Aluthgama

Aluthgama
Town
Aluthgama
Coordinates: 6°26′00″N 80°00′00″E / 6.43333°N 80.00000°E
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Western Province
District	Kalutara District
Time zone	Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone (UTC+5:30)
Postal Code	12080

Aluthgama is a coastal town in Kalutara District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.^[1] It is approximately 63.5 kilometres (39.5 mi) south of Colombo and 68 kilometres (42 mi) north of Galle. Aluthgama is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota Ganga (River) mouth.

Laluna Ayurveda Resort on banks of Bentota River, Aluthgama

It contains a large Muslim population. The main income is from tourism and banking. It is the birthplace of the celebrated singer and composer Nanda Malini.

History

The history of Aluthgama dates back to the 13th century. A messenger poem, "Thisara Sandesha", written in 1366 mentions the beauty of Aluthgama.

Education

• Aluthgama Maha Vidyalaya ( Mix School) up to A/L
• Sangamiththa Balika (Ladies College) up to O/L only

Transport

Aluthgama is located on the Coastal or Southern Rail Line (connecting Colombo through to Matara). It is also located on the A2 highway, connecting Colombo to Wellawaya. Following the construction of the Southern Expressway (E01) between Colombo and Galle, Aluthgama has become an entrance point to the expressway from Galle Road (A2), via B157.

Controversy

Although Buddhists and Muslims have lived together for centuries without violence, Buddhist monks of the Bodu Bala Sena have incited riots against Muslims in Aluthgama in 2014, with arson and murder as a result.^[2][3]

See also

• Railway stations in Sri Lanka

References

1. "Aluthgama Sri Lanka". go-lanka.com. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
2. "Sri Lanka Muslims killed in Aluthgama clashes with Buddhists". BBC News.
3. "Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence: How "Bodhu Bala Sena" Mobs Caused Mayhem in Aluthgama and Beruwela ONE Year ago.". dbsjeyaraj.com.

Coordinates: 06°26′N 80°0′E / 6.433°N 80.000°E