The freshest seafood and some breath-taking biodiversity lie hidden
in Puttalam. Popular for its picturesque lagoon and a haven for shallow
sea fishing activities, Puttalam’s location on the North Western coastal
belt makes it ideal for the perfect getaway.
Bordering the Kala Oya and Modara Gam Aru in the North, Anuradhapura
and Kurunegala districts in the East, Ma Oya in the South and the Indian
Ocean in the West, Puttalam is home to people of every faith and race.
The history of this dry zone district dates back to the arrival of North
Indian Prince Vijaya who set foot here 2,500 years ago in Tammanna when
he was ship-wrecked. Further on within the Puttalam district, the area
known as Thonigala is believed to be the homeland of Kuweni.
 Situated at the apex of the coconut triangle, Puttalam is the second
largest coconut producer of the country. Tabbowa offers fertile land
where agriculture records once indicated the highest paddy production
per acre.
The Kaffrinha is a community (which still exists) in this coastal
district where they were brought to the island of Ceylon by the
Portuguese from African villages. The Kaffir slaves settled here and
their descendants speak Portuguese Creole.
Famous for salt mining as well, Puttalam also thrives on trading and
the people have dabbled in prawn farming making it an exciting new
investment opportunity for both people within and outside Puttalam.
The town has five or six large schools catering to the educational
needs of the population of Puttalam and the surrounding villages. Daily
bus transport is available to major cities such as Colombo, Kurunegala,
Kandy and Anuradhapura. There is a train service between Puttalam and
Colombo. For individual transport within the city, people use push
bicycles and motorbikes.
Very few own cars. Three-wheeler and van taxi services are freely
available.
One state-run hospital and many private clinics look after the
health-related issues.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Puttalam. Many clubs play in
local league and also take part in national level competitions. Cricket
and volleyball come next.
Puttalam has been a predominantly Muslim town for a long time
probably because many Islamic merchants opted to settle in this quaint
township and even today, is in the news having an IDP camp until these
displaced persons are settled in their original homes.
However, Puttalam is a beautiful place that is self-sufficient with
the bountiful lagoon to help support families and it is the harmony
among various communities that makes it a pleasant town. |
