Puttalam district

Puttalam district is located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. This area is famous for salt production, fishing, and its diverse communities. The district attracts visitors with its scenic lagoons, coconut plantations, and unique wildlife. It is known as පුත්තලම දිස්ත්‍රික්කය (puttalama distrikkaya) in Sinhala and புத்தளம் மாவட்டம் (Puttaḷam Māvaṭṭam) in Tamil.

History

The history of Puttalam dates back thousands of years. It has been an important area for both the Sinhalese kingdoms and the colonial powers that came later, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. These influences can be seen in the old buildings and the mix of cultures in the area. Puttalam played a role in the trade networks of ancient Sri Lanka, especially in the pearl and chank trade.

Geography

Puttalam is located in the western part of Sri Lanka and covers an area of about 3,072 square kilometers (1,186 sq mi). It borders the districts of Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Mannar. The coast along the district is dotted with lagoons, the largest being the Puttalam Lagoon. The climate here is tropical and often quite hot and dry, which is ideal for salt production—one of the main industries in the area.