Kalutara is an enchanting city located on the South- West coastal belt of Sri Lanka, which can boast on a long historical background. The Kalu Nadee running to embrace the Indian Ocean, the lagoon covering an area of nearly one kilometer, the isle joining the famous two bridges connecting Kalutara North and South have culminated this captivating beauty. (However the heavy flood of the recent past has caused adverse effects to such a beauty.) The Bodhi on the left bank of the river , Watageya emerges from Udamaluwa adds more colors to the exquisiteness  of the city. During the past era, there had been a busy ford at Kalutara. According to the historical facts the area, which was called as Kalutota ( Ford of Kalu), had become later Kalutara.

           

It is located approximately 40 km south of the Commercial capital Colombo. It is a semi urban city with the medium level literacy. Once an important spice-trading center, the town’s name is derived from the Kalu Ganga River (‘Black River’ in native Sinhala). In the 11th Century, the town was temporarily made a capital on the orders of a South Indian Prince. The region was later planted with coconut trees, whose by-products are used for both internal and external trade. The location also boast fortifications (Kalutara fort) dating back from the times when Portuguese, Dutch and British vied for control of the area.

The 38 m long Kalutara Bridge was built at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River and serves as a major link between the country’s western and southern border. This is the first bridge of Sri Lanka, which was made of concrete.

Our ‘Wansa Katha’ provides very limited information about Kalutara area. However the rock inscription found at Elamodara, Diyagama,which belongs to 1st century B.C provides facts that Kalutara had been a settlement in ancient times.

            – Diyagama Rock inscription –

Diyagama Rock Inscription consists of four lines. The first exploration was made by an Archeologist called Prof Muller during British era. He has made a note in this regard in his work ‘Ancient Inscriptions in Ceylon’ in year 1883. According to him, this has been discovered with the help of most Ven. Waskaduwe Subhuthi Thero.  

The inscription provides information that a ford and paddy fields belonged to certain persons have been offered to ‘Maha Kala Vihara’. It gives evidences on a trade center called ‘Kalaniya”. The inscription suggests that the trade and agriculture in Kalutara area at that time had been at a higher level.

 (Source – The work on religious and cultural aspects of Kalutara District –කළුතර දිස්ත්‍රික් ආගමික හා සංස්කෘතික ග්‍රන්ථය ; Kalutara Sirisara )

 

 

Tourist attrcations

  • Kalutara Bodhiya – Kalutara Bodhiya, which has been planted before 2320 years, is an old Bo tree and it belonged to one of the  32 saplings of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the most ancient tree of the world as per documentary evidences.  According to Bodhi wansa, this Bo tree has been planted in Uda Maluwa of the premises of Kalutara Bodhi.

  • The Kalutara Vihara is a three storied Dagoba (Buddhist Shrine) located south of Kalutara bridge. This shrine, which has been constructed in 1960, is known as the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine.  and

    • Kalutara Fort– Kalutara fort was built by the Portuguese in 1622. However there is no remains of the Fort at present.

  • Richmond Castle – This is a two storied mansion built in 1896.

. Richmond Castle is a  mansion, belonged to a Mudaliyar N.D.Arthur Silva during British era. It has been constructed in a land in extent of 42 acres in Palatota area.

The building and the premises is currently under the control of the Public Trustee.

History

This mansion is said to have been built imitating the plan of a mansion owned by a certain Marahaja, which Mudaliyar Arthur De Silva had seen when travelling in India. The house warming ceremony had also been held concurrently to the wedding of Mudaliyar on 10 May 1910.

Since then Mudaliyar had lived 31 years at the mansion with his wife but they were unable to have children. Later 04 July 1941 Mudaliyar bequeathed his properties to the Public Trustee in the presence of J.S.Kadiragamara, Public Notary, with the request that the castle was converted to a children’s home. Further it was requested to utilize the income of these properties for the benefit of orphans living in the mansion.

 

The Mansion

It is said that certain essential supplies for the building were sourced from abroad, including bricks and tiles from India, teak and oak timber from Burma, window glasses from Italy, and floor tiles from England. These building materials were brought from Colombo harbor to Kalutara by ships and then they were transported to the construction site by barges.

The total number of door frames and windows are 99 and 38 respectively. There are 14 rooms in ground floor and first floor. 5 rooms out of the above are in ground floor and further two office rooms’ dining hall  and a small ballet hall are also constructed in the ground floor. In addition to the above the building consists of a portico, balcony and a courtyard. The first floor consists of 6 rooms, 4 bathrooms with toilets, balcony and another open space.

Two stairways have been built for the access to first floor and one of them had been built for the use of servants. The stairway to the first floor had been built as double winged one from the middle part.  Bedrooms are soundproof and constructed using 01 feet thick walls. Within these walls contained a wooden frame.

