Ratnapura District
Ratnapura District රත්නපුර පරිපාලන දිස්ත්රික්කය | |
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Administrative District | |
Map of Sri Lanka with Ratnapura District highlighted | |
Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°ECoordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°E | |
Country | Sri Lanka |
Province | Sabaragamuwa Province |
Largest City | Ratnapura |
Time zone | Sri Lanka (UTC+05:30) |
ISO 3166 code | LK-91 |
Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර පරිපාලන දිස්ත්රික්කය) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The 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. Scenery around the town is excellent and charming. There is a route to Sri Pada from Ratnapura direction. Excursions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The route towards hill country is beautiful. The surrounding area is a popular trekking destination and a good place for bird watching. Visit traditional gem mining and cutting operations.
Major Cities
- Ratnapura (Municipal Council)
Big Towns
- Balangoda (Urban Council)
- Embilipitiya (Urban Council)
Other Towns
- Eheliyagoda
- Pelmadulla
- Kuruwita
- Imbulpe
- Godakawela
- Kahawatta
- Rakwana
- Weligepola
- Nivitigala
- Ayagama
- Kalawana
- Kolonne
- Panamure
- Opanayaka
Administration
For the administrative purpose district is divided into 17 Divisional Secretariat divisions
- Eheliyagoda
- Kuruwita
- Kiriella
- Rathnapura
- Elapatha
- Ayagama
- Imbulpe
- Opanayaka
- Pelmadulla
- Nivithigala
- Kalawana
- Balangoda
- Weligepola
- Godakawela
- Kahawaththa
- Embilipitiya
- Kolonna
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.