Akurana
Akurana (Sinhalese: අකුරණ, Tamil: அக்குரணை) is a suburb of the city of Kandy in the Kandy district of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The town is situated 125 km (77 Miles) from Colombo and 10 km (6 Miles) from the City of Kandy. Akurana lies near Katugastota town, along the A9 high way. Akurana area came under the local government authority of the Akurana Pradeshiya Sabhawa in late 1980s and it includes the villages of Alawathugoda, Dunuwila,Bulugohathenna,Kurugoda, Thelumbgahawaththa, Malgamandeniya and Dippitiya.
Geographically, it is surrounded by hills and rivers. The Balapitiya Oya, a tributary of Pinga Oya river, runs through Akurana.[1] Majority of the population are ethnic Moors who are predominantly of Arab and Persian origin. Akurana belongs to the Harispattuwa Electorate. Akurana was represented in Parliament by one of the former Foreign Ministers Hon. Late. Abdul Cader Shahul Hameed, for more than 33 years without interruption.
Climate
It has a relatively cool climate because of its location in the central hills. Average day time temperature is 25 °C and the night is 19 °C. In December the mercury drops to ave. 19 °C with heavy mist covers during dawn.
Demographics
Akurana is a Moorish majority town. The Moors are all predominantly Muslim. There are sizable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamil. The majority of the people in the town speak Tamil, English and Sinhala. Nowadays people in Akurana mostly speak Tamil.
Education
There are two national schools in Akurana namely, Azhar College and Akurana Zahira College [2]. Akurana Muslim Balika College is the only government Muslim girls colleges in Akurana.
Hospital
Zia Hospital is the only government hospital operating in Akurana providing free health care to the public which was opened by the late Pakistani President Hon. Zia Ul Haq in the regime of Late Sri Lankan President Hon. J.R.Jayawardane[3]..
Transport
Akurana is located in the A9 highway which makes it an easily accessible town. Nearest Railway station is in Katugastota, which is 4.5 km away.