Balangoda is a prominent town within the Ratnapura District of the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, known for its significant cultural and historical heritage. Governed by an urban council, the town is strategically located 143 kilometers from Colombo and 43 kilometers from Ratnapura, along the Colombo – Batticaloa Highway (A4). As one of the largest towns in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Balangoda covers an area of 16.2 square kilometers (or about 4,000 acres) and has a population of 81,563.
The town’s historical significance is heightened by the discovery of skeletal remains of Hominini from the late Quaternary period, marking the earliest reliably dated record of anatomically modern humans in South Asia. This discovery places Balangoda at the heart of archaeological and anthropological studies in the region.
Total Population
81.563
GN Divisions
41
Balangoda is also renowned as the birthplace of two notable figures: Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero, a highly respected Buddhist monk, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female head of government. Sirimavo Bandaranaike served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka during three terms (1960–65, 1970–77, and 1994–2000), leaving a significant mark on the country’s political landscape.
Geographically, Balangoda is situated in the hilly central region of Sri Lanka, amidst the Sabaragamuwa Mountain Range. This location is pivotal for the main livelihoods in the region, which include farming (with a focus on vegetables, fruits, and spices), rice cultivation primarily for local consumption, tea cultivation as a commercial crop for international markets, and gem mining. The diverse economic activities in Balangoda highlight its importance as a center for agriculture, trade, and industry in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
The town’s unique blend of historical significance, cultural heritage, and economic diversity makes it a key location in Sri Lanka, contributing to its rich tapestry of history, culture, and development.
| 005 | Egoda Waleboda |
| 010 | Welekumbura |
| 015 | Wijinathkumbura |
| 020 | Bulathgama |
| 025 | Thumbagoda |
| 030 | Kirindigala |
| 035 | Yahalewela |
| 040 | Batugammana |
| 045 | Aldora |
| 050 | Watawala |
| 055 | Mulgama |
| 105 | Rajawaka |
| 110 | Bowatta |
| 115 | Wikiliya |
| 120 | Thotupalathenna |
| 125 | Kirimetithenna |
| 130 | Dehigastalawa |
| 135 | Balangoda Town |
| 140 | Balangoda |
| 145 | Jahinkanda |
| 150 | Meddekanda |
| 155 | Ellewatta |
| 160 | Polwathugoda |
| 165 | Durakanda |
| 170 | Rassagala |
| 175 | Ampitiyawatta |
| 180 | Massenna |
| 185 | Pettigala |
| 190 | Pallekanda |
| 195 | Ellepola |
| 200 | Thalangama |
| 205 | Kumara Gama |
| 210 | Damahana |
| 230 | Godakumbura |
| 235 | Imbulamure |
| 240 | Mahawalathenna |
| 245 | Theladiriya |
| 250 | Mawela |
| 255 | Welange |
| 260 | Gawaranhene |
| 265 | Horaketiya |
- Police Station: 045-2287222 / 045-2287422
- Base Hospital: +94 452 287 261
