Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka: How “Nivithigala” got its Name – by Dr. Nimal Sedera

Source:Brisbane 4EB Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – february 2022

Nivithigala is a well-known place in Sri Lanka. A voting electorate is known by this name in Sri Lanka. It is in the district of Ratnapura and a short drive from the Gem City: Ratnapura. It is also famous for its gem pits. Further, Nivithigala is an important centre in the Mid Country tea growing map, a place I have travelled often visiting some
 of my dear friends in the Lions Movement.

May I look at the word “Nimithi” in a few directions. “Nivithi” is the Sinhala word for the vegetable Spinach. But, “Nivithigala” is not named after that vegetable. “Nimithi” is a Sinhala word for features. There are good omens and bad omens in our culture. I quote from “Salalihini Sandesaya” of the Kotte period. “BALA SUBA NIMITHI PERAMAGA LAKUNATHA VEDI”. I sight a few examples of “Nimithi” here to elaborate. A glass filled with milk is brought to the newly married couple as they step down from the poruwa as a good omen. Seeing someone coming in your direction with a water filled pot when you are going on some important mission is considered a good omen. The cow too is considered a good omen. Incidentally, meeting a Buddhist monk is a bad omen.

Sri Lanka in every way had a great influence from India. Buddhism, Hinduism and even the arrival of Vijaya was from India. Astrology too came from India. The name NIMITHIGALA is supposed to be linked to an astrological incident. “Nimithi Baleema” is done even today in Sri Lanka. Even in and around the capital city of Colombo, there are places to get a “Nimithi reading” to get guidance to overcome problems.

For instance, “Nimithi reading” is often done to trace lost items or to trace people who are responsible for robberies. Generally, people go for these readings when they are desperate to trace a source responsible for bad incidents such as thefts, lost or misplaced items, missing animals or people.

So, an expert with this skill had come from India and resided in the area we now call NIVITHIGALA”. He took shelter in a rocky (GAL SAHITHA) hilly place and performed his predictions. His readings became so accurate people came from all parts of the country. Hence there was no name to identify the place to give directions to the people coming to see him directed them to the GALA on the hill.

Over time, people called it NIMITHIGALA which evolved to be called NIVITHIGALA.”

Dr. Nimal Sedera
Dr. Nimal Sedera is a journalist, poet, motivational speaker and an
author of over 70 books.