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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Postal Codes - Sri Lanka

Postal Codes of Sri Lanka

Provice
Districts
Suthern province

Western province

Sabaragamuwa Province
Uva province
Central Province

North Western province
North Central provice
Eastern province
North provice

SInharaja Forest


Sinharaja Forest Reserve is situated in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, within Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. It is bounded on the
  • north by the Napola Dola (stream) and Koskulana Ganga (river),
  • south and south-west by the Maha Dola and Gin Ganga,
  • west by the Kalukandawa Ela and Kudawa Ganga
  • east by an ancient footpath near Beverley Tea Estate and by the Denuwa Kanda. Geographic location can be describe as latitude 6°21'-6°26' and , 80°21'-80°34'.


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Forest was notified as a heritage wilderness area on 21 October 1988 by the Gazette, no 528/14.  Before this act, most of the land of this area has been protected by Waste Land Ordinance on dated 3rd May 1875.  According to the act, total area of this reserve is 18899 acres and 12 perches and those areas are owned by government.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a one of the world famous rainforest in Sri Lanka. It’s a one of the world heritage. It was notified as a biosphere reserve as 1978 and notified as world heritage in 1988.  Sinharaja has huge biodiversity. Large numbers of animals, floras, birds and other kind of animals are living in Sinharaja. Among those, lot of floras and animals are endemic to Sri Lanka or Sinharaja. More than twenty endemic birds can be shown in this area.




  • Ceylon Lorikeet
  • Layard's parakeet
  • Jungle and Spur Fowl
  • Ceylon Wood Pigeon
  • Grey Hombill
  • Spotted wing Thrush
  • Laughing Thrush
  • Ceylon Blue Magpie
  • White Headed Starling


Sinharaja is based  on cool climate and it recorded rainfall has reanged from 3600mm to 5000 mm and average temperatures from 18o C to 34 o C according to department of climatology.  Mainly rainfall is based on south west monsoon during May to July months and north – east monsoon during November to January.

Lot of kind of  fauna are living within this forest.  Preliminary list of the those,


  • Mammals
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians
  • Fishes
  • Butterflies


Percentage of endemism is high among those all kind of faunas. When the consider of the birds, 20 of species can be seen in the forest out of 23 species endemic to Sri Lanka. Endemism among mammals and butterflies also greater than 50% . when the consider about threatened animals, those are leopard, Indian elephant .

According to the studies did by the Silva, 1985, there are two villages inside the forest. Those are situated in the south west area and north western sector of the reserve. Currently more than 5000 peoples are living in those villages. Their main occupation is related for the forest. Small number of peoples cultivate tea or rubber. At present visitors are few in numbers, mostly they are naturalists. Small entrance fee is charged for a person and it valid for a 6 pm of this day. Currently entrance  fee for a local visitor, 40 rupees, for a foreigner, 200 rupees. Accommodation facilities are made for the visitors and currently farther developing.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Environment of Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka is a small island economy with a land area of 65,525 sq km, and located between 5. 54'and 9.52' north latitude of the equator and 79 39' and 81 53' east longitude. The climatic pattern of Sri Lanka is determined by the generation of monsoonal wind patterns in the surrounding oceans. Four basic seasons based on rainfall exist. These are, the south - west monsoonal period during May to September; an inter-monsoonal period during October–November; the north-east monsoonal period from December to February; and another inter-monsoonal period lasting from March to April.

Rainfall is monsoonal, convectional and digressional. 55% of the island's rainfall comes from the monsoons. The mean annual rainfall ranges between 900mm to 6000mm, with an island wide average of about 1,900 mm, which is about two and a half times more than the world annual mean of 750mm. The average rainfall varies from below 1000 mm in the arid regions of the dry zone (North West area and the southeast corner of the island), to over 5000 mm in the wet season in south west of the country. Thus on the basis of the rainfall regimes, the country is divided into three broad climatic zones



Climate Zone of Sri Lanka

These are designated as the Wet Zone, Dry Zone and the Intermediate Zone. Sri Lanka is further divided into 24 agro-ecological regions based on rainfall expectancy, altitude, soil class, and landform.


