Polpithigama is a serene and culturally rich town nestled in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. Known for its agricultural roots and strong rural traditions, Polpithigama offers a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of Sri Lankan village communities. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, coconut plantations, and scenic greenery, the town is a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its location, approximately 45 km from Kurunegala town and well-connected via road networks, makes it easily accessible while still maintaining its calm, countryside charm.
One of the most striking features of Polpithigama is its deep connection to agriculture. Farming, especially paddy cultivation, is the primary livelihood for many residents. Local markets are vibrant with seasonal produce, and traditional farming practices continue to be preserved by the community. In recent years, the area has also seen gradual development with better infrastructure, schools, and healthcare facilities, reflecting a balanced blend of tradition and progress.
Cultural and religious life is deeply ingrained in the daily rhythm of the people. The town is home to several Buddhist temples and shrines, where festivals and religious observances draw both locals and visitors. Events like Poson and Vesak are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing beautiful lanterns, pandals, and community spirit.
Polpithigama is also close to natural and historical attractions, including the ancient city of Yapahuwa and several wildlife-rich forest reserves. These sites not only add to the town’s scenic and historical appeal but also attract nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts. With its welcoming community, scenic surroundings, and strong cultural identity, Polpithigama is more than just a rural town—it’s a living example of Sri Lanka’s traditional charm harmonized with the rhythms of modern rural development.
Total Population
86,000
GN Divisions
82
🌿 Why is Polpithigama – Sri Lanka Special?
Polpithigama is a peaceful and agriculturally rich town in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. Known for its fertile lands, cultural depth, and community spirit, it has grown steadily while preserving the charm of traditional Sri Lankan village life.
🌾 Cultural and Historical Legacy
Polpithigama embraces a deep-rooted cultural heritage, with Buddhist temples and religious celebrations that bind the community. Events like Vesak and Poson are celebrated with great unity and devotion.
🛣️ Accessibility and Regional Importance
Although more rural than other towns, Polpithigama is well-connected by road and provides access to nearby historical sites like Yapahuwa. Its location makes it a calm yet strategic spot for travelers.
🌱 Agricultural Strength
Surrounded by paddy fields and irrigation canals, Polpithigama's economy thrives on farming. Coconut, vegetables, and rice are staple crops that support the livelihoods of many families.
🤝 Community Warmth
The residents of Polpithigama are known for their hospitality, friendliness, and deep community values. Local traditions and cooperative efforts keep the social fabric strong and inclusive.
📘 Balanced Development
With improvements in schools, healthcare, and digital access, Polpithigama is embracing rural development while retaining its cultural and agricultural identity.
Polpithigama GN Division Code List
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Kumbukkadawala |
| 010 | Thaladapitiya |
| 015 | Thalawa |
| 020 | Siyambalangamuwa |
| 025 | Bulnewa |
| 030 | Kambuwatawana |
| 035 | Galgiriyawa |
| 040 | Pohorawaththa |
| 045 | Moragollagama |
| 050 | Galahitiyagama |
| 055 | Nikawewa |
| 060 | Ihala Thimbiriyawa |
| 065 | Mamunugama |
| 070 | Pathirennegama |
| 075 | Saliyagama |
| 080 | Serugasyaya |
| 085 | Herathgama |
| 090 | Dambe |
| 095 | Kiribamunegama |
| 100 | Madagalla |
| 105 | Galagedaragama |
| 110 | Hathigamuwa |
| 115 | Amunakole |
| 120 | Kumbukulawa |
| 125 | Pallekele |
| 130 | Pothuwila |
| 135 | Rekevula |
| 140 | Bogolla |
| 145 | Polpithigama |
| 150 | Malasna |
| 155 | Meegaswewa |
| 160 | Niyandawanaya |
| 165 | Hathpokuna |
| 170 | Thalpathwewa |
| 175 | Koruwawa |
| 180 | Galtenwewa |
| 185 | Balagolla |
| 190 | Siyambalawewa |
| 195 | Thalakolawewa |
| 200 | Elagamuwa |
| 205 | Halmillawewa |
| 210 | Imihaminegama |
| 215 | Angulgamuwa |
| 220 | Nikawehera |
| 225 | Kosgahaela |
| 230 | Hakwatunawa |
| 235 | Rawaela |
| 240 | Dagama |
| 245 | Indigolla |
| 250 | Dembatagala |
| 255 | Galketiyagama |
| 260 | Bakmeewewa |
| 265 | Welangolla |
| 270 | Wanduressa |
| 275 | Maeliya North |
| 280 | Agare |
| 285 | Makulpotha |
| 290 | Thalwehera |
| 295 | Welipitiya |
| 300 | Moroththa |
| 305 | Keralankadawala |
| 310 | Polgahangoda |
| 315 | Paragahaela |
| 320 | Medakanda |
| 325 | Madahapola |
| 330 | Uthuruwella |
| 335 | Rambe |
| 340 | Maeliya South |
| 345 | Dekanduwala |
| 350 | Kalugalla |
| 355 | Ihala Thelambiyawa |
| 360 | Ambagaswewa |
| 365 | Thalamalgama |
| 370 | Kalawana |
| 375 | Welidalla |
| 380 | Ponnilawa |
| 385 | Thambuwa |
| 390 | Henawa |
| 395 | Baddegama |
| 400 | Hangamuwa |
| 405 | Doraweruwa |
| 410 | Deegama |
Polpithigama DS Population (2001 – 2024)
| Year | Population | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 67,263 | Official Census – 2001 |
| 2012 | 76,139 | Official Census – 2012 |
| 2024 | ≈ 86,000 | Estimated based on annual growth (1.2%) |
* 2024 population is an estimate based on historical growth trends; official DS-level data for 2024 is pending.
