a distinctive geological feature of the Wayamba province. Kurunegala features a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen climate classification . The city's climate is tropical and hot all throughout the year. The surrounding rocks play a major role in determining Kurunegala's weather since these rocks increase and retain

3078-459: Was conducted from May to September 2018 by Samarasinghe et al. (2022), covering a substantial area of the national park, approximately 660 km , and capturing a total of 133 individual leopards. This count comprised 116 independent leopards (aged over 2 years) and 17 cubs. Eight adult females were observed with 1–2 cubs during the study. Utilizing Bayesian spatial capture-recapture models, the population density of leopards in Wilpattu National Park

3135-518: Was estimated to be 18 leopards per 100 km . The mean abundance (N) within the effectively sampled area was calculated to be 144 leopards. Notably, the national park maintains a healthy sex ratio of male to female leopards, estimated to be 1:2.03. From December 1988 to 16 March 2003, the park was closed due to security concerns surrounding the Sri Lankan Civil War , before being reopened to visitors sixteen years later. Visitor access

3192-407: Was opened on 15 January 2022. Interchanges from Mirigama are Narammala , Dambokka, Kurunegala and Yaggapitiya. Public transport was launched on 20 January 2022 through expressway. Many major corporations have large branch offices in Kurunegala and many industries including textiles, Sri Lankan gemstones, furniture, information technology, and jewellery are found there. Ancient Economy During

3249-899: Was the most recent general election. NWP is known for its notorious mafia activities which are largely different from mafia activities in the South. NWP has very rare gun related crimes on the entire island. Theft and Burglary Petty Theft: There were approximately 1,200 reported cases of petty theft in the NWP in 2023, a slight increase from 1,100 cases in 2022. Residential Burglary: Around 600 cases were reported in 2023, compared to 550 in 2022. Commercial Burglary: Reported incidents increased to 400 in 2023 from 350 in 2022. Drug-related Crimes Drug Trafficking Arrests: Law enforcement reported 300 drug trafficking arrests in 2023, up from 250 in 2022. Violent Crimes White-collar Crimes Environmental Crimes Provincial Education zones- Provincial Department of Education - North Western Kurunegala

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