The physiography of Sri Lanka comprise of three pen plains or erosion plains made up of a central highland massif, rising in tiers from a low gently undulating plain surrounding it and extending to the sea, (the lowest peneplain). Rising from the inner edge of the lowest peneplain, in a steep step of about 300 meters is the middle peneplain with a maximum elevation of about 800 m above sea level. Within it and rising from it in another step of 1000 to 1300 m is the highest peneplain at a general level of about 2000 m above mean sea level, but rising in places to 2300 to 2700 m (P.G. Cooray, 1984, Introduction to the Geology of Sri Lanka). 

A major part of the country is made up of Precambrian crystalline rocks, which constitute 90% of the land area (i.e., the Highland Complex, Vijayan Complex and Wanni Complex), with Miocene limestone sedimentary deposits extending from Puttalam to the Jaffna Peninsula. There are Jurassic deposits in Tabbowa and Andigama of the North-western province, and quaternary deposits in the coastal area (i.e., sand, sandstone, clay and gravels, and coral reef). Inland deposits of coral debris and gem-bearing gravels are mainly found in Sabaragamuva Province

There are 103 natural river basins with catchments ranging from 9 to 10,448 sq. km. Seventeen river basins have catchment areas of over than 1000 sq. km. The Mahaweli river, which is the longest river (3352 km), has the largest catchment area (10448 km ). Out of the 103 river basins, some are perennial flowing continuously throughout the year. The ephemeral rivers flow only during or immediately after periods of precipitation, and their flow is less than 30 days per year. The flows of the intermittent streams occur during certain times of the year and their seasonal flow usually lasts longer than 30 days per year

The mean annual temperature is approximately 27.5 C in most parts of the island's low-lying areas, while it 0 is around 18 C in the higher altitudes of the central part of the country. The average relative humidity varies from 70% during day to 95% in the night. Sri Lanka's varied climatic conditions and topography have given rise to a unique biological diversity. Biodiversity, which means diversity of life forms and the variety of systems in which life exists, is defined at three levels, namely, species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity. It is significant that more than 35% of the flora are endemic to the country, while more than 65% of those found in the wet zone are endemic. Standing out among the fauna are 59 endemic species of land/fresh water crabs, while more than 50% of land snails, amphibians, and reptiles are endemic. The majority of the endemic species are found in the wet zone.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Kalutara District



Kalutara famous for the robber and  coconut cultivation. Land square of the district is 1593 km2 . Lot of historical, cultural and other important places are situated in this area, as well as other districts. This area consists with the beautiful beach and it helps to attract the local and foreign tourists.







Some Important places in Kalutara

  • Kalutara Bodhi (Temple)
  • Pahiyangala (An prehistoric cave)
  • Weheragala Kanda
  • Rankothkowera temple
  • Aluthgama Kande Viharaya.
  • Lighthouse in Beruwala
  • Bava Garden

 

Temples in Kalutara District

  Kalutara Bodhi

Kalutara Bodhi is located in the central of kalutara town. This is a one of the well-known temple among Buddhist people around the world. The Boo tree which is shown in this temple is one of the plants of the Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura and it planted in hundred years ago. In the left side   of the Bodhi, can be seen a huge pagoda ( chaithya) . This pagoda was created in 1942 year by ven. Aththadassi Medankara thero.





Aluthgama Kande Viharaya

This temple is situated in the kaluwamodara village, near the Aluthgama town. This place is well known among all Sri Lankan without any religious cleavage. One of the famous fane for Vishnu god is situated in this temple.  This temple established in 1734 year and it has lot of drawing which are related to drawings of Mahanuwara Era.
lately, one of the Statue of the Buddha is created in this temple. It can be describe as a one of the highest stand statue of the Buddha in Sri Lanka. This temple consists with a rest room with better facilitates for the multi days trips.



Veedagama Maha Maithiya Viharaya


This temple is situated in the 11 km away from Panadura town. This temple has long history and established in by Ven. Buddhagosha thero.

This temple was famous for a two reasons. The first one, Ven Buddhagosha thero, was in addition to being the first incumbent, was also a ‘Raja Guru’ (educator of kings) during the Kurunegala period. 

