Ratnapura District
Administrative District in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
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Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
Ratnapura District
රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம் | |
|---|---|
 Map of Sri Lanka with Ratnapura District highlighted | |
| Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Sabaragamuwa Province |
| Largest City | Ratnapura |
| Government | |
| • District Secretary | Malani Lokupothagama |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,275 km2 (1,264 sq mi) |
| Population (2012)[1] | |
• Total | 1,088,007 |
| • Density | 332.2/km2 (860/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka) |
| ISO 3166 code | LK-91 |
This gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroads between southern plains and the hill country to the east. Many of Sri Lanka's prominent gem dealers operate from this market city, which services most of the surrounding towns. There is a route to Sri Pada from the direction of Ratnapura. Local attractions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The surrounding area is popular with trekkers and bird watchers. The district is home to Kukulugala, the 18th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.[2][3]
Demographics
- Sinhala (87.6%)
- Sri Lankan Tamils (7.97%)
- Sri Lankan Moors (2.26%)
- Hill Tamils (2.09%)
- Others (0.07%)
The majority of the population are Buddhists. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.[6]
| Religion | Population(2012) |
|---|---|
| Buddhism | 943,464 |
| Hinduism | 101,962 |
| Islam | 24,446 |
| Christianity | 18,056 |
| Other Religion | 79 |
Major cities
- Ratnapura (Municipal Council)
Large towns
- Balangoda (Urban Council)
- Embilipitiya (Urban Council)
Other towns
Administration
For administrative purposes, the district is divided into 18 Divisional Secretariat divisions:
- Eheliyagoda
- Kuruwita
- Kiriella
- Rathnapura
- Elapatha
- Ayagama
- Imbulpe
- Opanayaka
- Pelmadulla
- Nivithigala
- Kalawana
- Balangoda
- Weligepola
- Godakawela
- Kahawaththa
- Embilipitiya
- Kolonna
- Kalthota
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.
