Aluthgama
Aluthgama (Sinhala: අලුත්ගම, romanized: Alutgama; Tamil: அளுத்கமை, romanized: Aḷutkamai) is a coastal town in Kalutara District in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.[1] It is approximately 63.5 kilometres (39.5 mi) south of Colombo and 68 kilometres (42 mi) north of Galle. Aluthgama is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota Ganga (River) mouth.
Aluthgama
අලුත්ගම அளுத்கமை | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Aluthgama | |
| Coordinates: 6°26′00″N 80°00′00″E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Western Province |
| District | Kalutara District |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time Zone) |
| Postal Code | |
The main income is from tourism and banking. It is the birthplace of the celebrated singer and composer Nanda Malini.
Aluthgama is home to one of worlds tallest statues of the Buddha. It is a sitting Figure of 48.8 meters, and has been erected in the Kande Viharaya Temple north of the river.
History
The history of Aluthgama dates back to the 13th century. A messenger poem, "Thisara Sandesha", written in 1366 mentions the beauty of Aluthgama.
Education
- Aluthgama Maha Vidyalaya ( Mix School) up to A/L
- Sangamiththa Balika (Ladies College) up to O/L only
Transport
Aluthgama is located on the Coastal or Southern Rail Line (connecting Colombo through to Matara). It is also located on the A2 highway, connecting Colombo to Wellawaya. Following the construction of the Southern Expressway (E01) between Colombo and Galle, Aluthgama has become an entrance point to the expressway from Galle Road (A2), via B157.