Sri Jayawardhenapura Kotte Divisional Secretariat

Divisional Secretaries who have served up to now

Grama Niladhari Divisions and Land Areas of the Division

Historical background

Historical backgroundPolitically, the city of Kotte entered the history of Sri Lanka in the 14th century. Its founder, Nissanka Alagakkonara Bhevath Alakeshwara, chose Kotte as its defensive capital. (1340 -1380) It was a swamp surrounded by swamps bordered on two sides by two rivers. Jayawardenapura was formerly known as 'Durugama'. Diyawanna Oya and Kolonnawa Oya joined as one river at Darugama. Darugama was naturally guarded, preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold.Kotte Fort is approximately one square mile in area. The defensive wall is 8 feet high and 35 feet wide. The fort was built of kaboc stones and surrounded by a rectangular shape. Just as the fort wall was surrounded on both sides by a deep waterway, the fort, which connected to the highlands at the end, was separated by two deep moats as an island. The outlying areas around the fort further protected the city from death traps such as thorns and antlers. At the four corners of the fort were four temples dedicated to the deities Upulvan, Saman, Vibhishana and Skanda.Surrounded by fortifications, the city came to be known as Shanjari Jayawardenapura in 1391, after the successful conquest of the Northern Province. However, during the reign of King Parakniramabahu VI, Kotte was considered the capital of Shangri-La.

The following were the most important features of the historical kingdom.

The following were the most important features of the historical kingdom.

1. The royal palace was located on the east side and was decorated with flower gardens, water lilies etc.

2. A three storied temple where the Tooth Relic of the Supreme Buddha is kept

3. A 5 storey convent for sixty Buddhist monks under the name of Sanganayaka Thero

4. Kota Vehera (the only temple in the city outside the fort wall and the inner moat)

5. King's Treasury to the North6. Royal Burial Ground at Beddagana Outside the City (Wehera Kanda Monument)

The kingdom was abandoned by the Portuguese and destroyed by King Rajasinghe I (1581-1592). The Portuguese were unable to defend two places. Therefore, the Portuguese abandoned the city of Kotte and their focus was only on the city of Colombo. Seethawaka troops razed the town of Shannari Jayawardenapura to the ground. The walls and palaces of the city were destroyed and set on fire. Shortly after this incident, the ruined city was engulfed by jungle. Abandoned by the Portuguese and destroyed by King Rajasinghe, this city was never abandoned by the Sinhalese. King Rajasinghe of Kotte is often mentioned in written documents and maps dating back to the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods.

Remains of the Kingdom of KotteRemains of the Kingdom of Kotte

Fortress City

The choice of Kotte as a fortified city was an important step in the planning of cities in Sri Lanka. King Alakeshwara built a moat and a fort wall around the city of Kotte. The ruins of the fort wall can still be seen. The western part is being rehabilitated. The eastern region is being destroyed with urbanization. The eastern part of the wall may be invisible unless immediate action is taken.

Diyawanna Oya and Wetlands

According to legends, Diyawanna Oya existed even during the reign of King Rawana. The wetlands around Diyawanna Oya show historically valuable land features. The wetlands of the city and the Diyawanna Oya are described in the historical poem. Outside the fort, the city is protected from water. It is bounded on the west and east by the Diyawanna Oya, and on the south by the moat to the south and east by waterways. There is evidence that crocodiles have roamed the surrounding reservoirs. The site of the present Parliament was an island and was surrounded by wetlands. The tank was built during the construction of the new parliament by digging wetlands. At that time the historic 'Konthagantota' which overlooks the Diyawanna Oya was located near the bridge that flows across the Diyawanna Oya Shannari Jayawardenapura Mawatha.

The Royal Palace

Little is known about the ruins of the royal palace. It was a 5 storey building. The Department of Archeology is responsible for exploring this historic site.