📞 Polpithigama Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| 🚓 Polpithigama Police Station | 0372 273 130 |
| 🏥 Polpithigama District Hospital | 0372 224 099 |
📍 Best Time to Visit Polpithigama, Sri Lanka
Polpithigama, nestled in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this serene agricultural town is during the dry months when travel is more convenient, and nature is at its lush best.
🌤️ Weather Overview: Polpithigama experiences two main seasons:
- Dry Season: December to April – Ideal for sightseeing and exploring the countryside with less rain and warm days.
- Monsoon Season: May to September – Expect intermittent showers and cooler evenings, great for green photography but less ideal for travel.
🎉 Cultural Highlights:
- Vesak Festival (May): Celebrated with lanterns and religious observances across temples in Polpithigama.
- Poson Poya (June): A sacred Buddhist festival marked by alms-giving and devotional activities.
📅 Best Months to Visit: January to March is considered the most favorable time, thanks to pleasant weather, clear skies, and vibrant village activity.
🧳 Travel Tips:
- Carry sun protection during dry months (hat, sunscreen, water bottle).
- Bring lightweight rain gear if traveling between May and September.
- Visit nearby attractions like Yapahuwa Rock Fortress during early mornings.
- Respect local customs when entering temples or attending cultural events.
Whether you're visiting for its peaceful landscapes, warm hospitality, or cultural experiences, Polpithigama is a beautiful destination year-round – but for the best weather and convenience, aim for the dry season.
🚌 How to Reach Polpithigama
Polpithigama, located in Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District, is a peaceful rural town known for its agricultural heritage and cultural charm. Whether you’re traveling from Colombo, Kurunegala, or nearby cities like Anuradhapura or Maho, Polpithigama can be accessed conveniently by road. Use the table below to view distances and estimated travel times.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurunegala | 52 km | 1.5 hrs | |
| Colombo | 148 km | 4 – 4.5 hrs | |
| Anuradhapura | 60 km | 1.5 hrs | |
| Padeniya | 22 km | 30 mins | |
| Maho | 18 km | 25 mins |
📍 Interactive Route Map
🌍 Geographical Overview of Polpithigama
Polpithigama is a geographically diverse town located in the Kurunegala District, part of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. It is situated within the Intermediate Climatic Zone, which allows for a perfect mix of rainfall and dry spells, essential for thriving agricultural activity and biodiversity.
The town features a combination of flat and gently rolling terrain. Its average elevation is approximately 100–120 meters above sea level. The land is nourished by key water sources such as the Deduru Oya river basin and irrigation tanks including Hakwatunawa, Rawaela, Dagama, and Galketiyagama. These reservoirs are critical for the town’s traditional irrigation systems and paddy field productivity.
The soil composition in Polpithigama is mainly reddish-brown earth and fertile alluvial loam, supporting coconut, maize, paddy, and vegetables. Local farmers use both traditional and modern farming practices, making agriculture the primary economic driver of the area.
Polpithigama is bordered by dry mixed evergreen forests, shrublands, and small water bodies that support a range of flora and fauna. Native birds, mammals, reptiles, and seasonal butterflies are common across its natural habitat.
The town is easily accessible by road from Maho, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Padeniya. Local transport includes buses, private vehicles, and tuk-tuks, and Polpithigama continues to serve as a connecting hub for agricultural trade and community life.
