North Western Province, Sri Lanka

North Western Province (වයඹ පළාත Wayamba Paḷāta, வட மேல் மாகாணம் Vada Mael Mākāṇam) is a province of Sri Lanka. It is the fourth-largest province by land area, covering 7,888 km² (3,046 sq mi), and the fourth-most populated province with a population of over 2,592,000 people. North Western Province is bordered by the North Central Province, Sri Lanka to the north, Central Province, Sri Lanka to the east, Sabaragamuwa Province to the southeast, Western Province, Sri Lanka to the south, and is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the west.

The province encompasses a variety of climates and geographical features, from its coastal regions to the central highlands and plains. The majority of the population is concentrated in the urban centers of Kurunegala, the provincial capital, and Puttalam. Kurunegala is the largest city in the province and serves as a major commercial and administrative hub. Puttalam, located on the western coast, is known for its lagoon and salt production.

The region has numerous archaeological sites, including the ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa and the Panduwasnuwara ruins. European colonization began with the Portuguese Empire in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch Empire and the British Empire. The province was established in its current form in 1833 during British Ceylon era and became part of the independent Dominion of Ceylon in 1948, later becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

During the Sri Lankan civil war the Puttalam District was considered a part of proposed Tamil Eelam by the Tamil Tigers, despite the smaller Tamil population.

North Western Province has 19 seats in the Sri Lankan Parliament. The provincial council consists of the Chief Minister, the Provincial Council, and the Governor. As of the most recent elections, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the dominant political party in the province. The Governor of North Western Province, the representative of the President of Sri Lanka, is currently Ahamed Nazeer Zainulabdeen.

The economy of North Western Province is primarily based on Agriculture, Manufacturing, Fishing, and small-scale industries. Major agricultural products include coconut, rice, and spices, while the coastal areas are known for their fishing industry, the urban areas such as Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya, Nikaweratiya and Mawathagama is famous for their Industries. The province also has significant mineral resources, including limestone and ilmenite.

North Western Province is known for its cultural heritage, with numerous festivals, traditional dances, and local crafts. It is home to several important religious sites, including the Munneswaram temple and the St. Anne's Church in Thalawila, which attract pilgrims from across the country. The province's natural attractions, such as the Wilpattu National Park and the Puttalam Lagoon, are popular with tourists.

Geography
North Western Province's western border follows the coastline along the Indian Ocean, stretching from the Puttalam Lagoon in the north to the estuary of the Maha Oya River in the south. The northern border is shared with the Northern Province, Sri Lanka with a very small border. delineated primarily by natural features such as the Kala Oya. To the east, it is bordered by the North Central Province, Sri Lanka while to the south, it is bordered by the Sabaragamuwa and Western Province, Sri Lanka.

The North Western Province is characterized by a variety of topographical and climatic conditions, ranging from coastal regions with a tropical climate to inland areas that experience a more varied climate. The region features several prominent water bodies, including the Puttalam Lagoon, Mundal Lagoon, and the Deduru Oya. Other significant rivers in the province include the Mee Oya and the Kala Oya rivers. The province also contains a portion of the Wilpattu National Park, one of the largest and oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

The region's highest point is the Dolukanda range, which is part of the central hills that gently slope towards the coastal plains. The plains are predominantly used for agriculture, with key crops including paddy, coconut, and various spices. The province also has significant limestone deposits, which contribute to the local cement industry.

The North Western Province is ecologically diverse, with coastal ecosystems, dry monsoon forests, and wetlands. Significant ecological areas include the Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and the Mangrove forests along the coastline. These areas support a variety of flora and fauna, including several Endangered species.

Climate
The climate of Wayamba is tropical, with a marked dry season, and temperatures averaging between 20 C in January to 25 C in March. The south of the province is wetter, with almost 2,000 mm of rainfall per year, but the north of the province is one of the driest regions in Sri Lanka, averaging under 1,100 mm of rain in parts.

Demographic details
The population of North Western Province in the year 2021 was 2,592,000. The majority of the population belongs to the Sinhalese majority. Sri Lankan Moors community represent a large portion in population. There is a smaller Sri Lankan Tamils community and they are scattered all over the Province but a larger population reside in the North of Puttalam District. The following Table summarizes the population of the province according to their ethnicity:

Religion
Buddhism is the main and the most widely practiced religion in North Western Province. It is also home to a wide range of other religious faiths and sects including Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. Even among them almost all Muslim population follows Sunni Islam and the preponderance of Christians follow Catholicsm, predomantly in Puttalam District.

