Ratnapura District
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Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
This 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. The district is home to Kukulugala, the 18th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.[1][2]
Religion
Template:Pie chart The majority of the population are Buddhists. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.[3]
| 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
- Rakwana
- Pelmadulla
- Kuruwita
- Imbulpe
- Godakawela
- Kahawatta
- Eheliyagoda
- Weligepola
- Nivitigala
- Ayagama
- Kalawana
- Kolonna
- Panamure
- Pohorabawa
- Pallebedda
- Udawalawe
Administration
For the administrative purpose 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
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". 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
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- ↑ Department of Census and Statistics,The Census of Population and Housing of Sri Lanka-2011