Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
This gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroads between southern plains and the hill country to the east. Many of Sri Lanka's prominent gem dealers operate from this market city, which services most of the surrounding towns. There is a route to Sri Pada from the direction of Ratnapura. Local attractions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The surrounding area is popular with trekkers and bird watchers. The district is home to Kukulugala, the 18th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Demographics
The majority of the population are Buddhists. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.Department of Census and Statistics,The Census of Population and Housing of Sri Lanka-2011
Religion Population(2012) Buddhism 943,464 Hinduism 101,962 Islam 24,446 Christianity 18,056Other Religion 79
Major cities
Ratnapura (Municipal Council)
Large towns
Balangoda (Urban Council) Embilipitiya (Urban Council)
Other towns Rakwana Pelmadulla Kuruwita Imbulpe Godakawela Kahawatta Eheliyagoda Weligepola Nivitigala Ayagama Kalawana Kolonna Panamure Pallebedda Udawalawe
Administration
For administrative purposes, the district is divided into 18 Divisional Secretariat divisions: Eheliyagoda Kuruwita Kiriella Rathnapura Elapatha Ayagama Imbulpe Opanayaka Pelmadulla Nivithigala Kalawana Balangoda Weligepola Godakawela Kahawaththa Embilipitiya Kolonna Kalthota
Plantation companies
The Ratnapura district includes areas managed by Five Plantation Companies. Namely, Agalawatte Plantations PLC managed by Mackwoods, Balangoda Plantations PLC managed by Stassens, Pussellawa Plantations PLC, managed by Freelanka, Hapugastenne Plantations PLC Managed by Finlays, and Kahawatte Plantations PLC managed by Forbes.
The ownership of these companies lie with the State.
References
External links https://web.archive.org/web/20090203152322/http://kcc.sch.lk/ http://www.kulocgov.com/