 He was said to be of South Indian (Chola) origin. The second one was Ven Maha Veedagama thero, who gained fame for matters related to not just religion, but also ‘manthara gurukam’. Ven Thotagamuve Rahula thero was a student of Maha Veedagama thero. According to one legend, the former took an overdose of the memory enhancer ‘Sarasvathie Thailaya’ and consequently was able to remember everything he heard. 


more details read this article

Pothupitiya Walukarama Maha Viharaya


This temple is situated in north Pothupitiya village and established in 1850 year. One of the beautiful “Sandakadapahana” (moonstone) can be seen in this temple. And temple have statuary.



Pokunuvita  RaJa Maha Viharaya


This temple is situated in the Panadura – Horana road, 3 km away from the Veedagama temple mentioned earlier. According to some legendary, this temple started in 4th century. At this present, this temple is protected by department of Archeology. Some drawings which can be shown in this temple are identified as drawing of Mahanuwara Era.

 

Rankoth Vehera (Pagoda)


This temple is well-known temple among Sri Lankan Buddhists and its situated in Panadura area. According to the historical sources, this temple have long history and it was stared at the year 1810. Temple was famous due to Argument of Panadura. It was held on this temple. Currently this temple was developed by villagers and government. This temple has a Pagoda which was created in 1863 year. Temple has one of the Building called relic house and it was built at British Era.

Contact details

Ven. Dr. Kahapola Sugatarathna
Chief Incumbent
Rankot Viharaya
Panadura

T.P. 0094 38 22322423
Email : sugataratana_rankotviharaya@isplanka.lk

Ashokaramaya


This temple is started at 1880 year. It is situated in Kalutara north, near the Kalutara Bodhi. This temple also has drawings which are related for the Mahanuwara Era.

Other Importat Places..

 

Richmond Castle

This is an ancient place which is situated in Payagala area, several miles from Kalutara Bodhi. After the visiting Kalutara Bodhi, everyone can go to watch this place easily. There are have lot of statues and those are created as Greek style. Owner of this palace was Don Athar de Silva and at this present, this is controlled by a board of caretakers.

For more details please read this article 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Colombo District




Colombo city is the capital of the Sri Lanka and its includes several ancient places. There are have more than 2000 historical places in Colombo according to the department of archaeology in Sri Lanka. As well as lot of ancient building situated in Colombo cinnamon garden area, most of them are built in more than 100 years ago.



Temples in Colombo area

  Deepadunna raamaya in Colombo

This temple in situated in Kotahena area. This temple is established in 300 years ago. After the year 1835, this temple developed under the Ven. Migettuwaththe Gunananda thero whos was famous for the Panadura Argument.


Bellanwila Raja maha Viharaya (temple)



This temple in situated in Dehiwala area at near the Dehiwala - Maharagama main road. This temple has long history. This temple is famous for the charisma of the Vishnu god. Specially the Bodhiya ( Bo tree ) which can be shown in this temple, is one of the old tree of the Lanka. Other special thing is Esala Perahara (procession) will be held in June month of every year.  

Web Site : www.bellanwila.org


Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya 


This temple was created in king Parakramabhahu era in between 1200 – 1250. Acording to the “Daladha wanshaya”, (An ancient book that wrote about tooth relic of Buddha) king 6th Parakramabhahu built a temple in this area for the tooth relic of Buddha. This temple is situated in 6 km away from Borella

Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya @ Facebook



Gangodawila Vijayarama Raja maha Viharaya

Mahawanshaya (a book wrote about history of Sri Lanka) provides evidence that this temple was established by queen Vijayaba for in memoriam of king 6th Vijayaba. This temple situated in Wijerama, Nugegoda area.




Hunupitiya Gangaramaya

This temple is situated in central of Colombo and it has long history. Temple was established by Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala thero and currently incumbent is GalaBoda Siri Gnanissara thero. Specially can be mentioned, this temple conduct a procession with lot of cultural elements, Elephants in February month. This procession can be mentioned as the huge procession festival which conducts within the Colombo area.

 

Kuppiyawatta Jayasekaraamaya

This temple is situated in Maradana town. and established in 1823 year


Papiliyana Sunethradevi Viharaya


This temple is established in year 1417 by the king 6th Parakramabahu as a memorandum for his mother Sunethra devi. This temple is situated in Papiliyana town.