Ambalama (resting place)

The building was used to accommodate ordinary residents or visitors who came to visit the ancient city. It covers an area of ​​25 square meters and is still standing with pagoda stone pillars. This place is located in the heart of the city and is subject to change due to the urbanization of Kotte. It is therefore the responsibility of the Department of Archeology to preserve it.

Alakeshawara Tomb

The tomb of King Alakeshwara, who built the kingdom of Kotte, is among the ruins. While not a groundbreaking contribution to the genre, Kotte impresses with its straightforward tough-guy style.Weherakanda CemeterySome believe that the tombs of King Parakannaramabahu VI and the tomb of Queen Swarna Manikya are among the tombs found in the Beddagana area five decades ago. Vehera Kanda is a 2.5 acre paddy field and takes the form of Veberaka.

Flag of the Kingdom of Kotte

The flag is very similar to the national flag, with the image of a lion holding a whip in his right hand instead of a lion holding a sword. This may be due to the custom of whipping the king and his courtiers in processions. The flag found among the ruins of the old royal palace in Kotte is now housed in the Colombo Museum. The Colombo District Flag was also chosen as the flag that belonged to the last Sinhala kingdom of the low country, the Kotte Shanjari Jayawardenapura Kingdom.

Old Tunnel Entrance

These tunnels can be seen in the grounds of the Ananda Academy in Kotte. After digging about 5 feet in the ground, the soil left in the middle is dug and two doors are made to penetrate inside. The crown of the Sinhala king was engraved on the top of the Pannaradhana gate. Upon entering the center, four gates were lowered, three of which were forged as security.It is said that the tunnel was built by his wife, Princess Samududevi, with the help of artisans brought from Mathurata to save Prince Veediya Bandara, who was arrested during the battle with the Portuguese and imprisoned in Colombo Fort.

Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya

The Kotte Rajamaha Vihara was built in the 15th century by King Parakumba VI, who established a kingdom of Shanjari Jayawardenapura and ruled over all the Thangari Sinhalese from there. After the destruction of this temple by the Portuguese in 1813, the ruins of this Rajamaha Viharaya were discovered by the Nayaka Thero of Pilane. Since then, the temple has been renovated and it has developed rapidly and has become one of the most important temples in present day Sri Lanka. The Kotte Shanjari Dalada Perahera was resumed in 1901 to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic. The ancient Na Bodhi found in this sacred place has a special place in history.

Archaeological Museum, Kotte

This place is located on the Nugegoda - Kotahena road (Route 168) about 50 meters from Kotubemma road towards Nugegoda. Antiquities, tools, used clothes and used money belonging to the Kingdom of Kotte are kept here for public display. The building used for this museum is a very old one. W. It is also stated that this is the house where Mr. Perera lived.

Historical Information on the Development of Kotte City

Detailed information about the city of Kotte, which later became a stronghold, is very rare, although it is attributed to the early Dutch and Middle Ages. However, from 1814 to 1826, from 1871 to 1931 and from there to 1981, the city of Kotte had a fairly satisfactory population compared to other localities in the district.Detailed information about the city of Kotte, which later became a stronghold, is very rare, although it is attributed to the early Dutch and Middle Ages. However, from 1814 to 1826, from 1871 to 1931 and from there to 1981, the city of Kotte had a fairly satisfactory population compared to other localities in the district.

After the establishment of the Local Government Administration, the city of Kotte was under the rule of Salpiti Korala Mudali until 1892 and then under the Colombo District Mudali until 1816.

It was under the Small Town Sanitation Ordinance 1982 and the city limits were published in the Gazette Notification of the Government of Ceylon on 4th February 1916. This situation lasted until 1933. Subsequently, by Act No. 11 of 1920, the city became an Urban District Council and under the Ordinance No. 61 of 1939 it became a Municipal Council in 1940 and from January 1, 1997 it became a Municipal Council by Gazette Notification No. 941/9.

