The Hon. Sujeewa Dissanayake

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I second the motion moved at the Adjournment by the Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake. The North-Western Province, comprising Puttalam and Kurunegala Districts, was formed during the administration of Governor Colin Campbell in 1845. These two districts together feature four climatic zones—semi-arid, dry, wet, and intermediate—very conducive to tourism.

¶ 02 In my view, Kurunegala is the only city in Sri Lanka where two “A” class highways intersect in an X formation: from Puttalam to Kandy and from Ambepussa to Trincomalee. Historically, this region includes the “Bath Korale” or “Sat Korale,” and the famed Channihathpattuwa.

¶ 03 There are numerous historic sites of interest to tourists. In Puttalam District, at Pomparippu, one can see evidence of ancient burial traditions. Folklore connects the area with King Ravana; the “Vatha Riya Polla” or “Chariot Port” where the flying chariot is said to have landed; and the Dolukanda legend tied to the Rama-Ravana war, all within the North-Western Province. The Sirasa Wasthuwa, the realm of Kuveni’s kin, and Wilbawa—believed to be where Kuveni and King Vijaya lived—are folklore-linked sites in this province. The Tammennawa area on the province’s coast is believed to be where King Vijaya landed. Vilakatupotha, where Kuveni is said to have lamented; Lathonigala, where she is said to have breastfed; and Yakdessagala in Kurunegala District are among many attractions.

¶ 04 The five capitals—Panduwasnuwara (Parakramapura), Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, and Nathagane—are here. Nathagane is considered Sri Lanka’s last capital during the 1848 uprising. In South Asia, one of the finest lion images is at Yapahuwa. The rock-cut stairway akin to the Dalada Maligawa and the world-famous twin lions of Yapahuwa are premier attractions. Ancient reservoirs such as Nabobwa, Magalla, Bathalagoda, and Mee Wewa, and modern reservoirs such as Inginiyimitiya, Hakwatunawa Oya, and Deduru Oya are found here. Isolated hill ranges—Nuwarakkanda, Nathagane, Walanduragala, Ethagala, Kuruweniyagala, Ibbagala, Andagala, Angangala—offer further attractions. The Kahatagaha mine, the Puttalam salt pans, and the cement factory are also within the province. The province is rich in mineral resources. Historic ambalams such as Karagahagedara and Panavitiya are notable attractions. Cultural pageants associated with Yapahuwa and Kurunegala, including processions related to the Sacred Tooth Relic, have been held for years and continue today. Literary works such as Saddharma Ratnavaliya, Sidath Sangarawa, the Pansiya Panas Jataka Potha, Dalada Siritha, and Dalada Poojawaliya were authored in this province.

¶ 05 Therefore, the Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake has presented a very important proposal regarding tourism. We request the Ministry of Tourism to develop the North-Western Province as a key destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.

¶ 06 Thank you.