🧭 Key Geographical Facts:
- 📌 Province: North Western Province
- 📍 District: Kurunegala
- 📏 Elevation: 100 – 120 m above sea level
- 🌦️ Climate: Intermediate (balanced dry and wet periods)
- 🌡️ Average Temperature: 27°C – 34°C
- ☔ Rainfall: Maha (Oct–Feb), Yala (Apr–Sep)
- 🧱 Soil Types: Reddish-brown earth, Alluvial loam
- 💧 Water Sources: Deduru Oya, Hakwatunawa, Rawaela, Dagama
- 🌿 Biodiversity: Dry zone wildlife, forest edges, tanks
- 🚜 Land Use: Paddy fields, coconut plantations, home gardens
- 🛣️ Connectivity: Roads to Maho, Kurunegala, and Anuradhapura
Overall, Polpithigama stands as a vital agricultural and ecological zone that harmoniously blends rural charm, biodiversity, and sustainable land use. Its natural and man-made resources make it one of the most resilient and culturally rich areas in the Kurunegala region.
💼 Local Economy and Agriculture – Mahawa
Mahawa, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka, has a predominantly agriculture-based economy with a growing presence in small-scale trade, transportation, and local services. Its strategic position as a railway junction and crossroads for multiple towns enhances its value in regional commerce and distribution.
The fertile land around Mahawa supports the cultivation of paddy, coconut, vegetables, and grains. Farmers utilize traditional irrigation methods supported by tanks such as Hakwatunawa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, and other village wewas that ensure year-round farming.
🧑🌾 Key Features of Mahawa's Local Economy:
- 🌾 Main Crops: Paddy (rice), Coconut, Chilli, Vegetables
- 💧 Irrigation: Local tanks (Hakwatunawa, Rawaela), seasonal rainfall
- 🚜 Farming Practices: Traditional & semi-mechanized
- 📦 Trade: Weekly markets and small-scale retail shops
- 🛤️ Transport: Railway station boosts logistics and movement
- 🏢 Services: Government offices, banks, schools, healthcare
- 👷 Other Income Sources: Construction, teaching, local manufacturing
With increasing access to digital connectivity and public services, Mahawa is gradually embracing modernization while staying rooted in its agricultural foundation. The town’s economy remains resilient thanks to its rich land, water resources, and its people’s unwavering commitment to rural productivity.
💼 Local Economy and Agriculture – Mahawa
Mahawa, a key town in Sri Lanka’s Kurunegala District, has an economy deeply rooted in agriculture. Thanks to its fertile land, accessible water resources, and transportation connectivity, Mahawa supports a mix of traditional and modern economic activities. Its railway junction and proximity to major towns like Maho and Padeniya make it a regional trade and transport hub.
The town’s agricultural base is supported by paddy cultivation, coconut plantations, vegetable farming, and minor export crops. Farmers depend on irrigation tanks such as Hakwatunawa, Siyambalangamuwa, and Wewa Gama, ensuring year-round productivity.
📌 Key Economic Highlights of Mahawa:
- 🌾 Main Crops: Paddy, Coconut, Vegetables, Chilli, and Fruits
- 💧 Irrigation: Traditional tanks (Hakwatunawa, Usgala, Rawaela)
- 🚜 Farming Systems: Mixed methods – manual, semi-mechanized, and organic
- 🛍️ Trade: Weekly pola (fair), wholesale vegetable markets, rural boutiques
- 🛤️ Transport Hub: Mahawa Railway Junction supports goods and commuter travel
- 🏭 Small Industries: Coconut-based products, carpentry, brick-making, and food processing
- 🏥 Services Sector: Government, healthcare, banking, education, and construction
- 👨👩👧👦 Employment: Farming, state jobs, SMEs, labor migration, and youth startups
With increasing access to digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and micro-financing, Mahawa is seeing a shift toward modernized farming and small business entrepreneurship. Government-sponsored programs and NGO support have introduced sustainable farming practices, drip irrigation, and greenhouse methods in selected areas.
⚠️ Challenges Faced:
- ⛅ Unpredictable climate patterns affecting crop yield
- 🚚 Limited storage and transport infrastructure for perishables
- 📉 Youth migration reducing rural workforce
- 💰 Rising input costs vs. low farmgate prices
Despite these challenges, Mahawa’s economy remains resilient and community-driven, balancing heritage and innovation to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
🎓 Education and Public Facilities – Polpithigama
Polpithigama, located in the Kurunegala District, is home to a well-organized network of educational and public facilities that serve both urban and rural communities. The area emphasizes access to primary, secondary, and vocational education alongside healthcare, banking, transport, and administrative services.