On the 6th of February, 1985, by the Extraordinary Gazette Notification of the Government of the Socialist People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on the 28th of January 1985, the boundary of the Jayawardenapura Kotte border was declared as the new capital of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the city of Kotte returned to a glorious period as part of the capital.

The Nnugegoda Divisional Secretariat, which came under the jurisdiction of the Kotte Municipal Council, was renamed as the Divisional Secretariat of Kotte by the Extraordinary Gazette Notification issued on 21.06.2000 with effect from 01.07.2000.

Geography of the division

Geographically speaking, the rock distribution can be divided into two parts.Geographically speaking, the rock distribution can be divided into two parts.

1. Hornblend
2. Vanocyte

Hornblende rock covers about 95.8% of the area of ​​the area. This is a rock belonging to the Vijayanagara range. Based on the formation of a well-drained soil type, this rock type shows better suitability for crops in the spread areas. However, due to the urban and suburban land use pattern in the West, construction work is common in these areas.

Vanocytes are endemic to the lowlands. That is 4.2% of the square footage of the area. This type of rock is commonly known as black stone. This rock, which is the mother rock, belongs to the highland range. As an easily recognizable feature, there is a virulent black color on the rock.

Rock distribution

The soil in the area can be divided into two main parts. That is

1. Reddish yellow podzolic soil - soft or hard laterite (spread over slightly wavy areas)
2. Swampy or semi-marshy soils (soils spread over plains)

The first of these soil types covers an area of ​​about 571 hectares or 37.5% of the area of ​​the area. This can be described as a subgroup of the podzolic type. This type is in satisfactory condition depending on the depth of the soil.The first of these soil types covers an area of ​​about 571 hectares or 37.5% of the area of ​​the area. This can be described as a subgroup of the podzolic type. This type is in satisfactory condition depending on the depth of the soil.

The reddish-yellow ponsolic soil is called kabok soil in the vernacular. Due to the fact that this type of soil is somewhat resistant to erosion and the topography of this area is slightly wavy, it shows less soil erosion due to natural causes in the area.

Swampy or semi-marshy soils cover an area of ​​950 hectares or 62.5%. The main feature of this type of soil is the presence of poor drainage. The low elevation of the region has had a major impact on this. Due to this, the region is marshy.

Geography and Drainage

This Divisional Secretariat is a geographically low lying plain as a whole. The maximum elevation of the region is about 20 m, and most of the land area belongs to the lowlands with an altitude of less than 10 m. So I do not see any significant topography in the division.This Divisional Secretariat is a geographically low lying plain as a whole. The maximum elevation of the region is about 20 m, and most of the land area belongs to the lowlands with an altitude of less than 10 m. So I do not see any significant topography in the division.

In terms of drainage, there is a widespread pattern of drainage throughout the region. The drainage pattern of the western region is composed of the Kolonnawa canal which flows from the northeastern part of the western part to the southwest and flows out of the western western part towards the southeast east of the Diyawanna Oya and the northern boundary.

Due to the high land area of ​​less than 10 m in height and the presence of more canals around the Panadura Divisional Secretariat, it seems that there is a danger of water not flowing from the lowland area.

Environmental condition

The city of Shandri Jayawardenapura is seen as a wetland with many beautiful wetlands. According to the present land use, 230 hectares of land remains as wetlands. The boundary of this marshy land is on both sides of the Kotte Canal (Diyawanna Oya) East Nawala (Welikada Nugegoda) Road to the south of Jayawardenapura Mawatha, the western part of Ethul Kotte and some parts of the Heen Canal.The city of Shandri Jayawardenapura is seen as a wetland with many beautiful wetlands. According to the present land use, 230 hectares of land remains as wetlands. The boundary of this marshy land is on both sides of the Kotte Canal (Diyawanna Oya) East Nawala (Welikada Nugegoda) Road to the south of Jayawardenapura Mawatha, the western part of Ethul Kotte and some parts of the Heen Canal.

