Gampaha town Archives

Gampaha Town, Sri Lanka: Then and Now-by Kalani-eLanka Gampaha, a bustling town nestled in the verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka, has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its humble beginnings as a small village settlement to evolving into a vibrant urban center, the journey of Gampaha reflects the broader narrative of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development. Let’s embark on a journey through time to explore the metamorphosis of Gampaha town, comparing its past with its present. Centuries ago, Gampaha was primarily a rural area characterized by lush greenery, paddy fields, and a close-knit community. The town’s name itself, derived from the Sinhalese words “Gam” meaning village and “Paha” meaning five, signified its origin as a cluster of five villages. Life revolved around agriculture, with rice cultivation forming the backbone of the local economy. Traditional homes, temples, and small-scale markets dotted the landscape, fostering a sense of simplicity and tranquility. ...

Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens – evolution of Sri Lankan economy By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated in close proximity to Gampaha town and Gampaha Railway Station in Gampaha -Minuwangoda Road about 32 kilometers from Colombo, Henarathgoda Botanical Gardens also known as Gampaha Botanical Gardens was opened in 1876. Surrounded by paddy fields, the picturesque water stream (Attangalu Oya) and a secondary forest, the Gardens has a large collection of tropical flower plants, an extensive collection of palms, orchids, endemic trees, properly designed shrubs, bushes and trees as well as a well-landscaped garden layout. Plants from every corner of Sri Lanka can be found in the Gardens. The Gardens is linked to the evolution of Sri Lankan economy as the first imported rubber tree to Sri Lanka was first planted in the Gardens from the first imported seedlings of Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) planted in Asia. According to legends, British Explorer Sir ...