Things to do in Sabaramuwa Province in Sri Lanka

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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