name	Kurunegala District
type	Administrative District
map caption	Map of Sri Lanka with Kurunegala District highlighted
coordinates type	type:adm2nd_region:LK-61
coordinates display	inline,title
coordinates region	LK-61
subdivision type	Country
subdivision name
subdivision type1	Province
subdivision name1	North Western Province
established title	Created
seat type	Capital
leader title	District Secretary
leader name
unit pref	Metric
area total km2	4771
population as of	2001
population density km2	auto
timezone1	Sri Lanka
utc offset1	+05:30
iso code	LK-61
footnotes	}}

Kurunegala is a district in North Western Province, Sri Lanka. Its area is 4,771 km².

Category:Districts of Sri Lanka

de:Kurunegala (Distrikt) fr:Kurunegala (district) it:Distretto di Kurunegala mr:कुरुनेगला जिल्हा nl:Kurunegala (district) pnb:ضلع کورونیگالا si:කුරුණෑගල දිස්ත්‍රික්කය sv:Kurunegala (distrikt) zh:庫魯內格勒區

name	Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
native name	කුරුණෑගලகுருனகல்
map caption	Location of Kurunegala within Sri Lanka
pushpin map	Sri Lanka
pushpin mapsize	250
coordinates region	LK
subdivision type	Country
subdivision name
subdivision type1	Province
subdivision name1	North Western Province, Sri Lanka
leader title	Mayor
leader name	Nimal Silva
unit pref	Metric
population as of	2001
population total	28,401
population blank1 title	Demonym
utc offset	-5
timezone	Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone
utc offset	+5:30
elevation m	116
postal code	60000
area code	037
footnotes	}}

Kurunegala (, ), is the capital of the North Western Province, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka and the Kurunegala District. Kurunegala was also an ancient royal capital for 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the 13th century. The town itself is a busy commercial and a transport hub. Kurunegala is located at the junction of several main roads linking to other important parts of the country. It is situated about 94 km from Colombo, and 42 km from Kandy.

Located at an altitude of 116 meters above sea level, Kurunegala is surrounded by coconut plantations and rubber estates. There are eight very noticeable large rocks that encircle and dominate the city. Kurunegala's rocks rise from the plain below and have characteristic names, six of which come from the animals that they are imagined to represent. The largest among them is Ethagala or the "Elephant Rock" (though the translation is actually Tusker), reaches 325 meters. The shape of Ethagala resembles an Elephant.

Etymology

Kurunegala has been named after the Elephant rock(ඇතුගල). "Kurune" means Tusker or an Elephant with protruding teeth and ''Gala'' in Sinhala means rock. ''Kurunai'' means Tusker or an Elephant and ''Gal'' in Tamil means rock or hill. Kurunegala's old name was Hasthishaila-pura, which can be translated as ''The city of the Elephant rock'' in Sanskrit. In some ancient literature the word Athugal-pura(ඇතුගල්පුර) is also employed to describe the city of Kurunegala.

Nearby are three archeological cities - Parakramapura (Panduvasnuwara-පඬුවස්නුවර) (north - west) with remains of a moated palace and monasteries from the 12th century, Dambadeniya-දඹ‍‍‍‍දෙනිය (south - west, mid-13th century), and Yapahuwa (north).

Kurunegala enjoys a pleasant location overlooked by huge rocky outcrops some of which have been given names of the animals they resemble: Elephant rock, Tortoise rock etc. According to folklore legend, long time back the city had experienced a severe drought. To exacerbate matters for the humans, animals had threatened the city's storage capabilities by consuming huge amounts of water. Fortunately for the humans, a witch had volunteered to alleviate the problem, transforming some of the animals magically into stone figures.

History

Kurunegala had a citadel in the thirteenth century. It's ascendancy as an ancient capital of Sri Lanka, began with a series of events that took place during the late 12th century at Yapahuwa. The sacred tooth relic which was in the Yapahuwa Kingdom was taken away by a Aryacakravarti from the Jaffna Kingdom to the Pandyan country during the rule of Buwaneka Bahu I from 1272 to 1284. The tooth relic was brought back by King Parakrama Bahu III who ruled from Kurunegala between 1287 to 1293. Over the next half a century Kurunegala was the capital and the governing centre for three other kings of Sri Lanka.

After the death of King Parakrama Bahu III, Kings Buvanekabahu II (1293–1302) who was followed by Parakramabahu IV (1302–1326) ruled from Kurunegala. The ruler in Kurunegala from 1326 to 1335 was Buwaneka Bahu III alias Wanni Buwaneka Bahu. He was the son of Pandith Parakrama Bahu II and is believed to be the last king to rule the country from Kurunegala.

After the reign of Buwaneka Bahu III, the newly throned king Vijayabahu V ruled from Dambadeniya and Yapahuwa from 1335 to 1341 before once again the kingdom of Sri Lanka shifted to Gampola.