Garden

A pond can be seen in the garden of Richmond castle and water is supplied through Lion Heads, which are fixed to the walls of the pond. Further there are 12 granite statues in the garden altogether, 07 statues of small children and a statue of a mother caressing a child facing the bedroom of the Mudaliyar.

Present situation of the Mansion

At present an Early Childhood Development Center and orphanage for boys are maintained at Richmond Castle.

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Waskaduwa…

Waskaduwa, a historical village in Kalutara district,  has gained its fame as the pioneering center of Buddhist and renaissance movement of Sri Lanka.   Waskaduwa village has marked its place in the history as a center of Buddhist monks, which challenged the Wesleyan missionary movement spread in 19th century. This village is the birth place of most Ven. Subhuthi Thero.

When the attention is paid for the natural as well as historical events of the area, Sri Subhuthi Vihara holds the prominent place. Ven. Sri Subhuthi Thero residing at the vihara was an exemplary Thero. Sri Subhuthi Vihara exhibits historical significance as the place where Thai Prince entered Buddha Sasana.

Waskaduwa is bound west by the coast of Kalutara in Western province. This village was covered in the past with reed bamboo and later it has marked its identity for flutes. The sound of flute is called in Sinhala ‘Wasdandu ravaya’ and later the name Waskaduwa has derived from Wasdandu Ravaya.

Kalutara Bo tree is one of the most sacred Bo trees adored by Buddhists  except Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura. Kalu river, which flows to the ocean by the Bo tree, makes this city more important place. This area is enriched with natural resources also.  Mining of clay (Kirimeti) is very famous industry of the area. There are clay  deposits in most of the paddy fields of the area. Therefore manufacturers of clay and ceramic items pay much attention to this area as a place for raw material for their industries. Mangusteen- the name of this fruit is enough for anyone to recall Kalutara.

Tody industry is one of the livelihoods introduced by Portuguese for the residents of Waskaduwa  area. This makes a huge contribution for the enhancement of livelihood of the people.

 

Waskaduwa Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Vihara

Scared relics of Kapilawasthupura had earlier been presented to Waskaduwa Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Mahanayaka Thero and then these relics had been brought  under the custody of Waskaduwe Wachissara Thero and Waskaduwe Seelawansa Thero. Then these relics were brought under the custody of Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayaka Thero of Amarapura Sri  Sambuddha Shasanodaya Maha Sanga Sabha, who is the chief incumbent of both Kotahena Deepaduththarama Thai Rajamaha Vihara anWaskadu Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Vihara.   At present Abhinawaramaya, Waskaduwa ( present Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Vihara) has become a place of worship, which makes great contribution for the enhancement of Buddha Sasana, whilst earning the respect and faith of Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the world.

Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Mahanayaka Thero (1835-1917) is one of the most venerable Buddhist Theros , who had made utmost commitment for the enhancement of Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. Subhuthi Theros, who had won fame for the wide knowledge in Pali and Buddhism in 19th century, had been included in the golden pages of history due to several reasons.  This Thero had made a tremendous contribution for the restoration of Prachina education, which had faced decline during British rule and the marked his name as a writer, editor, teacher , who showed the dawn to many students within and outside the Island. In the meantime this Thero had participated in Thripitaka Sangayana conducted at Pelmadulla. The most remarkable contribution of Sri Subhuthi Thero for the enhancement of Sasana in Sri Lanka was to bring 21 relics of Lord Buddha for the worship of Buddhists .

The distribution of relics was taken place after seven days from the parinirvana of Buddha at Upawarthana Sal Uyana of King Mallas in Kusinarapura.

(Source- Resource profile, Divisional Secretariat, Kalutara)

Establishment of villages

Folklore and folk tales, which go back to the reign of Kings in Kalutara area, have made contribution for the establishment of villages. Sources of information for the establishment of several villages are as follows.

Mestiya

The sacred baton of the God was found among the ruins of an ancient Devala located in the land called Bandarawaththa during Dutch era. Since the word ‘Muru’ is applied for God, the folklore says that Muru Yashtiya (Batton of God)  had transformed to the name of Mestiya.

Gonaduwa

The name ‘Gonaduwa’ means the small Island surrounded by paddy fields where a sambar deer (Gona in Sinhala) lived. This area is divided as Kuda Gonaduwa and Maha Gonaduwa.

