- published: 24 Jul 2006
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Gampaha is an urban city in Sri Lanka and is the capital of the Gampaha District in Western Province, north of Colombo. Gampaha District is separated from Colombo mainly by the Kelani River.
The name "Gampaha" in Sinhala (ගම්පහ ) literally means “Five Villages”. The five villages are known to be Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama and Aluthgama. However, at present village Pattiyagama cannot be identified within the city limits of Gampaha and remains disputed. Elders believe Pattiyagama is the area surrounding “Ananda Mawatha” today. Another theory suggests the last village name is not Pattiyagama, but Oruthota. Oruthota road connects the heart of Gampaha to Colombo-Kandy road near Belummahara junction, and was recently widened and developed under Gampaha city development plan. Gampaha was also known to be called Henarathgoda in the past.
Gampaha town is located in the center of Gampaha District. Gampaha town is about 4 km from Miriswatta on Colombo-Kandy road. Gampaha is surrounded by Yakkala, Miriswatta, Weliweriya Udugampola and Ja-Ela towns.