Few remains of the Palace of the Tooth relic that housed the tooth of the Buddha have avoided natural destruction, including few stone steps and a part of a doorway.

Geography and climate

Geography

Topographically Kurunegala town is based on a plain area with the exception of the surrounding rock out crops. The northern part of the town is slightly higher than the south. The Kurunegala Lake is the primary geographical feature of Kurunegala and adorns the town. The region comprising the Kurunegala town is located well above the sea level compared to the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. However, the region is not as high as the central hill country of the island. The nearest beaches to Kurunegala are to the western coastal areas and include Negombo and Chilaw.

Climate

Kurunegala features a tropical rainforest climate under the Koppen climate classification. The city's climate is tropical and hot all throughout the year. The surrounding rocks play a major role in determining Kurunegala's weather since these rocks increase and retain the heat of the day. During the month of April the temperature can rise up to about 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Kurunegala weather occurs during the monsoons from May to August and October to January, this is the time of year where heavy rains can be expected. While the city does experience a noticeably drier weather during January and February, it does not qualify as a true dry season as average precipitatin in both months are above 60 mm. In general, temperatures from late November to mid February period are lower than the rest of the year.

The annual rainfall in Kurunegala is about 2000 millimeters.

Demographics

According to the census data, the estimated population of Kurunegala in the year 2001 was 28,401. The male population was 14626 and the female population was 13775. Most of Kurunegala's residents belong to the Sinhalese majority. Other ethnic minorities include the Sri Lankan Moors, Sri Lankan Tamils, Burghers and Malays. Residents from ethnic minorities live in all parts of the city, however, sizeable communities of Moors and Tamils also live in the areas of Teliyagonna and Wilgoda.

The following Table summarizes the population of Kurunegala according to different ethnicities.

+
!Ethnicity!!Population!!% of Total
Sinhalese	20,874
Sri Lankan Moor	4,452
Sri Lankan Tamil	2,221
Malay	349
Indian Tamil	249
Burgher	1651
Others including (Sri Lankan Chetty	Sri Lanka Chetty and Bharatha)	27

''Source:'' ''2001 Census Data''

Language

The common languages of Kurunegala, depending on social classes, social circles, and ethnic backgrounds are Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

Religion

Buddhism is the main and the most widely practised religion in Kurunegala. The town is also home to a wide range of other religious faiths and sects including Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. Hence Buddhism is rapidly increasing within the district.

Prominent Buddhist temples located in Kurunegala include Athkanda Raja Maha Viharaya, Ibbagala Raja Maha Viharaya, Angangala cave temple, Wilbawa Purana Viharaya and Bauddhaloka Viharaya. An ancient replica of Buddha's footprint that is found on the summit of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), a little dagoba and some paintings depicting the Buddha and his disciples can be seen at the Ibbagala Raja Maha Viharaya.

Christian/Catholic churches, mosques and Hindu temples are also located within the city. The Church of Ceylon, which is the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka operates a diocese in Kurunegala covering the North-Central province and Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale and Kegalle, Anuradapura, Polonnaruwa districts.

Administration

The Kurunegala Municipality Council is responsible for overall administration, sanitary, welfare, and other general activities of the city. The Municipality Council headed by a mayor with 12 other elected members. The 12 elected members represent the following wards: {| |valign="top"|

Gangoda

Wewa

Central

Illuppugedara

|valign="top"|

Madamegama

Wehera

Udawalpola

Bazzar

|valign="top"|

Gettuwana

Polattapitya

Teliyagonna (Upper)

Teliyagonna (Lower)

|}

Transportation

Kurunegala is a central city in Sri Lanka. It is directly connected to a large number of major cities and towns of the island. By road, it is connected to Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Negombo, Anuradhapura and Kegalle. Due to its status as a crossroads town, the city is a good base for exploring many important ancient landmarks a short distance away.

Kurunegala can also be reached by the railway on the Northern railway line.

The new Central Bus Stand, opened in 2005, is one of Sri Lanka's most efficient and modern bus stands, with a parking-space capacity of about 200 buses at a time.

Attractions

The rocks

Kurunegala is surrounded by several major rock outcrops, a distinctive geological feature of the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka.

Etha-gala (Elephant Rock)

Ibba-gala (Tortoise Rock)

Ada-gala (Eel Rock)

Elu-gala (Goat Rock)

Kuruminiya-gala (Beetle Rock)

Wandura-gala (Monkey Rock)

Yakdessa-gala(Witch Rock)

Goni-gala (Sack Rock)

Kurunegala lake

A large man-made water reservoir constructed by ancient kings. The lake is located in the outskirts of the central business district near to the Kurunegala-Dambulla road. The tank is also used as a water supply source to the city.

