Divisional Secretariat - Mahawewa

Introduction

The Mahawewa Divisional Secretariat Division, located on the western coastal belt of the Puttalam District in the North Western Province, encompasses an area of 7360 hectares. It is bordered by the Lunu Oya canal to the north (Madampe Divisional Secretariat Division), the inland dividing road to the east (Bingiriya Divisional Secretariat Division), the Indian Ocean to the west, and the Marawila Garage Road boundary to the south (Nattandiya Divisional Secretariat Division). This division consists of 47 Grama Niladhari (Village Officer) divisions.

Among the Divisional Secretariat Divisions belonging to the Puttalam District, the Mahawewa Divisional Secretariat Division, which boasts a very beautiful coastline, holds a significant place in terms of tourist attraction. Due to its scenic beaches, natural beauty, and historical sites, it has become a popular destination for tourists. Because of this, a very attractive tourist hotel system has been developed along the coastline, making this area a popular tourist stop for both local and foreign visitors.

The Divisional Secretariat Office is located between the 59th and 60th kilometers of the Puttalam-Colombo main road, near the Mahawewa Lake. It was established on March 14, 1990. Prior to this, the official duties related to this division were carried out by the Nattandiya Divisional Secretariat. This Divisional Secretariat Division is home to a multi-religious and multi-ethnic population, including Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher communities. Religiously, it comprises Buddhist, Catholic, Islamic, Hindu, and other religious groups. Therefore, this Divisional Secretariat Division is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious area. The division also features ancient Dutch canal routes.

When focusing on the topographical features, several aquatic areas, or marshlands, are present in this division. Approximately 25% of the area, extending from Mahawewa town through Thoduwawa to Iranawila village in the northwest, is a brackish lagoon region located between Thoduwawa and Mahawewa. Regarding the soil composition of this division, it can be broadly classified into 5 main zones:

• Seaside brown soil
• Silica-mixed white sandy soil
• Red brown soil
• Clay loam soil
• Alluvial soil

Saline-mixed brown sandy soil is found in coastal areas such as Marawila Beach, Modara Beach, Barudalpola, and Thoduwawa. Silica-mixed white sandy soil is found in areas like Puhulhena and Pahala Walahapitiya, while clay loam soil is found in areas like Yatakalana and Muttibandiwila.

When focusing on historical information, it appears that this area, which belonged to Salapura (Chilaw) and was located near the northern border of Maya Rata, one of the ancient divisions of Sri Lanka (Ruhunu, Pihiti, and Maya), was a region that received less attention in state administration due to its distance from ancient administrative cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Later, after the migration from the north-central region to the southwest, this area became populated. It is also clear that a population lived here with a mixed economic background due to constant interaction with foreign (Western) nationals. After the administration of Sri Lanka came under the Kotte Kingdom, Prince Thaniyavallabha, a relative of Parakramabahu who ascended the throne in 1460 AD, resided as a regional king in Malapura Madampe (a village near Mahawewa village). This area came to be known as Mahawewa due to a large reservoir built by him across the Kadu Piti Oya, a ruined irrigation system that was part of the island-wide irrigation system built by King Maha Parakumba, who ruled Polonnaruwa. After returning to the Mahawewa palace after defeating the Chola army near the Deduru Oya, King Thaniyavallabha, deceived by an enemy strategy, sacrificed his life for his queen, who committed suicide. After his death, the people of the area built a shrine for King Thaniyavallabha and began to worship him as the god Thaniyavallabha. This famous shrine, which can still be seen today, has given Mahawewa historical significance.

Furthermore, this division cultivates a wide variety of both upcountry and low country vegetables, as well as fruits. A population primarily engaged in the fishing industry significantly contributes to the country's national economy from various perspectives. It can also be mentioned that the Mahawewa Divisional Secretariat Division holds a special place among the most attractive Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Puttalam District.