Weligama
Weligama
වැලිගම வெலிகமை | |
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UTC+6 (Summer time) |
Weligama (Sinhala: වැලිගම, Tamil: வெலிகாமம்) is a town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in Matara District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. The name Weligama, literally means "sandy village" which refers to the area's sandy sweep bay. It is approximately 144 kilometres (89 mi) south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 9 metres (30 ft) above the sea level.
History
The main industries are tourism and fishing. Weligama is a popular tourist destination and hosts several boutique hotels including an off shore islet known as Taprobane, which houses a villa constructed by the French Count de Mauny, and is currently owned by Geoffrey Dobbs. It was the birthplace of the scholar monk Weligama Sri Sumangala.
Weligama was significantly affected by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, with 15% of the area destroyed, with over 2,200 houses damaged or washed away, and 469 reported deaths.[1]
There are a number of sites of historical importance within Weligama and its vicinity, including a 3 metres (9.8 ft) high
Weligama is recognised for its beeralu bobbin lace-making. First introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century, lace-making has remained a traditional handicraft along the coastal area of Weligama, with a number of households producing crochet and tatting lace.[4]
The area is also famous for its distinct
Gallery
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Avalokiteshvara
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Fishing boats
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Stilt fisherman
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Outrigger fishing boat
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Street scene
Transport
Weligama is located on the
Demographics
The Weligama Urban Council area is
Source:Government Statistics.lk
Facilities
- Weligama railway station
- Weligama post office
Attractions
- Taprobane Island
- Stilt Fisherman
- Kusta Raja Gala
- Lace-making
Post and telephone
- Sri Lanka 00 94
- Area code041
- Postal code 81700
See also
- List of towns in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
- List of beaches in Sri Lanka
References
- ^ "Tsunami Situation Report:Welignama". Jayawickreme Foundation. 2 April 2005. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^ Gunther, Michael D. "Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara". Old Stones: The Monuments of Art History. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^ Schokman, Derrick (12 April 2003). "The Kusta Raja Gala at Weligama". Daily News. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^ Kannangara, Ananda (18 March 2012). "Beeralu Sustained as a Cottage Industry". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^ Gu, Cindy (14 February 2012). "Stilt fishing of Weligama". China Daily. Retrieved 11 July 2014.