Ampara district

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Ampara District stands as a vibrant tapestry within Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, boasting a rich blend of culture, ethnicity, and religious practices. The district emerged from the southern region of Batticaloa District and established in April 1961.

Geographical Features

Ampara District is nestled in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka and spanning across 4,415 square kilometers (1,705 sq mi). Its borders touch Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa districts to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, Hambantota District to the south, and Badulla and Matale districts to the northwest. Additionally, it shares boundaries with the Monaragala District to the west and southeast. Located approximately 320 kilometers from the bustling capital, Colombo, Ampara serves as a pivotal hub in the region.

Population

As of 2012, Ampara District recorded a population of 648,057 individuals. Notably, the district stands out for its remarkable diversity, both ethnically and religiously, reflecting the broader spectrum of Sri Lanka’s cultural mosaic.

Ethnic

The ethnic composition of the District, as per the 2012 Census, delineates a mosaic of identities:

Sri Lankan Moor: 282,484 (43.59%)
Sinhalese: 251,018 (38.73%)
Sri Lankan Tamil: 112,750 (17.40%)
Indian Tamil: 165 (0.03%)
Other: 1,640 (0.25%)

Religion

Religious diversity further enriches the fabric of Ampara District:

Islam: 282,746 (43.63%)
Buddhist: 250,213 (38.61%)
Hindu: 102,454 (15.81%)
Christian: 12,609 (1.95%)
Others: 35 (0.01%)

Administrative Structure and Local Governance

It is administratively organized into 20 Divisional Secretary Divisions (DS Divisions), each overseen by a Divisional Secretary. These divisions, in turn, comprise 507 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GN Divisions), facilitating localized governance and services.

Electoral representation in the district is channeled through four Electoral Districts: Kalmunai, Sammanthurai, Pothuvil, and Ampara.

Local governance is facilitated through a network of 20 authorities, including two Municipal Councils, one Urban Council, and 17 Divisional Councils (Pradeshiya Sabha), fostering community engagement and development initiatives.

Economic Significance and Cultural Heritage

Beyond its administrative and demographic tapestry, Ampara District boasts economic significance, primarily driven by agriculture, fishing, and trade. The district also holds a wealth of cultural heritage sites, reflecting its historical legacy and contributing to Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourism sector.