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Monaragala District

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Monaragala District
මොණරාගල දිස්ත්‍රික්කය
மொணராகலை மாவட்டம்
Administrative District
Map of Sri Lanka with Monaragala District highlighted
Map of Sri Lanka with Monaragala District highlighted
Coordinates: 6°40′N 81°20′E / 6.667°N 81.333°E / 6.667; 81.333
CountrySri Lanka
ProvinceUva Province
capital city and Largest TownMonaragala
DS Division
List
Government
 • District SecretaryMr.R.M.Pasan.S.B.Rathnayake
Area
 • Total
5,636 km2 (2,176 sq mi)
 • Land5,508 km2 (2,127 sq mi)
 • Water131 km2 (51 sq mi)
 • Rank2nd
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Total
448,194
 • Density81.37/km2 (210.8/sq mi)
Ethnicity
(2012 census)[2]
 • Sinhalese423,972 (94.61%)
 • Tamil15,373 (3.43%)
 • Moors9,552 (2.13%)
 • Other245 (0.05%)
Religion
(2012 census)[3]
 • Buddhist423,648 (94.5%)
 • Hindu12,522 (2.8%)
 • Muslim9,702 (2.2%)
 • Christian2,224 (0.5%)
 • Other46 (0.0%)
Time zoneUTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka)
Telephone Code055
ISO 3166 codeLK-82
Vehicle registrationUP
Official LanguageSinhala
Websitewww.monaragala.dist.gov.lk

Monaragala (Sinhala: මොණරාගල දිස්ත්‍රික්කය, Tamil: மொணராகலை மாவட்டம்) is a district in Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It is the 2nd largest of the 25 districts in Sri Lanka, with an area of 5,636 km2 (2,176 sq mi).[4] Historically known as Wellassa. The district is administered by a District Secretariat headed by a District Secretary appointed by the central government of Sri Lanka. The capital of the district is Monaragala.

History

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Prehistoric Period

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The history of the Monaragala District dates back to the prehistoric era, substantiated by significant archaeological evidence discovered across the region. Archaeological findings in areas bordering the Uva Highlands, such as Bandarawela, suggest that the region was inhabited by prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities who utilized microlithic stone tools. It is believed that these nomadic groups migrated towards the dry zone plains and forests of Monaragala in search of food, establishing temporary settlements in caves and open-air sites. They subsisted by hunting animals such as deer and monitor lizards, and by foraging for wild fruits and tubers.

Prominent archaeological sites confirming this prehistoric presence include:

  • Kurullangala: located on the border of Ella and Wellawaya, this site features a treacherous rock face adorned with prehistoric cave paintings estimated to be over 5,000 years old. These ancient depictions include imagery of giant birds, various animals, and human figures.[5]
  • Pillillagoda Lena (cave): a significant cave site used by prehistoric inhabitants. The cave features primitive paintings and line drawings etched directly onto the natural rock surface using fingers or crude wooden implements, without the use of plaster.[6]
Pillillagoda cave paints
  • Maligavila Alugal-ge: situated near the banks of the Hulanda Oya, this natural rock cave served as a dwelling for prehistoric humans. In later periods, it was converted into a Buddhist cave monastery, as evidenced by ancient inscriptions and ruins found in the vicinity.[7]
  • Mayuragiriya: located near Monaragala, this site consists of mountainous terrain with natural caves that served as temporary shelters for prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups.[8]
Mayuragiriya caves
Mayuragiriya Cave Paints

These sites provide crucial insights into the evolutionary history of human activity in the region, highlighting the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled ancient communities.

Proto-historic Iron Age

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The Proto-historic Iron Age in Sri Lanka (c. 1000 BCE – 500 BCE) marked a transformative period for the Monaragala region, characterized by the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agrarian communities. The fertile river basins of the Wellassa region, particularly along the Kumbukkan Oya, Menik Ganga, and Hada Oya, provided an ideal environment for this shift.[9]

Kumbukan oya

Key Socio-Economic developments

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  • Agrarian Expansion: the adoption of iron technology enabled the clearing of dense forests, facilitating large-scale paddy cultivation. This era witnessed the inception of small-scale tank cascade systems(Ellanga), laying the groundwork for the future hydraulic civilization of the Anuradhapura and Ruhuna Kingdoms.
Small-Scale tank cascade system(Ellangava)
  • Domesticated Agriculture: the introduction of iron implements, such as axes and hoes, allowed for systematic farming. Evidence suggests the domestication of cattle and horses, supporting agricultural labor and food security.
  • Technological Advancement: the region’s inhabitants demonstrated mastery over ceramic production, specifically Black and Red Ware (BRW). This pottery, created through reduction-alternative firing techniques, was widely used for food storage and cooking.
Proto-historic Iron Age ceramic artifacts
  • Trade and Ornamentation: the discovery of glass and mineral beads indicates that the region engaged in regional trade networks, possibly extending to Southern India.[10]
Ancient stone and mineral beads discovered in the Wellassa region

