The Sinharaja rainforest is the largest rainforest reserve in Sri Lanka.In 1840 Sinharaja became a crown property.In 1988 the Sinharaja was made a National Wildereness area.In 1989 UNESCO included the Sinharaja Forest in the World Heritage list,as the first National Heritage of Sri Lanka.the Sinharaja forest is home to many rare animals,birds,butterflies,insects,reptiles and trees.Ferns and mosses grow well as the climate is humid because of heavy rainfall.
SINHARAJA FOREST Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.
This forest covers an extent of about 11,187 hectares from east to west. The length of the forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3.7km. It was declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978,as representative of tropical humid evergreen forest Eco system in Sri Lanka and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of it’s International Network of Biosphere reserves. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and a World Heritage Site in 1989. The average annual temperature of Sinharaja is 23.6 C. Annual rainfall is more than 2500mm. The rainfall is well distributed during two monsoons, May to July and October to December.
Developing religious sit at Galle.The Pahala Keembiya Rajamaha Viharaya of Galle will be developed and renovated under a special project of the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry.The programme will be carried out by the Physical Planning Department under the sacred area development programme.
A pilgrims' rest was a long-felt need in the area with both local and foreign tourists undergoing manyhardship die to the lack of one in this sacred and historic area.This need was fulfilled when a foundation stone was recently laid for a pilgrims' rest at the Pahala Keembiya Temple.It's expected to be completed at a cost or Rs.20million under the guidance of the Natonal Physical Planning Department.It would provide accomodation to a largenumber of tourists to the area.There are also plans to construct a pilgrims' rest for the historic the Temple.This will be carried out with the objective of providing equal facilities and services to people belonging to many faiths and religions.Many other development projects are also expected to be inaugurated soon to develop Galle.
Waterfalls in Sri Lanka
The Rakawana Bulutota range of mountains and tha Southern ranges of the hill country are towering on either sides of it.Hundreds of streams flowing from these mountains feed the tributaries of Kalu Ganga,with sparakling,precious,stone bathed water.These streams and tributaries on their way down the cliffs,create the most fascinating beauties of nature.Bo-path Ella near Kuruwita is a breathaking beauty.the shape of the cascading water is that of a bo-leaf.One could see from Pel-madulla town,the Kirindi Ella looming in the hills,like a painting done the sky.She has her own majestic beauty ,second to none.Among these queens of beauty,there are lesserknown princesses,but not with a lesser charm.Most outsiders aren't aware of their existence because access to them is not easy.Pulun Ella,Marakkala Ella and Duwili Ella are some of the lesser-known waterfalls.But they deserve more love and devotion.Our waterfalls could attract more tourists to these areas,and we could also harness them to generate the much needed electricity,without causing any harm to their natural beauty.
DUNHINDA FALLS
The Dunhinda Falls is 5 km from the Badulla town. This 63 m fall, resembles a thin cloud as it cascades downwards into a large pool. This is the first waterfall in the island where a fee was introduced to view it and it applied to both natives and foreigners, but not anymore.
RAMBODA FALLS
The Ramboda Falls is situated 10 km from the Pusselawa Rest House. This 109 m high double fall is formed by the many brooks in the area that flow into the Puna Oya Reservoir, a tributory of the Kotmale River.
