Kurunegala city

KURUNEGALA

Kurunegala is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of the North Western Province, Sri Lanka, and the Kurunegala District. Kurunegala was also an ancient royal capital for 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the 13th century.[clarification needed] The city is a major commercial and a transportation hub in Sri Lanka. Kurunegala is located at the junction of several main roads linking to other important parts of the country. It is situated about 94 km from Colombo, and 42 km from Kandy.

Located at an altitude of 116 meters above sea level, Kurunegala is surrounded by coconut plantations and rubber estates. There are eight very noticeable large rocks that encircle and dominate the city. Kurunegala's rocks rise from the plain below and have characteristic names, six of which come from the animals that they are imagined to represent. The largest among them is Ethagala or the "Elephant Rock", reaches 325 meters. The shape of Ethagala resembles an Elephant

Attractions

The rocks

Kurunegala is surrounded by several major rock outcrops, a distinctive geological feature of the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka.

• Etha-gala (Elephant Rock)
• Ibba-gala (Tortoise Rock)
• Ada-gala (Eel Rock)
• Elu-gala (Goat Rock)
• Kuruminiya-gala (Beetle Rock)
• Wandura-gala (Monkey Rock)
• Yakdessa-gala(Witch Rock)
• Goni-gala (Sack Rock)

Kurunegala Lake

 A large man-made water reservoir constructed by ancient kings. The lake is located in the outskirts of the central business district near to the Kurunegala-Dambulla road. The tank is also used as a water supply source to the city

Kurunegala clock tower

The Kurunegala clock tower was built in 1922 as a tribute to the officers, who went from the Wayamba province and sacrificed their lives in the First World War. The tower memorial plaque has the following inscribed:

"This Clock Tower was erected in memory of those who went from the North Western province at the call of duty and gave their lives for the empire in the World War in 1914–1918"

However, soon after 1945, the tower was also dedicated to the valiant officers who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War.

Located at the centre of the city, today the Kurunegala clock tower serves as a landmark of the city. The Kurunegala Court of Law, The Central Market and the Central Bus Stand are also situated in the vicinity of the clock tower.

Maligawa ancient ruins

Archaeological remains of this site are few, but give a glimpse of its past glory and comprise the handsome stone entrance, steps, rock pillars and ruined walls of the royal palace. Maligawa site also contains some majestic old trees

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