Contact details,

No. 102, Dehiwela Road, Pepiliyana,
Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka.

Tel: +94 (0) 11- 2717333
Fax: +94 (0) 11- 2728757
Mobile: +94 (0) 71- 4211295
E-mail: sunethradevi123@yahoo.com

Web : http://sunethradeviviharaya.org

Other important places

Galle face

This is a beautiful beach in Sri Lanka.  This place famous among tourists and most of them come for the leisure. In British control era, this place used for the conduct horse races.




Friday, August 17, 2012

Road Distance Sri Lanka

Road distance among towns

distance shown in Kilometers (km)

Road distance of Sri Lanka

Devon Waterfalls

Devon Waterfalls

Name Devon Waterfalls
Description
Diyawatanalla waterfall is situated in Alawathugoda village.  This water fall no so height. In the top has small gutter which is using to bathing and washing. Down at the waterfall have small gap in water way which used to enjoy children. Down area there has Diyawatanalla waterfall. It's very beautiful. In rainy season fall is better than others.
This fall started at Udamala mountain and flows via forest and Moragasdowa area. Also Various types of monkeys can be seen in this area.
Traveling description
This fall is at between Thalawakele and Hatton and 7km far away from Thalawakele town
Height 25m
Place in Google map
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To view pictures.....

Babarakanda waterfall

Babarakanda waterfall

Name Babarakanda waterfall
Description This waterfall is the highest in the whole of Sri Lanka and its height in meters in 241m. This waterfall is located in evergreen forest and it is formed by the Uduweriya Haputhale mountains via Kuda oya (river)
Traveling description This waterfall is situated in the Badulla District, Handumulla area. From the Colombo - Badulla highway, turn left for Weerakoon village and continue for 5km to the fall. The terrain is relatively difficult, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended
Height 241m - hieghst waterfall in Sri Lanka
Place in Google map
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To view pictures.....

St.Clair waterfall

St.Clair waterfall

Name St.Clair waterfall
Description St.Clair waterfall is situated in a tea estate in Thalawakele of Sri Lanka. St.clair waterfall is a very beautiful and widest waterfall of Sri Lanka.becouse of its wide,some persons called as "little Nayagara" for this waterfall. This waterfall emerges in Kothmale river
Traveling description Waterfall is situated in 5 km away from Thalawakale town
Height 25m
Place in Google map
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To view pictures.....

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Ravana waterfall

Ravana waterfall

Name Ravana waterfalls
Description Ravana waterfall is also one of very beautiful waterfall of Sri Lanka. It is situated at Badulla district. This waterfall is situated much closed to the Bandarawela - Wallawawaya road. Anyone travel along this way can be seen nice waterfall called Ravana falls. Ravana falls is not a single one. Number of Ravana falls available in closed area. Ravana cave temple, Dova Teple and Ravana fallls are related with legend story.
When the conceterate about the name of this waterfall, it derive from the ancient story of Sri Lanka and India which called story of Rama and Ravana.
Traveling description For the visit to Ramboda waterfall , stop vehicle and visit go along the footpath at down side of the Ramboda bridge.
Height 25m
Place in Google map
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To view pictures.....

Dunhinda Waterfall


Dunhinda waterfall

Name Dunhinda Waterfall
Description
Dunhinda waterfall is a most beautiful waterfall of Sri Lanka and which is at Soranathota of Badulla District Sri Lanka. Dunhinda waterfall is made by throwing of water from high gap of Badulu River. This fall started at Udamala mountain and flows via forest and Moragasdowa area.
Downside of Dunhinda there are three main reservoirs of Sri Lanka called Randenigala, Rantambe and Victoria
Bathing and playing at waterfall is very danger because downside source is deep and consist of heavy rocks
Traveling description Dunhinda Falls located at 2km away from Badulla - Mahiyangana road and about 10km from Badulla town. Clear walking path is available for access the falls
Height 63 m
Place in Google map
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To view pictures.....