🏫 Educational Institutions:
- Primary and secondary schools including Polpithigama Central College, Siyambalangamuwa Vidyalaya, and Thalawa Maha Vidyalaya
- Pre-schools and early childhood education centers in most GN divisions
- Vocational training centers offering courses in agriculture, ICT, and masonry
- Private tuition and English education facilities growing steadily
🏥 Healthcare Facilities:
- Polpithigama District Hospital – provides outpatient, maternity, and emergency services
- Peripheral clinics and MOH offices in rural areas
- Ayurvedic centers and private dispensaries supporting general healthcare
🏛️ Public Services and Infrastructure:
- Polpithigama Divisional Secretariat – handles civil documentation, social welfare, and land administration
- Post office, agricultural service centers, samurdhi banks, and cooperative stores
- Branch banks – People's Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Sanasa, Rural Banks
- Public libraries and ICT centers promoting rural digital access
- Good road network connecting Kurunegala, Maho, and Anuradhapura
- Public transport: CTB buses, school vans, three-wheelers
Polpithigama’s development in education and public services continues to grow with national and provincial-level support. Community-led school programs, e-government services, and mobile clinics are helping to bridge urban-rural gaps and improve quality of life.
🚆 Transportation and Accessibility – Polpithigama
Polpithigama is strategically located in the Kurunegala District and benefits from well-developed road access and close proximity to major railway routes. Its location makes it an important rural transit point connecting travelers and goods between the North Central and North Western provinces of Sri Lanka.
🛣️ Road Connectivity:
- Connected to key towns like Maho, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Padeniya via regional roads.
- Bus services operate regularly between Polpithigama and towns such as Colombo, Galgamuwa, and Nikaweratiya.
- Most roads are paved and maintained under Pradeshiya Sabha and Provincial Council programs.
🚉 Railway Accessibility:
- Nearest railway stations: Maho Junction (18 km) and Kurunegala (52 km).
- Maho Junction links the Main Line with the Northern Line, offering connectivity to Jaffna and Colombo.
- Rail transport is commonly used for long-distance travel and goods transport.
🛺 Local Transport:
- CTB buses and private vans serve school and work commuters.
- Three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) are the most common for short-distance travel.
- Motorcycles and bicycles are widely used for farm and household mobility.
📈 Future Prospects:
- Proposed upgrades to roadways under rural bridge development programs.
- Improved access to railway services via shuttle transport from town to station.
- Increased tourism interest may enhance transportation demand and infrastructure funding.
Overall, Polpithigama offers dependable transport options for daily commuters, farmers, and travelers. Its balanced combination of regional accessibility and local mobility supports both economic activity and community connectivity.
📈 Emerging Rural Enterprises – Polpithigama
Polpithigama is witnessing steady growth in rural entrepreneurship, especially among youth, women, and returning migrant workers. With agriculture as a foundation, many households are now expanding into small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that contribute to income generation, skill development, and local innovation.
🌿 Key Types of Rural Enterprises:
- Rice mills, coconut oil extraction, and spice grinding centers
- Handloom, batik, and cane product manufacturing
- Mushroom cultivation and beekeeping businesses
- Food processing: string hoppers, pickles, and sweets
- Plant nurseries and garden landscaping services
- Poultry farms, cow sheds, and goat rearing units
- Sewing and tailoring shops (uniforms, schoolwear)
👩💼 Women & Youth-Led Innovation:
- Women-led packaging, coconut shell crafts, and papadam industries
- Youth-run freelance services: digital art, e-commerce, and social media marketing
- Eco-tourism efforts such as home stays, lake fishing, and village tours
📊 Support & Enablers:
- Access to rural credit via Samurdhi banks and micro-finance
- Divisional Secretariat business training programs
- Livelihood grants under “Saubhagya” and youth startup schemes
- Social media and digital marketplaces for local product sales
With increasing awareness, digital access, and government support, Polpithigama’s rural economy is evolving from purely subsistence-based to micro-enterprise-driven. These ventures not only provide local employment but also preserve heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices.
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Polpithigama
Polpithigama, nestled in the heart of Kurunegala District, is a fast-growing rural town that offers scenic beauty, thriving agriculture, and grassroots entrepreneurship—making it a promising destination for both travelers and investors.
- 🛣️ Regional Connectivity: Well-linked by road to Kurunegala, Maho, and Anuradhapura, with easy access to rail junctions and rural logistics centers.
- 🌿 Natural Charm: Surrounded by paddy fields, forest patches, and tanks like Hakwatunawa and Rawaela—perfect for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
- 🚜 Agro-Based Economy: Fertile land supports paddy, coconut, maize, vegetables, and mushrooms—ideal for agri-investments and rural cooperatives.
- 🏕️ Tourism & Culture: Buddhist temples, village lifestyles, weekly pola (markets), and rural food experiences create strong rural tourism potential.
Whether you're planning a peaceful countryside escape or seeking to empower rural enterprise, Polpithigama offers unmatched potential wrapped in authenticity and opportunity.