With the decision to shift the Parliament complex to the capital of Shree Jayawardenapura Kotte, there was a clear change in the swampy terrain of this area. During the construction of the Parliament complex, the existing land was reclaimed and developed and the surrounding area was created as a reservoir. Meanwhile, the covered marshy forest bordering the reservoir around the Parliament complex has been able to retain excess rainwater.

The swamps are used by urban dwellers to dump garbage. As a result, the land has long been used for landfills and landfills. As a result, swamps are now one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Basically, three major uses have been identified in the wetlands and surrounding areas.

That is,
1. Wetlands act as temporary reservoirs to retain excess water during heavy rainfall. This avoids the threat of flooding to the surrounding area.

2. In the absence of an efficient wastewater drainage system, these wetlands perform the function of retaining the wastewater discharged by the people living around them.

3. Currently wetlands are being reclaimed without control and at present these areas are being used extensively for the construction of housing complexes and shopping malls.

Due to the lack of effective management, the wetlands in Kotte are currently declining rapidly. The adverse effects of this are that some parts of the city are already at risk of flooding.

Animal Resources

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Urban Council area can be described as a very rich biodiversity area. Currently, there are about 115 different species of animals in the area, most of which are found in bushes and abandoned paddy fields. The reclaimed land area serves as a temporary wetland during the rainy season, and these places serve as temporary shelters for special bird species.

Plant Resources

Wetlands can be considered as fertile areas due to silt and organic matter deposits from time immemorial. Such soils are in most cases an intermediate stage between wetlands and drylands and are very suitable for seed and plant growth as their soil is rich in high organic matter.Wetlands can be considered as fertile areas due to silt and organic matter deposits from time immemorial. Such soils are in most cases an intermediate stage between wetlands and drylands and are very suitable for seed and plant growth as their soil is rich in high organic matter.
As a result, the swamps are now rich in vegetation. This plant diversity serves as a valuable breeding, sheltering and feeding ground for birds and animals. But these areas have been cleared out of control and used for various development activities. Paddy lands used for paddy cultivation are often abandoned and such desolate lands are covered with shrubs and bushes. There are 3 species of plants that are commonly found in such areas.

1. Well Atha (Annona glabra)

2. Cebera manghas

3. Lantana camara

Wetlands

That is,The swamps play a vital role in many important areas. That is,
1. Carries out silt and organic matter deposits.

2. It acts as a nutrient retention site.

3. It acts as a detoxification site.

4. It acts as a place to retain more rain water.

As a result of this, the swamps do an excellent job of purifying the water that flows over them. Cyprus spp, Rhyncos pora corymbosa are also found in the swamps of this area, and in addition to the recently abandoned paddy fields, there are a variety of grasses and plants. Among these plant species, Annona glabra is the most primitive and waterlogged plant. The plant rapidly transforms the swamps in those places into lands.

Aquatic Pancreas

About 12% of the total land area in the Kotte jurisdiction is set aside for canals and the total length of the canal system is about 34 km.About 12% of the total land area in the Kotte jurisdiction is set aside for canals and the total length of the canal system is about 34 km.

Large scale fishing as a livelihood is prohibited in this area and people are currently engaged in very small fishing activities using nets on the Ethul Kotte bridge.

Eichonia crassipes is a major aquatic plant in open canals and is also found in tributaries. Nymphea pubescerce grows in very deep places in canals.

The maintenance of a large part of this canal system has been neglected and the banks of many canals have collapsed. Low-income people are using the reserve on both sides of the canal to build their temporary shelters, which has severely affected the further deterioration of these canals.

In order to restore this serious condition, canals need to be repaired and canal systems cleaned. In many places these canals are covered with a very damaging aquatic plant called Salvinia molasta. This rapidly spreading plant has blocked the flow of water and polluted the water. These conditions affect the health of the people living around these canals.

Physical condition

Rivers, streams and other reservoirs located in the Western Divisional Secretariat,