Ratnapura District

Ratnapura District
රත්නපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කය
இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்
Administrative District

Map of Sri Lanka with Ratnapura District highlighted
Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°E / 6.583; 80.583Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°E / 6.583; 80.583
Country Sri Lanka
Province Sabaragamuwa Province
Largest City Ratnapura
Area
 • Total 3,275 km2 (1,264 sq mi)
Population (2012)[1]
 • Total 1,082,277
 • Density 330/km2 (860/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka)
ISO 3166 code LK-91

Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්‍රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

The gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroad between southern plains and the hill country to the east. A bustling market city servicing most of the surrounding towns. Many of the prominent gem dealers in Sri Lanka operate from this town. There is a route to Sri Pada from Ratnapura direction. Excursions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The surrounding area is a popular trekking destination and a good place for bird watching.

Religion

Religions in Ratnapura District (2011)[2]

  Buddhism (86.8%)
  Hinduism (9.3%)
  Islam (2.3%)
  Christianity (1.6%)

The majority of the population are Buddhists. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.[2]

Major cities

Big towns

Other towns

Administration

17 Divisional Secretariat divisions of Ratnapura district

For the administrative purpose district is divided into 17 Divisional Secretariat divisions

  1. Eheliyagoda
  2. Kuruwita
  3. Kiriella
  4. Rathnapura
  5. Elapatha
  6. Ayagama
  7. Imbulpe
  8. Opanayaka
  9. Pelmadulla
  10. Nivithigala
  11. Kalawana
  12. Balangoda
  13. Weligepola
  14. Godakawela
  15. Kahawaththa
  16. Embilipitiya
  17. Kolonna

Plantation companies

The Ratnapura district includes areas managed by Five Plantation Companies. Namely, Agalawatte Plantations PLC managed by Mackwoods, Balangoda Plantations PLC managed by Stassens, Pussellawa Plantations PLC, managed by Freelanka, Hapugastenne Plantations PLC Managed by Finlays, and Kahawatte Plantations PLC managed by Forbes.

The ownership of these companies lie with the State.

References

Maps


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