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 / 6.583°N 80.583°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 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.[2][3]
Religion
Religions in Ratnapura District (2011)[4]
The majority of the population are Buddhists. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.[4]
| 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
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.