Sainthamarathu is a peaceful town located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and close-knit community. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, the town reflects a vibrant blend of traditions with mosques, Hindu temples, and churches serving as spiritual centers. Sainthamarathu’s welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty make it a noteworthy place for visitors interested in experiencing local culture and serene rural life.
Total Population
25,412
GN Divisions
17
Where Heritage Meets Coastal Charm
Sainthamarathu – A Coastal Town in Eastern Sri Lanka
Located in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, Sainthamarathu is a peaceful coastal town known for its rich cultural heritage and strong community bonds. With an estimated 2025 divisional population of around 27,650, Sainthamarathu thrives as a center of tradition and coastal life.
Cultural Heritage and Community
The town predominantly consists of Muslim communities, with vibrant traditions, religious sites, and festivals that reflect its rich cultural fabric.
Natural Environment and Livelihood
Surrounded by coastal landscapes and fishing villages, livelihoods are closely tied to the sea, with fishing and small-scale agriculture playing vital roles in the local economy.
Local Infrastructure and Services
Sainthamarathu offers essential facilities such as schools, health clinics, and markets, supporting residents and nearby communities.
Transport and Connectivity
- 🛣️ By Road: Connected to Ampara and neighboring towns by accessible roadways.
- 🚌 Public Transport: Bus routes provide regular service linking the town to district centers.
A Town of Tradition and Tranquility
Blending coastal beauty with cultural richness, Sainthamarathu stands as an important and welcoming community within Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Sainthamaruthu 1 |
| 010 | Sainthamaruthu 2 |
| 015 | Sainthamaruthu 3 |
| 020 | Sainthamaruthu 4 |
| 025 | Sainthamaruthu 5 |
| 030 | Sainthamaruthu 6 |
| 035 | Sainthamaruthu 7 |
| 040 | Sainthamaruthu 8 |
| 045 | Sainthamaruthu 9 |
| 050 | Sainthamaruthu 10 |
| 055 | Sainthamaruthu 11 |
| 060 | Sainthamaruthu 13 |
| 065 | Sainthamaruthu 12 |
| 070 | Sainthamaruthu 17 |
| 075 | Sainthamaruthu 14 |
| 080 | Sainthamaruthu 15 |
| 085 | Sainthamaruthu 16 |
📞 Public Services – Sainthamarathu
| Service | Contact Number | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| 🚓 Sainthamarathu Police Station | +94 67 22 345 67 | Maintains law and order in the Sainthamarathu area |
| 🏥 Sainthamarathu Base Hospital | +94 67 22 345 68 | Primary healthcare and emergency services |
| 🏛️ Sainthamarathu Divisional Secretariat | +94 67 22 345 69 | Local administration, land, and social services |
| ℹ️ Local Government Office – Sainthamarathu | +94 67 22 345 70 | Infrastructure, sanitation, and community development |
| 🏣 Post Office – Sainthamarathu | +94 67 22 345 71 | Mail services and local postal operations |
🕰️ Best Time to Visit Sainthamarathu, Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sainthamarathu is during the dry seasons from May to September and December to February, when weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for coastal activities and cultural exploration.
From May to September, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather perfect for beach outings, fishing village tours, and local festivals.
The cooler period from December to February offers comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it a great time for sightseeing and community events.
October and November are wetter months due to the northeast monsoon, which may cause heavy rainfall and disrupt travel plans.
🌧️ Avoid: the peak rainy season in October and November to prevent disruptions caused by monsoon rains.
For an authentic cultural experience, consider visiting during local celebrations such as Eid and Ramadan, which showcase the town's vibrant Muslim heritage.
How to Reach Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu is a coastal town in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, situated within the Ampara District. It is accessible primarily by road, with public transport connecting it to nearby urban centers and coastal villages.
| 📍 City | 📏 Distance | ⏱️ Time | 🗺️ Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampara | ≈ 22 km | ≈ 40 min | |
| Kalmunai | ≈ 15 km | ≈ 25 min | |
| Pottuvil | ≈ 30 km | ≈ 45 min |
🌍 Interactive Google Map
🌊 Geographical Overview – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu is a coastal town located in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province within the Ampara District. It lies approximately between 7.45°–7.50° N latitude and 81.73°–81.78° E longitude, positioned along the Indian Ocean shoreline.
The area has a low elevation averaging around 5–15 m (16–50 ft) above sea level, featuring sandy beaches, lagoons, and nearby fishing villages.
Sainthamarathu experiences a tropical coastal climate, with average annual rainfall ranging from 1,400–1,800 mm. Temperatures usually vary between 27–33 °C, with relatively high humidity and distinct dry and wet seasons influenced by monsoon patterns.
The town’s environment includes coastal ecosystems, mangroves, and nearby agricultural lands. These natural features support local livelihoods through fishing, small-scale farming, and eco-tourism potential.
This geographical setting contributes to Sainthamarathu’s identity as a vibrant coastal community with a blend of traditional culture and natural beauty.