Districts
Wayamba is divided into 2 districts:
 * Kurunegala District 4,771 km2
 * Puttalam District 2,976 km2

Cities

 * Kurunegala (Municipal Council)

Large towns

 * Puttalam (Urban Council)
 * Kuliyapitiya (Urban Council)
 * Chilaw (Urban Council)
 * Narammala (Pradeshiya Sabha)

Other towns

 * Alawwa
 * Anamaduwa
 * Bingiriya
 * Bolawatta
 * Dankotuwa
 * Galgamuwa
 * Giriulla
 * Hettipola
 * Hiripitiya
 * Kalpitiya
 * Kumarakattuwa
 * Madampe
 * Maho
 * Marawila
 * Mawathagama
 * Narammala
 * Nattandiya
 * Nikaweratiya
 * Pannala
 * Polpithigama
 * Madurankuli
 * Wariyapola
 * Wennappuwa
 * Pallama
 * Polgahawela
 * Udappu

Villages
North Western Province contains six villages with the same name, Galagedara.

Politics
The 2020 parliament election was the most recent general election.

Crimes
NWP is known for its' notorious mafia activities which are largely different from mafia activities in the South. NWP has a very rare gun related crimes on the entire island.

Theft and Burglary

Petty Theft: There were approximately 1,200 reported cases of petty theft in the NWP in 2023, a slight increase from 1,100 cases in 2022.

Residential Burglary: Around 600 cases were reported in 2023, compared to 550 in 2022.

Commercial Burglary: Reported incidents increased to 400 in 2023 from 350 in 2022.

Drug-related Crimes

Drug Trafficking Arrests: Law enforcement reported 300 drug trafficking arrests in 2023, up from 250 in 2022.

Drug Possession: There were 1,800 cases of drug possession in 2023, showing a significant rise from 1,500 cases in 2022.

Violent Crimes

Assaults: The NWP saw 1,500 cases of assault in 2023, compared to 1,400 in 2022.

Homicides: There were 50 reported homicides in 2023, slightly up from 45 in 2022.

Domestic Violence: About 900 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2023, a slight increase from 850 in 2022.

White-collar Crimes

Fraud: There were 200 reported cases of fraud in 2023, compared to 180 in 2022.

Corruption: Approximately 150 incidents of corruption were reported in 2023, up from 130 in 2022.

Cybercrime: The NWP recorded 250 cybercrime cases in 2023, a rise from 200 in 2022.

Environmental Crimes

Illegal Logging: Law enforcement recorded 120 cases of illegal logging in 2023, compared to 100 in 2022.

Wildlife Poaching: There were 90 reported incidents of wildlife poaching in 2023, up from 80 in 2022.

Universities

 * 1) Open University of Sri Lanka, regional centre of Kurunegala
 * 2) Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya
 * 3) Wayamba National College of Education, Bingiriya
 * 4) Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology - Kurunegala
 * 5) ICBT Campus
 * 6) ESOFT Metro Campus

Provincial Education zones-Provincial Department of Education - North Western


 * 1) Zonal Education - Kurunegala
 * 2) Zonal Education - Puttalam
 * 3) Zonal Education - Kuliyapitiya
 * 4) Zonal Education - Chilaw
 * 5) Zonal Education - Ibbagamuwa
 * 6) Zonal Education - Maho
 * 7) Zonal Education - Nikaweratiya
 * 8) Zonal Education - Giriulla

Schools

 * 1) Maliyadeva College - Kurunegala
 * 2) St. Anne's College, Kurunegala - Kurunegala
 * 3) Athugalpura Prince College - Kurunegala
 * 4) Maliyadeva Girls' College - Kurunegala
 * 5) Holy Family Convent - Kurunegala
 * 6) Sir John Kothalawala College - Kurunegala
 * 7) St. Joseph Vaz College - Wennappuwa
 * 8) Presidential Science College - Puttalam
 * 9) Holy Family Convent-Marawila
 * 10) Saranath College - Kuliyapitiya
 * 11) Central College - Kuliyapitiya
 * 12) Ananda College - Chilaw
 * 13) Mawatagama Central College - Mawathagama
 * 14) Dhammissara College - Nattandiya
 * 15) Wayamba Royal College - Kurunegala
 * 16) Senanayake Central College - Madampe
 * 17) Mayurapada College - Narammala
 * 18) Sri Sumangala College - Wariyapola
 * 19) S.W.R.D. Bandaranayaka Central College - Panduwasnuwara
 * 20) Zahira National College - Puttalam
 * 21) St. Andrew's Central College - puttlam
 * 22) Anuruddha Central College - Lunuwila National School

Private Tuition Institutes
Kurunegala is one of the most popular destination for Sri Lankan high school students for private tutoring.


