Koralai Pattu North is a divisional secretariat located in the northern part of the Batticaloa District in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. This region, rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, is composed of several rural villages, including the historically and spiritually significant village of Verugal.
One of the most notable landmarks in Koralai Pattu North is the Verugal Kandaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. This temple holds deep religious significance for Tamil Hindus and plays a central role in the annual Pada Yatra pilgrimage, where thousands of devotees journey by foot from the Northern Province to the Kataragama temple in the South, stopping at Verugal for prayers and rituals.
The majority of the population in Koralai Pattu North consists of Tamil-speaking communities who maintain strong ties to their cultural traditions, language, and religious practices. Agriculture—particularly paddy cultivation—is the primary livelihood, supported by fishing, animal husbandry, and small-scale trade.
Geographically, the region is bordered by the Verugal Aru (river), coastal areas, and fertile plains, making it suitable for both agriculture and eco-tourism. Although considered a rural area, Koralai Pattu North is seeing gradual progress through educational, religious, and social development programs aimed at empowering the local population.
With its blend of untouched natural landscapes, spiritual heritage, and community-centered life, Koralai Pattu North remains one of the culturally rich yet lesser-known regions of Eastern Sri Lanka, offering valuable insights into the island’s diversity and traditions.
Total Population
16,500 to 17,000
GN Divisions
18
🌊 Why is Koralai Pattu North – Sri Lanka Special?
A Region Rich in Cultural Heritage
Koralai Pattu North, located in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, is known for its vibrant Tamil-speaking communities who proudly preserve their language, traditions, and religious practices. The area reflects a deep cultural tapestry woven through centuries of history.
🌾 Traditional Livelihoods and Natural Resources
With fertile lands and access to coastal waters and rivers like the Verugal Aru, Koralai Pattu North sustains its communities through agriculture—especially paddy farming—fishing, and livestock rearing. These time-honored occupations continue to shape daily life and the local economy.
🕌 Spiritual Significance and Pilgrimage Sites
The region is home to important religious landmarks such as the Verugal Kandaswamy Temple, a key stop on the renowned Pada Yatra pilgrimage route. These sacred sites foster a sense of spiritual connection and communal harmony.
🌿 Scenic Landscapes and Biodiversity
Featuring a blend of coastal stretches, riverbanks, and lush greenery, Koralai Pattu North offers serene natural beauty that supports both the environment and eco-tourism potential.
👨👩👧👦 Close-Knit Communities and Cultural Resilience
Residents maintain strong social bonds and communal values, upholding traditions while embracing gradual development in education and infrastructure.
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Kathiravely |
| 010 | Ammanthanavely |
| 015 | Puchchakerny |
| 020 | Palchenai |
| 025 | Vakarai North |
| 030 | Uriyankaddu |
| 035 | Kaddumurivu |
| 040 | Vakarai Central |
| 045 | Panichchankerni |
| 050 | Mathurankernikulam |
| 055 | Punanai East |
| 060 | Kirmichai |
| 065 | Mankerny Central |
| 070 | Mankerny South |
| 075 | Kayankerny |
| 080 | Vattavan |
| 010 | Oddamavadi 01 North |
| 010 | Bainthuraichenai (North) |