Sabaragamuwa,
is a province of Sri
Lanka, and contains two main cities: Ratnapura
and Kegalle.
Sabaragamuwa University
is in Belihuloya. It is named after its former indigenous inhabitants, namely
the Sabara, an Indic term for hunter gatherer tribes, a term seldom used in
ancient Sri Lanka. Ratnapura is the name
of the provincial capital of Sabaragamuwa Province is situated 101 km south
east of Colombo; it is the centre of a long-established industry of precious
stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem
mining, the town is known for rice and fruit cultivations. There is a
well-established tourism industry in Ratnapura. Sinharaja Forest Reserve,
Udawalawa National Park, Kitulgala, and Adam's Peak are especially popular
among tourists. 
The
people of the town depend on the gem trade. Gem pits are a common site in the
surrounding area. Most of the large-scale gem businessmen operate from
Ratnapura. There are considerable numbers of foreign gem traders in town too. Rice
cultivation presently faces an uncertain future in Ratnapura because many
farmers are giving up their rice cultivation and switching to gem mining which
is a more productive way of earning money. Many delicious fruits like mango and
papaya and vegetables are grown as market products.
Ratnapura
is located in the A4 Highway which connects capital Colombo to Kalmunai in the
Eastern Province. Another Highway A8 connects the town with Panadura in the
western coast of Sri Lanka. Ratnapura features a tropical rainforest climate.
The city is located in the south-western part of Sri Lanka, the so-called wet
zone. The town receives rainfall mainly from south-western monsoons from May to
September and is regularly flooded.
There
are many places of worship in and around the city. The mountain Sri Pada
-Adam's Peak, Maha Saman Devale, Delgamu Viharaya, Pothgul Viharaya, Diva
Guhava, Siva Temple, Jumma Mosque,
Saints Peter and Paul's and St. Luke's Churches.
The
scenic nature’s creations are the water falls. Bopath Ella situated at Kuruwita,
Katugas Ella; a popular water fall situated at Mahawalawatta, 3 km away from
Ratnapura; Kirindi Ella; the seventh highest waterfall in Sri Lanka situated 4
km away from Ratnapura - Pelmadulla Main road; Rajanawa; situated next to
Ratnapura Kalawana main road in Marapana village, this beautiful scenery been
captured in few famous Sinhala films.
In
the time of the Last king of Sri Lanka "Sri Wickrama Rajasinha",
Ehelepola Nilame was sent to Sabaragamuwa (Ratnapura) as "Disawe" or
local governor of Sabaragamuwa. He builds a small reservoir and water canal to
support local rice farms. The works of this hero are still visible around the
Ratnapura area and local people benefiting from his works even today. His house
is used as the Local museum building. The portrayal of Ehelepola as a hero is
quite controversial. Once he conspired with British and betrayed the Kandy
king. The King ordered the execution of his family unless Ehelepola surrendered
to the king. He did not give into emotions but stood by the people to oust the
Nayakkar ruler. His younger son who understood the cause of his father bravely
faced the executioner.
Kegalle
is a town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It is located on the Colombo -
Kandy road. It is 78 km away from Colombo and 40 km away from Kandy. Kegalle is
the capital of the Kegalle District which is one of the two districts of
Sabaragamuwa province. The surrounding area produces graphite, precious stones
and agricultural products such as rice. Kegalle has an agricultural based
economy and mainly produces rubber. Nearby is the Pinnawala elephant orphanage
which is a major tourist attraction.
District
of Kegalle situated in between the central highlands and western southern
planes and has an enchanting environment. Height of the western region is less
than 500 feet from the sea level while eastern region exceeds 1000 feet. Rubber
cultivation has stretched over most of the area of the District and minor
export crops such as coffee, cocoa, pepper, clove and nutmeg takes an important
place in its economy. Sri Lanka’s best graphite mine is sited at Bogala in
Kegalle District.
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