 * 1) Sipwin (Sinhala Medium)
 * 2) Sensip (Sinhala Medium)
 * 3) Pencil Opera (Sinhala Medium)
 * 4) Sisipra (English Medium)
 * 5) Lexicon (Sinhala Medium)

Roads
The region is served by an extensive rail and road transport system providing linkages to the major cities and ports in Sri Lanka. Some major roads include,


 * A3: Puttalam – Chilaw – Negombo - Colombo (162 km)
 * A6: Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Dambulla – Trincomalee (192 km)
 * A10: Katugastota – Kurunegala – Puttalam (125 km)
 * A12: ''Puttalam - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee (179 km)

Railway lines

 * Colombo, Ragama Junction, Polgahawela Junction, Kurunegala, Maho Junction, Anuradhapura. Served by the Rajarata Rajini (Queen of North Central Region).
 * Colombo, Ragama Junction, Negombo, Chilaw, Puttalam (1926). Served by the Muthu Kumari (Pearl Princess). A route of 83 mi along the North-Western coast.

Industries
The North Western Province, comprises the districts of Kurunegala and Puttalam, is a vital region for the country's economic landscape. This region's economy is multifaceted, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and service industries.

The province is the location for Mawathagama and Polghawela Export Processing Zones and boasts several other industrial estates such as Dambadeniya, Makandura West, Makadura East, Pannala, Lunuwila, Heraliyawela, Dangaspitiya, Dankotuwa and Noorani.

Agriculture
Agriculture is the cornerstone of the North Western Province's economy, employing a significant portion of the population.

The province contributes approximately 18% of Sri Lanka's total rice production. With over 150,000 hectares dedicated to paddy fields, the region produces around 700,000 metric tonnes of rice annually.

The province is one of the largest coconut-producing regions, accounting for about 25% of the national coconut output. Annually, it produces around 1 billion coconuts.

The province also grows a variety of spices (such as Pepper and Cardamom), vegetables, and fruits. Approximately 10,000 ha are used for spice cultivation, producing around 12,000 metric tonnes annually.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing in the North Western Province is diverse, playing a crucial role in the region's economic growth.

The textile and garment industry employs over 50,000 workers. The region hosts several factories, contributing to around 20% of Sri Lanka’s total garment exports.

The province is home to multiple food processing plants. The food and beverage sector contributes approximately LKR 20 billion to the provincial GDP annually.

Puttalam hosts one of the largest cement factories in Sri Lanka, producing about 2.5 million tonnes of cement annually, which accounts for 40% of the country's cement production.

Mining
The North Western Province has significant mineral resources, contributing to Sri Lanka's mining industry.

The region's limestone deposits are crucial for the cement industry. Annually, around 3 million tonnes of limestone are mined in Puttalam.

NWP is a significant source of Silica sand, essential for the Glass industry, with annual production reaching approximately 200,000 tonnes.

Service Industry
The service industry in the province is rapidly growing, encompassing a wide range of activities from financial services to education and healthcare.

The healthcare sector employs over 15,000 workers and includes major hospitals and numerous healthcare facilities across the province. This includes variety of private hospitals mainly located in Kurunegala.

The education sector is robust, with numerous schools, vocational training centers, and higher education institutions. Over 200,000 students are enrolled in educational institutions within the province.

The province has seen a steady increase in tourism, Major attractions include the Wilpattu National Park, cultural heritage sites in Kurunegala, and the coastal areas of Puttalam. Tourism however is considered very poor compared to other Provinces.

Energy Production
Energy production is a significant industry in the North Western Province, particularly in Puttalam.

Wind Power: Puttalam is home to one of the largest wind farms in Sri Lanka, contributing over 100 MW of renewable energy to the national grid.

Thermal Power: Norochcholai Power Plant, is also located in Puttalam, and is the largest coal-fired power plant in Sri Lanka, generating around 900 MW of electricity.

Mineral resources
Wayamba Province is also rich with several types of mineral deposits. These include,


 * Silica Sand - The best known silica sand deposits are found in the Marawila, Madampe and Nattandiya areas of the province.
 * Miocene Limestone - The largest deposits of Miocene limestone are found in the north western coastal belt near Puttalam. The limestones are used for cement manufacturing.
 * Graphite (Bogala, Kahatagaha and Dodamgaslanda Graphite mines)
 * Mica
 * Beach mineral sands including ilmenite
 * Clay

Major agricultural crops
Wayamba has a highly developed agricultural economy, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, flowering plants, spices, oil-seeds in addition to the traditional plantation crops such as Coconut, Rubber and Rice. Rich soils and varied climate give Wayamba a potential for growing of virtually any crop.

Paddy is the main agricultural crop in the province. Wayamba is the third largest paddy-producing area in Sri Lanka. There are two main cultivation seasons. The Maha Season (October–January) or the period with excessive rainfall and the Yala Season (April–August) the drier season. In Yala season, the farmers have to depend on irrigation. More recent times, the paddy farmers during the dry season have opted to cultivate export crops and subsidiary food crops that bring bigger profits.