Kurunegala clock tower

The Kurunegala clock tower was built in 1922 as a tribute to the officers, who went from the Wayamba province and sacrificed their lives in the First World War. The tower memorial plaque has the following inscribed:

"''This Clock Tower was erected in memory of those who went from the North Western province at the call of duty and gave their lives for the empire in the World War in 1914–1918''"

However, soon after 1945, the tower was also dedicated to the valiant officers who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War.

Located at the centre of the city, today the Kurunegala clock tower serves as a landmark of the city. The Kurunegala Court of Law, The Central Market and the Central Bus Stand are also situated in the vicinity of the clock tower.

Maligawa ancient ruins

Archaeological remains of this site are few, but give a glimpse of its past glory and comprise the handsome stone entrance, steps, rock pillars and ruined walls of the royal palace. Maligawa site also contains some majestic old trees.

Education

Education is delivered free of charge to all students of national schools, according to the government policy. These schools operate under the Provincial Council. There are also privately owned schools in Kurunegala.

National schools

Maliyadeva College - Kurunegala

St. Anne's College - Kurunegala

Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya - Kurunegala

Holy Family Balika Maha Vidyalaya - Kurunegala

Sir John Kothalawala Maha Vidyalaya - Kurunegala

Maliyadeva Model School - Kurunegala

Hizbulla Central College Theliyagonna, Kurunegala

Lakdas Maha Vidyalaya - Kurunegala

Hindu Tamil Maha Vidyalayam - Kurunegala

Sri Nissanka Maha Vidyalaya-Kurunegala

Wayamba Royal College-Kurunegala

Zahira M.M.V Vidyalaya

Private/International schools

Unique International College

Royal International School

Wayamba International School

Lexicon International School

Amana International School

Sports

Major sporting venues in and around Kurunegala include:

Welagedara Stadium is the top sporting venue in Kurunegala. It regularly hosts both domestic and international Cricket matches.

Maliyadeva College Cricket Grounds

Maliga Pitiya Stadium

St.Anne's College Cricket Grounds

Maliyadeva Model School Sports Grounds

Sir John Kotalawala College Grounds

Vijayaba National College Grounds

Gallery

See also

List of cities in Sri Lanka

Kurunegala train crash

List of statues by height

Wayamba Cricket Team

References

External links

Wayamba Tourism

History and Heritage of Kurunegala

Detailed map of Kurunegala and Sri Lanka

Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala

Kurunegala Divisional Secretariats

Malay Mosque in Kurunegala

Kurunegala District Population by Ethnicity - 2001 Census

Athugalpura Business directory

Category:Provincial capitals in Sri Lanka Category:Populated places in North Western Province, Sri Lanka Category:Kurunegala District

de:Kurunegala fr:Kurunegala it:Kurunegala nl:Kurunegala pl:Kurunegala pt:Kurunegala ru:Курунегала si:කුරුණෑගල sv:Kurunegala

honorific-prefix	Honourable
name	Dayasiri Jayasekara
honorific-suffix	MP
constituency mp	Kurunegala District
parliament	Sri Lanka
term start	2004
birth date	June 12, 1969
party	United National Party
otherparty	United National Front
residence	718/1 Madinnagoda, Rajagiriya
alma mater	Hettipola Junior School, Harischandra College, Mayurapada Central College
profession	Attorney-at-Law
religion	Buddhist
website	dayasirijayasekara.com
footnotes	}}

Jayasekara Pathirannahelage Dayasiri Pathmakumara Jayasekara () (born on 26 June 1969 ) is a Sri Lankan politician and a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Politics

Political Life

After obtaining the degree, his first ever employment was the coordinating post of ministry of Judiciary. In 1997 he could get majority of preferences in Paduvasnuwara electorate. But he was not the chairman. he deserved it. In 1999 he was appointed as the secretary of youth association of Sri Lanka freedom party. At the time he had reputation of organizing the 54th party conference.

Immediately he became the secretary of Prof: G.L.Pieris(minister of investment promotion) he could get plenty of political experience. Throughout that time he could demonstrate his ability of leadership and organizing. At the sametime he was the chairman of Sri Lanka mineral sand corporation.

In 2001 he was positively fortunate to join with united national party. It a great milestone in his life. In spite of facing infinite toils tails and tribulations he was a candidate of general election in the same year. But he had to win the general election. he lost the organizer ship of Paduwasnuwara as well. Again he worked as the secretary of Prof:G.L.Pieris..Then he was appointed as the chairman of Sri Lanka phosphate company.

In 2004 again he became organizer of Katugampola electorate. In that year he could win the general election getting 52457 preferences. he was blessed as a parliament minister. In 2005 he became the organizer of Paduvasnuwara. he did his best for the betterment of United National Party. he is extremely happy to remark that he could work hand in hand as a friend in need with area residents of Paduwasnuwara. He shared his experiences, ideas, points of view and took care of them. It is not secret that he has an aptitude of understanding peoples grievances. On the other hand he can help them without playing any dirty games.