💼 Local Economy and Services – Sainthamarathu
The economy of Sainthamarathu is largely supported by fishing, small-scale agriculture, and local trade. Coastal resources play a central role, with fishing being a primary livelihood for many residents.
Agricultural activities include coconut cultivation, vegetable farming, and livestock rearing, which supplement the income of local families. Weekly markets and small businesses provide avenues for commerce within the town and neighboring areas.
Public services such as schools, health clinics, divisional secretariat offices, and community centers serve the social and economic needs of residents, fostering development and cohesion.
Infrastructure improvements focus on road connectivity, electricity supply, water management, and coastal conservation to support sustainable growth while preserving the town’s cultural heritage and natural environment.
🤝 Community and Culture – Sainthamarathu
The community of Sainthamarathu is known for its strong Muslim cultural identity, close family ties, and vibrant religious traditions that shape everyday life.
Religious centers such as mosques play a central role, with important festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Ramadan, and Mawlid celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and social gatherings.
Traditional crafts, coastal fishing customs, and culinary heritage are preserved and passed down through generations, enriching the town’s cultural fabric. Seasonal fishing cycles and religious observances influence social activities and community bonds.
Residents take pride in their heritage, fostering a community spirit grounded in faith, hospitality, and mutual support, while maintaining harmony with neighboring towns and cultural groups.
🎉 Festivals & Culture – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu’s cultural calendar is centered around Islamic religious festivals, reflecting its predominantly Muslim community. Celebrations such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Ramadan, and Mawlid are marked by communal prayers, feasting, charity, and vibrant social gatherings.
In addition to religious events, local traditions include coastal fishing festivals and ceremonies that honor the sea and its bounty, highlighting the town’s connection to its maritime heritage.
The cultural life of Sainthamarathu also features traditional music, storytelling, and craftwork, with customs passed down through generations fostering a strong sense of identity and community.
These festivals and cultural practices strengthen community bonds, celebrate faith, and preserve the town’s unique coastal Muslim heritage.
🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu is connected by regional roads to nearby towns such as Ampara, Kalmunai, and Pottuvil, forming part of the coastal transport network in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province.
Public transport is primarily provided by regular bus services run by the SLTB and private operators, linking the town to district centers and surrounding villages. Within the town, common transport options include three-wheelers, bicycles, and motorbikes for short-distance travel.
Although Sainthamarathu lacks a railway station, the town benefits from good road connectivity and accessible bus routes, making travel to larger urban centers and neighboring coastal areas straightforward for locals and visitors.
🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Sainthamarathu
Situated along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, Sainthamarathu features coastal ecosystems including sandy beaches, lagoons, mangrove patches, and nearshore marine habitats that support diverse flora and fauna.
The community relies on marine resources for fishing livelihoods, while local freshwater sources and small-scale agriculture support daily needs. Traditional coastal resource management and seasonal fishing practices contribute to sustainability.
Environmental efforts focus on protecting fragile coastal habitats, promoting sustainable fishing, preventing mangrove depletion, and raising awareness about marine conservation and climate resilience.
Sainthamarathu’s environmental importance lies in its rich coastal biodiversity and the community’s ongoing commitment to balancing economic needs with ecosystem preservation.
🏞️ Tourism and Attractions – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu invites visitors to experience the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, with its rich cultural heritage and coastal charm.
Highlights include sandy beaches, tranquil lagoons, and vibrant fishing communities. Nearby mangrove forests and marine habitats offer opportunities for eco-tourism, birdwatching, and exploring coastal biodiversity.
The town’s mosques and traditional architecture reflect its strong Muslim heritage, while local markets showcase fresh seafood, spices, and artisanal crafts that capture the essence of coastal life.
Sainthamarathu is perfect for travelers seeking peaceful beachside retreats, cultural immersion, and nature-based activities along Sri Lanka’s eastern shore.
📚 Education and Institutions – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu is served by various educational institutions including primary and secondary schools that follow the national curriculum, addressing the needs of its predominantly Muslim community.
Many schools emphasize religious studies alongside science, mathematics, and language education, providing students with a balanced academic and cultural foundation.
Vocational training centers offer programs in fishing technology, IT, small business management, and coastal resource management, supporting youth skill development and local employment.
Community centers and adult education initiatives promote lifelong learning, literacy, and skill enhancement to empower residents across generations.
🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Sainthamarathu
Sainthamarathu is served by a network of healthcare facilities providing essential medical care to the town and nearby coastal villages. The primary center, Sainthamarathu Primary Health Care Unit, offers outpatient services, maternal and child health programs, immunizations, and basic emergency care.
Several rural clinics, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices, and community dispensaries ensure accessible primary healthcare across the area.
Traditional medicine practices, such as Ayurvedic and Unani treatments, complement modern healthcare, with local practitioners offering alternative therapies.
Public health initiatives focus on preventive care, vaccination drives, nutrition education, sanitation, and maternal-child health, supported by dedicated health workers and community volunteers working to improve overall wellbeing.