 * Coconut – The largest industry in the Wayamba Province. The extent of land under coconut is 48% of the island's area.
 * Paddy
 * Cereals – Kurakkan, maize, green gram, cowpea
 * Root Crops – sweet potatoes, red onions
 * Fruits – Pineapples, Mangoes, Papaya, Banana, Avocado
 * Vegetables – Gherkin, Asparagus, and many local vegetables
 * Cashew Nut is also cultivated on a large scale in the Wayamba province. Wayamba is a major Cashew exporting region in Sri Lanka. The northernmost dry region is ideally suited for Cashew cultivation.
 *  Fisheries Industry/ Prawn Farming - The western coast of the North Western region is endowed with rich fisheries and other aquatic resources. The major varieties found in abundance are tuna, prawns, lobsters and cuttlefish. The country's export-oriented commercial prawn farming industry is concentrated in the coastal areas of the Puttalam district.

Banking and financial services
The Wayamba province is well served by all major commercial banking and financial institutions of Sri Lanka. These include, Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank, National Savings Bank, Hatton National Bank, People's Bank, Seylan Bank and the Union Bank. All of these banks have an extensive coverage of their branches in the province. Three other development banks of Sri Lanka, namely The DFCC Bank, National Development Bank, Wayamba Development Bank, Ideal motors & Ideal finance also provide services to the province.

Archaeological sites
The Wayamba province is a treasure house of archaeology having been seat of four medieval kingdoms of Sri Lanka between the mid 12th and mid 14th centuries. Having forced to move capitals due to foreign invasions, Sri Lankan kings nevertheless built magnificent citadels are Yapahuwa, Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya and Kurunegala. Impressive remains of those citadels, palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries provide exciting sight seeing to the visitors.

Rock temples
Wayamba and Kurunegala are also the home for other ancient Buddhist rock temples, mostly with 1st century B.C roots, with wall and ceiling frescos, colossal Buddha images, stone inscriptions and sculptures dating from early medieval to 18th century period.

Beaches
The sparkling blue surf of the Indian Ocean and scenic tropical lagoons which edge the western shores of the Wayamba province are glided with 240 kilometres of wide, sun drenched beaches. These beaches stretch from Waikkal at its southern end to Dutch Bay in the Puttalam district.

Some of Wayamba's best resort beaches are at Marawila, Talwila, Kalpitiya and Waikkal. These beaches are often with the bonus of a lagoon or a river front and make excellent bases for stay-put beach holidays. Some of the beach resorts also offer viewing of underwater Coral wonderlands off Kandakuliya and Karaitivu. Many fishing villages dot the coastal areas.

European colonial monuments
The well preserved Dutch Fort in Kalpitiya (Puttalam district) dating back to 1670 is an evidence of the Wayamba's European colonial period. The fort is complete with barracks, store houses and living quarters, Dutch colonial pillars and ancient tombstones. Kurunegala has many 19th century relics of the British colonial period including the government Agent's residence and the Rajapihilla rest house.

Festivals
The people of Wayamba celebrate many traditional festivals centred on sacred shrines of diverse faith.


 * All Buddhist temples celebrate the Vesak, Poson and Esela festivals commemorating the events of great importance to the Buddhists. These festivals feature colourful decorations, lanterns, illuminations and pageants where traditional dancing, drumming, costumed dignitaries and elephants are paraded. Two noteworthy colourful Buddhist processions are organised by the Wilbawa Raja Maha Viharaya (major temple) and Athanda Raja Maha Viharaya and are paraded in the Kurunegala city.
 * The St Anne's Roman Catholic church is located on a magnificent beach stretch in Talawila in the Puttalam district. The church draws thousands of pilgrims for its main festivals in March and July.
 * The Munneswaram and Udappu Hindu temples are pilgrim centres of many devotees. People gather to worship deities and seek favours. The main temple of God Shiva at Munneswaram, comprises the shrines and has been built according to traditional Hindu style. Munneswaram celebrates its major festival in August where fire-walking is practiced. Udappuwa, a sea side shrine complex of three shrines, also has a colourful festival held in the month of August.
 * The Ramazan, Haj and Milad-un-Nabi festivals are also celebrated by the minority Muslims of Wayamba especially at historic and famed mosques in Puttalam, Kurunegala and Chilaw. These celebrations are mainly of religious character, recitations of Koran and distribution of cooked food and sweets.

All three shrines are easily accessible from Kurunegala, - Munneswaram approximately 70 km, Udappuwa 95 km and St. Anne's about 110 km respectively.

Research institutes

 * Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila
 * Rice Research and Development Institute, Batalagoda

Sport

 * Cricket - Wayamba