He has a strong track record of a long time. What matters is that he has been dedicating his blood, sweat and tears within a correct view to create a self-sufficient Sri Lanka as a member of that great organization, United National Party. On the other hand he will do many an jerk some task to realize dreams of every Sri Lankan.

References

Category:Sri Lankan politicians Category:Living people Category:Members of 13th Parliament of Sri Lanka Category:Members of 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka Category:United National Party politicians Category:1969 births

ta:தயசிரி ஜயசேகர

honorific-prefix	Honourable
name	Mervyn Silva
honorific-suffix	MP
office	Deputy Minister of Highways
term start	5 May 2010
term end	10 August 2010
term start2	8 September 2010
office3	Deputy Minister of Mass Media & Information
term start3	23 April 2010
term end3	5 May 2010
office4	Non-Cabinet Minister of Labour
term start4	2007
term end4	2010
constituency mp5	Gampaha District
parliament5	Sri Lanka
term start5	2010
constituency mp6	National List
parliament6	Sri Lanka
predecessor6	J. A. Mary Lucida
term start6	2004
term end6	2010
constituency mp7	Hambantota District
parliament7	Sri Lanka
term start7	1994
term end7	2000
birth date	March 25, 1944
nationality	Sri Lankan
spouse	J. A. Mary Lucida
party	Sri Lanka Freedom Party
otherparty	United People's Freedom Alliance
children	Malaka
residence	296/7 Park Road, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka
alma mater	Mahinda Vidyalaya,Maligakanda
religion	Buddhist
footnotes	}}

Hewa Koparage Mervyn Silva (Sinhala:හෙවා කොපරගේ මර්වින් සිල්වා) (born March 25, 1944) (known as ''Mervyn Silva'') is a controversial Sri Lankan politician, Member of Parliament and government minister.

Political career

Silva entered politics by joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in Hambantota District but later joined the United National Party.

At the 1994 parliamentary election Silva was elected to represent Hambantota District for the UNP. He later rejoined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

At the 2004 parliamentary election Silva was a United People's Freedom Alliance candidate in Colombo District but failed to get elected after receiving only 2,236 preference votes and coming in last place amongst the 23 UPFA candidates in the district. However, in May 2004 he was appointed as National List MP for the UPFA, replacing his wife who had resigned to allow Silva enter Parliament. In January 2007 Silva was appointed Non-Cabinet Minister of Labour.

At the 2010 parliamentary election Silva was elected to represent Gampaha District for the UPFA. Afterward he was appointed Deputy Minister of Mass Media & Information. This caused strong protests from journalists because of Silva's past history with the media. Reporters Without Borders described the appointment as "asking an arsonist to put out fires". Silva resigned as Deputy Minister of Mass Media & Information in May 2010 but was immediately appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Highways.

On 3 August 2010 Silva subjected government official Mohammed Ishan Murshuk to public humiliation by tying him to a mango tree. Silva invited the media to witness the official's humiliation. This resulted in public outrage and demonstrations by government officials. On 10 August 2010 it was announced that Silva had been dismissed from his ministerial post and suspended from the SLFP. However, a subsequent SLFP disciplinary cleared him of all charges and on 8 September 2010 he was reappointed to his ministerial post.

Relations with media

On 27 December 2007 Silva and his bodyguards stormed the offices Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation where Silva assaulted SLRC's news director T. M. G. Chandrasekera. SLRC employees then took Silva hostage and demanded he apologise. When Silva refused the SLRC employees assaulted him.

On 4 August 2008 Silva and his bodyguards assaulted Sirasa TV journalist Saliya Ranawaka and cameraman Waruna Sampath and seized their equipment at the opening of a flyover at Thorana Junction in Kelaniya. Silva was tried for the assaults but was acquitted after the police failed to file any charges against him. However, earlier Silva had agreed to pay the Sirasa cameraman Rs. 750,000 compensation after the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka heard a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the cameraman.

Presence in Mega Star reality show

However Silva worked in cooperation with media during his appearance in the Swarnavahini Mega Star reality program as a judge. His controversial remarks about the contestants.became a wide topic of discussion and drew the attention of general public. He made many remarks about the opposition MP Ranjan Ramanayaka and MP Upeksha Swarnamali. During the live final show held at Sugathadasa indoor stadium he made many rude remarks over contestant and other judges.

See also

List of political families in Sri Lanka

References

Biographies of present MPs - Parliament of Sri Lanka

Category:Sinhalese people Category:Sri Lankan Buddhists Category:Sri Lankan politicians Category:Government ministers of Sri Lanka Category:Members of 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka Category:Members of 13th Parliament of Sri Lanka Category:Members of 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka Category:Living people Category:1944 births

si:මර්වින් සිල්වා