Melegama

During the reign of king Buwanekabahu 6, a man called Kalu Getaya from Anuradhapura area had defeated some wrestlers arrived from Chola country. After the victory , he met the King with his two sisters and at that occasion King had asked him to demand whatever he wanted but he requested nothing. However one of his sisters, Buwaneshwari has requested a plot of land for her occupation. The King had granted her a land in extent of 65 amunu. Since then the area was called Melegama. (Village of younger brother)

Even though there is no such historical background for Maharekma village, a story of a Sambar is attributed with the name of the village. According to the story some people had made an ambush  to catch a sambar and later it was transformed as Maharekma. (In Sinhala ambush means Rekma) This village witnesses of a cultivation centered economic system.  The village is situated North from Kalutara.

Mawala

Mawala is a village in Raigam Korala, of which the history goes back to 16th century. It is said that the base for the name of the village is a large forest existed in the area. (Maha Wala means large forest) At present the area has been divided in to two parts as Mawala and Mawala South for administration purposes. Korosduwa Purana Vihara, the only religious place in the area had been constructed during the reign of Raigam Bandara, the king of Raigam kingdom. It is said that the King maintained another palace in the village for staying when he visited the area and the Ran Koraha (Golden vessel used by the king for washing purposes) had been buried at a certain place close to Aluth Ela at the Vihara. This vihara had been a residence for famous Buddhist Bhikkhus. This area ,whci is situated North from Kalutara, boasts of a history which goes back to 175 years and today it is called Mawala South.

The area has been divided to two parts as Mawala South and Mawala for administration purposes. The Vishnu devala and Badrakali devala are ancient heritages of the area and they are situated at Suvishddharama vihara, which has been established in 1916.

Moronthuduwa

Security checkpoints had been established within Morontuduwa village to restrain enemy forces of Sinhala kingdom. Guards had been engaged at such checkpoints and therefore the places where they were engaged in guard duties were called ‘Murawunthuduwa’ and then it has become Morontuduwa with the time. (In Sinhala Mura means Guarding) This village, which covers a large area, is enriched with natural beauty and farming is one of the livelyhoods of the area. This village is situated nearly 15 k.m away from Kalutara.

Pohoddaramulla

It is said there were rich people in this area and therefore it was called Pohoraddaramulla. (Pohosath+ Dana+ Mulla).

Folklore is also found in this regard. According to this second version  a Bo tree planted by King Devenampiyathissa had served as the source for the name of this village. (Boaddaramulla= Pohaddaramulla)

Pothupitiya

History of Pothupitiya village goes back to 1415 A.D. The name of this villahe is found in very famous Sandesha Kavyas such as Parewi Sandesha, Gira Sandesha, Kokila Sandesha. The village has been elaborated by these Sandesha Kavyas.   .

From Parewi Sandesha ….

කමින් තලා ගිනි මැලි සංගං                           නැටිය

ලවන් පැහැය කළ විලසින්  ගුරු                    මැටිය

වසන් මුගුරු නොපහළ දණි තුඩ                                සිටිය

මෙවන්  ගොපලු අඟනන් දකු             පොතුපිටිය

From Kokila Sandesha….

දිගුරාවයෙන් නැගි තුඟු කුළු                           සැටිය

වගුරා ගත මූණ වැනි ගත ගුරු                                  මැටිය

ගුගුරා පොරට තැන තැන ගව රළ                 පිටිය

ඉඳරා බලන් සබඳිනි සිට                    පොතුපිටිය

 

From Gira Sandesha….

කනලා උපුල් මල් ගවසා කෙස්                                   වැටිය

බිඳලා පොකුරු කරලා මුතුහර                                    සැටිය

බැඳලා ගමන් වෙත ගව පලු ලිය                   සිටිය

නොබලා මිතුර යාගන් මග                  පොතුපිටිය

Author of this Sandesha Kavya describes the charming beauty of Shepherdesses of the area. He says that the messenger (Girava– Parrot) flies passing the area enjoying the beauty of these shepherdesses. At the Beginning this village has been shown as Kawududuwa. During the Dutch period Cinnamon plantations were established in the area and as per the folklore Pulahingage Pillippu Appuhami had been identified as the first resident of the area in Portuguese era.  During the reign of King Perakum, the Minister called Devapathiraja had built 24 devalas called Alliya Devala. One of these Devala is still found in Pothupitiya village. According to the villages, Ancient traditions are followed in this Alliya Devala and poojas are offered still to respect the god. Every year new year customs are observed in the Devala. This village is still famous for the highest  Kewuma (Oil Cake)

Kalapugama

Grama Niladhari Division, Kalapugama situated in Pasdun Korale covers an area in extent of nearly 800 hectares. In 1989 this area was divided in to two parts in the names of Kalapugama West and East for administrative purposes. Kalu River has caused for the name of this area. In the past an elite lade called Sara De Fonseka had links with the Court of Raigampura. The King having appreciated her service had agreed to offer anything according to her wish. The lady had requested the King to determine a name for her village. It is said the name of the village is connected with this tale.

