Eastern province

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The Eastern Province stands as one of the nine provinces of Sri Lanka, boasting a rich tapestry of culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities. Trincomalee serves as its capital, while Kalmunai emerges as the largest and most populous city within the province. Other significant towns include Batticaloa, Kattankudy, Eravur, and Ampara. Bordered by the Northern Province to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Southern Province to the south, and the Uva, Central, and North Central provinces to the west, the Eastern Province is a melting pot of traditions and lifestyles.

Geography

Spanning across 9,996 square kilometers (3,859 sq mi), the Eastern Province boasts a diverse landscape characterized by its scenic coastline dominated by sprawling lagoons. Among these, Batticaloa Lagoon, Kokkilai Lagoon, Upaar Lagoon, and Ullackalie Lagoon stand as notable features, adding to the province’s natural charm.

Demographics

The Eastern Province is renowned for its diversity, both ethnically and religiously. As of the 2012 census, the population stood at 1,551,381, reflecting a blend of various ethnicities and faiths.

Ethnicity

According to the 2012 census, the ethnic composition of the Eastern Province is as follows:

Tamil: 39.79%
Muslim: 36.72%
Sinhalese: 23.15%
Other: 0.34%

Religion

In terms of religious affiliation, the Eastern Province exhibits a dynamic mix:

Islam: 37.12%
Hinduism: 34.78%
Buddhism: 22.87%
Christianity: 5.21%
Others: 0.02%

Administrative Divisions

Administratively, the Eastern Province is divided into three districts, 45 Divisional Secretary’s Divisions (DS Divisions), and 1,085 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GN Divisions), facilitating efficient governance and public services delivery.