Hambantota City
Hambantota, a port city in southern Sri Lanka, boasts strategic maritime significance. Known for its deep-water port, it plays a pivotal role in global trade routes, particularly for transshipment. The city also features emerging industrial and tourism sectors, contributing to its economic development.
Kalametiya
Kalametiya is a serene coastal village located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil beauty. Situated between the towns of Tangalle and Hambantota, Kalametiya is home to the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, one of the oldest and most ecologically significant protected wetlands in the country.
The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, established in 1938, covers an extensive area of lagoons, mangroves, and salt marshes, offering a diverse habitat for wildlife, particularly bird species. It is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 150 species of birds, both migratory and resident. Among the most commonly spotted species are herons, egrets, black-necked storks, pelicans, and the rare lesser adjutant stork. The sanctuary is also home to various species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, further enhancing its ecological importance.
In addition to birdwatching, visitors to Kalametiya can enjoy boat safaris along the Kalametiya Lagoon, allowing them to explore the serene wetlands and observe the rich flora and fauna up close. The wetlands are not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a place of stunning natural beauty, with expansive views of the calm lagoon, coastal vegetation, and distant hills.
Tourism in Kalametiya is focused on eco-friendly and sustainable activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat. The local fishing communities also contribute to the area’s charm, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan coastal life.
Kalametiya’s combination of biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
About Hambantota District
Hambantota is a rural town in south eastern coastal area of Sri Lanka. It is also the capital of the Hambantota District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Approximately 240 kms from Colombo,Hambantota is in the midst of transformation into a strategic port and commercial centre, undergoing extensive infrastructure development. Flanked by sweeping sandy beaches,Hambantota is a convenient location from which to visit nearby sights.
The Bundala National Park lays 20 km east of Hambantota and the Weerawila Sanctuary a little further off. The Ruhuna National Park and theKataragama Temple are other attractions that can be accessed easily from this city.
About Southern Province
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Subsistence farming and fishing is the main source of income for the vast majority of the people of this region.
Important landmarks of the Southern Province include the wildlife sanctuaries of the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, the holy city of Kataragama, and the ancient cities of Tissamaharama, Kirinda and Galle. (Although Galle is an ancient city, almost nothing survives from before the Portuguese invasion.) During the Portuguese period there were two famous Sinhalese poets called Andare who was from Dickwella and Gajaman Nona who was from Denipitiya in Matara District, composing poems on common man.
【LK94009391: Text by Lakpura™. Images by Google, copyright(s) reserved by original authors.】