Location
Uva Paranagama Divisional Secretariat is a remote area in Badulla District of Uva Province and is situated 200km far away from Colombo.
Historical Background
Uva Province is known as one of the most significant areas in the history of Sri Lanka. The Uva Province is known as ‘Huwaratta’ in the Pali Wanshakatha, and there are many folklores associated with the Uva Province getting the name “Uva”. Because this area is mountainous, considering the hooting sound coming with wind from the Haggala gap, it was first known as ‘Huwa’ and later called ‘Uva’. According to the belief of the ancients, Uva Paranagama is the oldest village in the province.
When the historical facts of the Uva Paranagama area are examined, there is rare evidence that there was a king who used this area as a permanent kingdom. The history bear witness to that the area was used as a stronghold and a stronghold of organizing troops to defend against enemy invasions. King Walagamba is significant here and evidence has found that the Ulugala Rajamaha Viharaya and the Ganethenna Rajamaha Viharaya were used as the residences of the King Walagamba.
It is stated that the Uva is included in the Kandyan Convention was a treaty signed by the British in 1815 to the occupation of the upcountry areas of Sri Lanka. A stronghold was built for General MacDonald, and he and his troops were stationed at Uvaparanagama. The stronghold was called Port McDonald’s and there was a post office until 1950. After attaining political independence in 1948, the socio-economic background of the Uva Paranagama area began to change. A revenue control officer division was formed in Uvaparanagama area by taking a part of Bandarawela electorate in Badulla district. After naming Uvaparanagama division as an electorate in 1959, Mrs. Kusuma Rajaratana contested from the Jathika Vimukthi Peramuna in the general election held on 19th March, 1960, was selected to this seat for the first time.
Climate
This area is rain-fed by northeast monsoon and convection precipitation. Due to the mountain range, this area does not receive southwest rainfall.
Religious Background
Uvaparanagama can be described as a dispersed area of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. There are 57 temples in Uva Paranagama which are the centres of the Buddhists, and the Ulugala Rajamaha Viharaya and the Ganetenna Sri Walagamba Raja Maha Viharaya have a long history relating to the days of ancient kings. Most of the Hindu people live in the plantation areas, and most of the Muslim people live in Rathamba and Paranagama areas.
Economy
The economy of the people of Uva Paranagama who live in a fertile area depends on agriculture. There is a special place in this area for the cultivation of paddy, tea, potatoes and other vegetables and there are also a small number of people who work in the public sector.
Environmental Significance of Uva Paranagama
- There are a lot of beautiful vegetation and pathana areas with natural beauty.
- The western and northern areas are surrounded by mountain ranges.
- Supplying and fed with water in a large area from Hal Oya and Uma Oya.
- Enhance the environmental beauty of waterfalls such as Bomburu Ella, Ravan Ella and Manabharana Ella
