Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka GANNORUWA – By Dr. Nimal Sedera
Source:-Dæhæna
One interesting feature in most of the names of places is Sri Lanka is that they are linked to the Kings and Queens that ruled the nation. King was close its subjects. The country had been divided into many parts and there were Kings in these provinces.
Kingdoms have moved to many places within this small Island for very short periods. Dambadeniya and Gampola are such examples. With regards to my note this month, Gannoruwa is a significant place in our history. This place is located between Peradeniya and Kandy, bordering the river Mahaweli. Known for its fertile earth, today, it is a centre for agricultural activities linked to the Department of Agriculture. It is historical for the final battle that prevented the western power Portuguese entering the Kingdom of Kandy was at this point where they were to cross the river to enter Kandy.
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The deadly battle killed many Portuguese and thereafter they never attempted to capture the hill country. Gannaoruwa was a key place to cross the river. “Oruwa” (Boat) was the only method to do this. So the “thotiya” (boatman) was an important person in the society then. The boatmen lived by the river and helped people to cross the river anytime of the day for a small fee. On this day, the one who came to the river was King Buwanekabahu of Gampola on his way to Kandy. Gampola was also a Kingdom of our country. Obviously, he would have come with his entourage. He looked for a boat.
The boatman was a little away and the King called the boatman. The boatman could not hear it. Then the King raised his voice and commanded, ”GAN ORUWA” (GET THE BOAT). The place where the King ordered to get the boat” GAN ORUWA” became the name of the place “GANNORUWA”.
Dr. Nimal Sedera
Dr. Nimal Sedera is a journalist, poet, motivational speaker
and an author of over 70 books.
