Southern Province<< Back
Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts are included in this province. Majority of the southern province population involve in fishing and farming. Wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks, Kataragama the holy city, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle are the significance in this province Specially Galle for the beautiful coral reefs and enchanting beach.
There were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems around the common man.
In 2004 coastal areas of this province were seriously affected by the Tsunami disaster and now in rebuilding process.
Galle
This is one of the UNESCO world heritage cities in the world. It is 119km from Colombo city. Before the arrival of Portuguese in 16th century the main port was situated in Galle.
The Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia .It was built by European invaders. Galle is the best example of a prepared city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia. It is a combination of European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests also can be included to landmarks in Galle.
The rail which connects Galle to Matara and Colombo enables to view the white sand sea beaches and feel the wind
“Rumassala Kanda” is a large mound-like hill, which forms the eastern protective barrier to the Galle harbor. Local tradition associates this hill with some events of the Ramayana. It is known to have large amount of valuable herbals plants used in ayurvedic medicine.
Wadduwa
Popular city among tourists situated in western coast of Sri Lanka. Wadduwa is very popular among everybody,specially tourists for its enchanting golden beaches. With the rich cultivation coconut,it is known for major produces in vinegar and toddy.
Kataragama
Situated in deep south in Sri Lanka and 228km from Colombo. Well known place of pilgrimage to Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and as well as in South India.
Buddhist believe that it is one of the 16 principal places of pilgrimage to be visited in Sri Lanka. According to the history of Sri Lanka Mahawamsa, when the Bo-sapling or Pipil tree sapling under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in North India was brought to the city of Anuradhapura 2,300 years ago. The warriors orKshatriyas from Kataragama were present on the occasion to worship and respect.
The King Mahasena built the Buddhist Kiri Vehera Dagoba which stands in closer to the Hindu temple. The legends say, Lord Buddha on his third and the last visit to Sri Lanka was believed to have met the King Mahasena who ruled over the Kataragama area in B.C.580. Thus the local Sinhalese Buddhists believe that Kataragama as a sacred land. The King met the Lord Buddha and as a token of gratitude, the Dagaba was built on that exact spot where it now stands.
Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus and South India believe this place has a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Katirkaman. Such they refer Kataragama as Katirkaman. The presiding holy being is popularly identified with Lord Skandha.
This holy being is illustrated either with six heads and 12 hands, or one head and 4 hands. The peacock is known as God’s vehicle, a native bird to Sri Lanka and India. Local Tamils use to have long pilgrimage journeys across the island to reach this temple. Sella Katirkamam is known as a related shrine , dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is closer to Kataragama main temple complex.
The river namely Manik Ganga means river of gems functions as a place where a sacred bath is taken to remove ones sins. Native legends tells it that one can be healed of ailments by bathing in it cause of its high gem content and the medicinal properties of the roots of various trees that line the river through the jungle.
The god at Kataragama is indigenous and believe that resides on the top of mountain called Wadahiti Kanda just outside of the Kataragama town.
Even today the Vedda people come to worship at the temple complex from their forest. As a link to the Vedda past the temple holds its annual festival, celebrates the God’s courtship and marriage to a Vedda princess, in July to August.
Kataragama is known as multi-religious sacred city as it contains an Islamic Mosque within its temple complex as well.
In spite of the differences of caste and faith, all Sri Lankans show great respect to God Kataragama. They honor him as a very powerful holy being and beg divine to solve their personal problems or for success in business ,education etc…
Hambantota
Situated far south of Sri Lanka.Has a dry climate. Lenoard Woolf's 'Village in the Jungle' talks about Hambantota a she was working there as an British Colonial period as he worked as an assistant goverenment agent in that district. Leads in salt production. Famous political family from the district is Rajapaksas. Present President hails from the district. The proposed airport will open the gateways widely turning a new page in the history of Hambantota giving opportunity to the world to voyage in the city. It will also extend the job opportunities to locals and to develop as a city to export products.
Bentota
Situated on the northern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province. Other than the golden beaches, Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda which cause great attraction of the foreign tourists. Popular for toddy production as well.