Ja-Ela
Ja-Ela is a suburb of Colombo, located approximately 20 km (12 mi) north of the Colombo city centre. Ja-Ela lies on the A3 road which overlaps with the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway at the Ja-Ela Interchange.
Ja-Ela ජා-ඇල ஜா-எல | |
|---|---|
 A Stretch of the Ja-Ela town through the culverts of Negombo-Colombo Road | |
  Ja-Ela | |
| Coordinates: 7°4′0″N 79°53′36″E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Western Province |
| District | Gampaha District |
| Government | |
| • Urban Council | Ja-Ela Urban Council |
| • Mayor | Shammika Dias (UPFA) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (SLST) |
| Postal code | 11350 |
| Area code(s) | 011 |
| Website | www |
Etymology
The etymology of the name is uncertain, and there are several yet arguable interpretations of the name. Howbeit, based on verified historical shreds of evidence, the etymology of the place, Ja Ela is based on both Malay & Sinhala languages. "Ja" and "Javan" are referential terms used by the Sinhalese, Moors & Tamils to address the Malays/ Javanese or those of Indonesian descent and the term "Ela" is derived from Sinhala language meaning stream/ lake/ canal.[1]
Local Government Council
Ja-Ela is admistered by the Ja-Ela Urban Council.
Economy
The economy in Ja-Ela consists of commercial enterprises, office and industrial employment.
Shopping malls
- K-Zone Ja-Ela
- Realty Plaza Ja-Ela
Movie theatres
- Cinemax 3D
- Vista Lite 3D
Demographics
Majority of the people from Ja-Ela are generally Sinhalese, along with other minority communities such as Tamils, Muslims and Burghers.
The following table summarises the population of Ja-Ela DS Area which covers both urban sectors and rural sectors, according to ethnicity (2011 Census)
| Ethnicity | Population | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sinhalese | 186,086 | 92.3% |
| Sri Lankan Moors | 853 | 0.423% |
| Sri Lankan Tamils | 8,042 | 4% |
| Indian Tamils | 1,236 | 0.613% |
| Burghers | 3,453 | 1.71% |
| Bharatha | 45 | 0.02% |
| Sri Lankan Malays | 1,239 | 0.614% |
| Sri Lankan Chetty | 120 | 0.06% |
| Others | 447 | 0.22% |
| Total | 201,521 | 100% |
Transport
This suburb is situated on the main road A3, between Colombo municipality and Negombo municipality. Ja-Ela is situated very close to the Bandaranaike International Airport. There is also a bus stand in Ja-Ela which provides access to Colombo, Negombo, Gampaha. The traffic issues at Ja-Ela have been reduced after the introduction of the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway, which serves an interchange at Ja-Ela.
Railway
The Ja-Ela railway station is located on the Puttalam line and was opened in 1908. It is the fourth station on the line and is 22.15 km (13.76 mi) from Colombo Fort railway station. The station provides commuter access to the Colombo, Putlam and Chilaw areas.Not only the station is in the heart of the Ja- Ela town and also it is the nearest station to the Negombo - Colombo Main road. Therefore, it known as one of the most popular stations in the area.
Buses
- Colombo - Ja-Ela : Route 187
- Negombo - Ja-Ela : Route 240
- Gampaha - Ja-Ela : Route 276
- Colombo Fort - Ja-Ela : Route 187/1
- Ragama - Ja-Ela : Route 264
- Nittambuwa - Ja-Ela : Route
- Ganemulla - Ja-Ela : Route 266
- Raddolugama - Ja-Ela : Route
Schools
- Mary Immaculate Convent - Thudalla
- Christ King College - Thudalla
- Jayanthi Vidyalaya - Ja-ela (Town)
- St. Mary's College - Ja-ela (Town)
- King's International College - Kapuwatta[3]
- St. Xavior Vidyalaya - Waewala
- Holy Rosary Vidyalaya - Dehiyagatha
- G. B. Senanayake M. Vidyalaya - Ekala
- OKI International School - Hapugoda
- De Mazenod College - Kandana
Geography
Climate
| Climate data for Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 30 (86) |
31 (88) |
33 (91) |
34 (93) |
34 (93) |
32 (90) |
32 (90) |
32 (90) |
32 (90) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
29 (84) |
32 (90) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 22 (72) |
22 (72) |
24 (75) |
26 (79) |
26 (79) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
23 (73) |
22 (72) |
24 (75) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 16 (0.6) |
19 (0.7) |
22 (0.9) |
63 (2.5) |
54 (2.1) |
87 (3.4) |
130 (5.1) |
140 (5.5) |
111 (4.4) |
192 (7.6) |
141 (5.6) |
71 (2.8) |
1,046 (41.2) |
| Average precipitation days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 43 |
| Source: World Climate Guide. To check the current Weather - Visit: https://www.worldweatheronline.com/ja-ela-weather/western/lk.aspx | |||||||||||||
References
- Careem, Tuan M. Zameer.(2017). Persaudaraan (Brotherhood). Malay Life in Sri Lanka (2nd ed). Colombo: S Godage & Brothers. Print
- http://www.statistics.gov.lk/pophousat/cph2011/Pages/Activities/Reports/District/Gampaha.pdf
- "King's International College". King's International. King's Care. Retrieved 16 February 2019.