Waterfalls of Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka is one of waterfall paradises of the world. Sri Lanka has many waterfalls. Majority of them include to Nuwaraeliya district and Badulla Districts. Maximum number of waterfalls is available in central province. Highest waterfall of Sri Lanka is Bambarakanda Waterfalls(241m). Bambarakanda, Diyaluma, Dunhinda, Ravana, Bomburu Falls, Ravan Falls, Mana Falls and such several waterfalls at Badulla district. Garandi Falls, Abardeen Falls, St. Clair falls, Devon Falls, Kurundu Oya falls, Ramboda falls and several beautiful falls at Nuwaraeliya District. Bopath Ella falls, Kalthota Duwili Falls and Sinharaja Falls are available at Rathnapura district.

Highest five waterfalls of Sri Lanka    

1. Bambarakanda falls(241m)
2. Kurundu Oya falls (189m)
3. Diyaluma falls (171m)
4. Lxapana falls (115m)
5  Raththna falls (111m)

Details of 100 waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Waterfall Name
Height in meters
Height in feet
Aberdeen Falls
98
322
Ahupini Ella
30
101
Aggara Falls
25
83
Aggara Sub Falls
25
83
Alagiyawanna Falla
4
13
Alawala Devin Panna Falls
45
149
Alawatthagoda Falls
11
37
Alakola Falls
60
205
Allapita Falls
30
100
Ahas Bokku Falls
30
100
Alupola Falls
80
264
Ambanganga Falls
12
40
Anagimala Falls
46
151
Andawala Falls
40
132
Athamala Falls
52
171
Baba Pallam Falls
6
20
Baker's Falls
20
66
Bandura Falls
12
40
Ballamala Falls
52
171
Bambarakanda Falls
263
863
Bomburu Ella Falls
50
166
Bandigewatta Falls
24
80
Bopath Ella Falls
30
98
Dambora Falls
10
34
Dansinanshin Falls
100
341
Delta Falls
60
197
Dessford Falls
20
66
Devon Falls
97
318
Dehena Falls
74
244
Dehigala Falls
30
100
Dehikada Falls
12
40
Dehigolla Falls
30
100
Diyaluma Falls
220
722
Dellawa Dooli Falls
30
100
Demali Falls
105
348
Devagiri Falls
90
297
DivithuraFalls
10
34
Diyakerella Falls
45
149
Dotulu Falls
83
273
Doturugala Falls
30
100
Diyawini Falls
60
205
Doovili Ella
40
131
Dunhinda Falls
63
207
Dun Falls
125
413
Eli Hatha Falls
100
341
Ellepola Falls
18
60
Elgin Falls
25
82
Galdola Falls
100
328
Garandi Ella
100
200
Gartmore Falls
20
66
Galwala Falls
23
76
Gerandi Gini Falls
100
341
Helboda Falls
60
205
Huluganga Falls
75
247
Glassaugh Falls
20
66
Galoruwa Falls
30
100
Glain Falls
10
33
Handapan Ella
200
656
Handun Ella
30
98
Hunnas Falls
60
197
Illumbekanda Doowili Falls
40
132
Jodu Falls
45
149
Kalupahana Falls
10
33
Kirindi Ella
116
381
Kothmale Mahakandura Falls
10
33
Kurunduoya Falls
206
676
Kaluwala Falls
38
125
Kotapola Falls
54
178
Kaluwawetuna Falls
30
100
Laxapana Falls
129
423
Lihinihela Ella
200
656
Lankagama Doowili Falls
23
75
Lankagama Kekuna Falls
11
37
Lankagama Uran Wetuna Falls
20
66
Lovers Leap
30
98
Madanagiri Falls
70
230
Mahakandura Falls
120
394
Mannakethi Ella
60
197
Mapanana Falls
148
486
Meemana Ella
60
205
Mapalalla Falls
45
149
Nakkawita Falls
100
328
Nalagana Falls
40
132
Nanuoya Falls
60
197
Okandagala Falls
63
207
Oolu Ella
200
656
Puna Falls (Ganandi Falls)
100
328
Pandioya
45
149
Pundalu Oya Falls
100
328
Ramboda Falls
109
358
Ranmudu Falls
45
149
Rathna Falls
101
331
Ravana Falls
25
82
Sampath Ella
30
98
St. Clair's Falls
80
262
Surathali Falls
60
205
Seetha Kotuwa Falls
57
197
Sri Pada Falls
75
246
Yaka Andu Ella
60
197