Village Kalapugama, of which the history goes back to 1960s, belonged to Raigam Korale. During that period Kalu Ganga was famous as a business channel. The elders of the village recall that a ford had been maintained for ferries and barges and exchange of goods were made at the ford. Kalapugama is the village established with the combination of several small villages such as Kalamulla, Koswede, Alwiswaththa, Kajuduwawaththa, Karadangoda, Kithulagahatuduwa, Batahena, Henpitiya etc. This area is famous for the people occupied in various industries. Rubber, coconut and paddy cultivation and gem mining are among the livelihoods of the community of the area.

Delduwa

This village, which is bound North by Morantuduwa village, East by Kalapugama and panapitiya villages, South by Waskaduwa village and West by Pothupitiya and Mawala villages, is called ‘Delduwa’ based on an isle existed in the past. Marshy lands used as paddy fields and a canal are seen in the area. As it was an Isle with Del trees, the village had its name as Delduwa.

Ariyagama, Dewirugama and Kopiyawaththa

A land in extent of 110 acres belonged to a foreign lady had been taken over by the Government in 1872. The village is named as Ariyagama after the name of Ven. Ariyawanshabhidana Thero, who made a tremendous contribution for the acquisition.

In 1985 Ariyagama had been transformed to an Udagama and the area in extent of 5 acres allocated for herbal plants has been allocated for the residence of disabled war heroes and it is named now as Ranawirugama (village of war veterans). The other part is called Kopiyawaththa as there are coffee plants all over the area. (Kopi= Coffee). Accordingly this area consists of three villages.

Waskaduwa

Waskaduwa is an area, where a considerable number of residents earn their daily bread by self-employment and   it is believed that the area was covered in the past with reed bushes.  It is said that the swords have been sharpen by reeds and therefore the village was named as Waskaduwa. Waskaduwa is divided as Maha Waskaduwa and Kuda waskaduwa and the people of the area occupy in coir industry, toddy tapping and tourism. .

Paraduwa

Paraduwa village, which is situated 11 k.m away from Kalutara, is said to have been named as Paraduwa as there was a large number of pigeons.

Diyagama

The rock inscription, which is believed to have been made in 5 th century and  known as ‘Diyagama inscription’, is located  near the place called Pelunu Gala and it reveals certain information on Diyagama. TRhis village is called Diyagama as this area is often affected by floods.

Dediyawala

Information on Dediyawala, of which the history goes back to 1864, is found with the information connected with the most ancient temple of the area. According to the past generations of the area this village had been named as Dediyawala with combination of ‘karadiya and miridiya’. (sea water and fresh water)  Since the this village is very famous for clay deposits, which use as raw material for ceramic and porcelain industry.

Uggalbada

The village, Uggalbada is situated by the villages Malwaththa, Duwegama, Nedungashena, Jawaththa, Pinnagoda, Kapuhena, Pahala Malwaththa, Endirikele, and Kapuhene. According to the elders of the vcillage, it is called Usgalgoda as this is an area full of huge rocks. The flower garden once situated in Uggalbada area had been maintained by a white man during the first part of British rule.   This had given base for the name ‘Malwaththa’. Ancient Malasne Rajamaha Vihara, which bears historical value, has been built during the reign of King Parakamabahu 6. Malasne Vihara and Paththini Devala are adored by many devotees and there is a custom among people to come to these places at the beginning of Sinhala New Year seeking the blessing of god Sri Vishnu and goddess Paththini Devi.  They believe that these devalas have power to save them from evil.

Palatota

The ford at Kaluganga served as a prime place in the trade in Kotte era. Many traders have arrived there from ships and boats for local as well as overseas business purposes.  This ford, which was at the banks of Kaluganga was later named as Palatota. Villagers believe that there is a link with a story of a woman and some bunch of pala (leafy vegitble) for the name Palatota. This is an area with rich soil and still the people of the area conduct Alutrh Sahal Mangalya  at grand level by the harvesting season.

Kalamulla

The author of Parewi Sandesha has elaborated the beauty of Kalamulla village. It is further described in 68th verse of the work written by Kumaratunga Munidasa in the following manner.

එක සුරඟන පැහැසර රුසිරින්                                       දුල්ල

එක හක බසින් වඩවන සැල එන්                  ලොල්ල

සත හක සෙකින් දිතු සරලම සිටි                  වැල්ල

දැක නොම ලෙස පරෙවිඳු සඳ කල               මුල්ල

In this verse the author says the Pigeon, the messenger, to fulfill the task entrusted enjoying the enchanting scenery of Kalamulla.

The above information on the villages in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Kalutara and their names are based on various documentary evinces as well as folklore and stories collected from the people of the area

(Source  – Cultural Resource Profile)