Burial customs and beliefs

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The social organisation of this era is best understood through the Megalithic burial culture. The practice involved interring cremated remains in clay urns, protected by large stone slabs. The Uva-Wellassa region contains numerous such burial sites, where archaeological excavations have unearthed iron tools, arrowheads, and ritual offerings.[11]

Iriyapola archaeological site

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The Iriyapola ruins, located approximately 20 km (12 mi) southeast of the Maligavila archaeological site, serve as a primary site for understanding this era in Monaragala. Situated in a dense forest reserve near the confluence of the Gonamala Ara and the Kumbukkan Oya, the site reveals layers of habitation dating back to 1000 BCE – 300 BCE. Key findings include:

  • Iron Smelting remains: the presence of iron slag and furnace remnants indicates that ancient settlers were involved in local iron extraction and tool manufacturing.
  • Megalithic Burials: dispersed stone slabs and burial urns testify to a complex and organized belief system regarding death and community rituals.
  • Ceramic Artifacts: excavated shards of Black and Red Ware demonstrate the sophisticated pottery techniques utilised by the community to sustain their agricultural lifestyle.
  • Early Hydraulic Infrastructure: Remains of primitive stone bunds along the Gonamala Ara suggest early efforts to manage water resources for agricultural purposes.
Iriyapola archaeological site

In summary, the Monaragala District and the broader Uva dry zone were not merely peripheral regions but were pivotal centres where early human communities harnessed iron technology to establish the foundations of Sri Lanka's sophisticated ancient civilisation.[12] [13]

Iriyapola archaeological site

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods

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Main towns

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Other towns

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Demographics

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Population Land Area Schools Total Students
429,803 282,200 Hectare 262 97,721
Division Population
Wellawaya 54,911
Siyambalanduwa 51,309
Buttala 51,186
Monaragala 45,922
Sevanagala 39,825
Badalkumbura 39,786
Bibile 38,386
Medagama 35,116
Madulla 30,672
Thanamalwila 25,063
Kataragama 17,627

Religion

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Religion in Monaragala district (2024)[14]
Religion Percent
Buddhism
 
 94.48%
Hinduism
 
 2.84%
Islam
 
 2.32%
Other or not stated
 
 0.36%

Buddhism is the predominant religion in Monaragala.

ReligionPopulation(2012)
Buddhism426,762
Hinduism11,997
Islam9,809
Christianity2,460
Other Religion30

Ethnicity

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Ethnicity in Monaragala District (2024)[15]
  1. Sinhala (94.7%)
  2. Sri Lankan Tamils (2.80%)
  3. Sri Lankan Moors (2.29%)
  4. Others (0.26%)
Sinhala Sri Lankan Tamil Indian Tamil Sri Lankan Moor
94.5% 1.4% 1.9% 2.0%

In 2008 - Source[16]

National parks

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Major reservoirs

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Rivers

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Tourist attractions

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  • Katharagama
  • Maligawila
  • Buduruwagala
  • Govindahela rock(westminster abbey)
  • Yala National Park
  • Galoya National Park
  • Udawalawa National Park
  • Ellewela Waterfall
  • Maragala mountain range
  • Kotasara Piyangala Raja Maha Viharaya
  • Mallipotha Lake

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "POPULATION OF SRI LANKA BY DISTRICT" (PDF). Census of Population and Housing 2011. Department of Census and Statistics. 2012-04-20. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  2. ↑ Cite error: The named reference 2012eth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ↑ Cite error: The named reference 2012rel was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ↑ "Area of Sri Lanka by province and district" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-03. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  5. ↑ https://amazinglanka.com/wp/kurullangala//link
  6. ↑ https://artclassincloud.blogspot.com/2020/06/pre-historic-art-in-sri-lanka.html?m=1/link
  7. ↑ https://amazinglanka.com/wp/maligawila-alugallena//link
  8. ↑ https://www.arfjournals.com/image/catalog/Journals%20Papers/JHA/2025/No%201%20(2025)/1_Dissanayaka.pdf/link
  9. ↑ https://ceylonhistory.com/si/timeline/01000-iron-age-megalithic-culture/
  10. ↑ https://sinhala.archaeology.lk/%E0%B6%8C%E0%B7%80-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%B4%E2%80%8D%E0%B7%8A%E2%80%8D%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%8A-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%96%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8A%E0%B7%80-%E0%B7%84/
  11. ↑ https://www.google.com/searchviewer/10?svid=CAwSHBIaCgNwdnESE0Nnd3ZaeTh4TVhsc1gyczBkMncYCg
  12. ↑ https://amazinglanka.com/wp/iriyapola/
  13. ↑ https://www.arfjournals.com/image/catalog/Journals%20Papers/JHA/2025/No%201%20(2025)/1_Dissanayaka.pdf
  14. ↑ "Population by religion according to Divisional Secretariat Divisions, 2024". Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. 2024.
  15. ↑ "Population by ethnicity according to Divisional Secretariat Divisions, 2024". Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. 2024.
  16. ↑ "Article from Lakbima Newspaper". Archived from the original on 2019-08-30. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
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