Central Province

Central Province is a province located in the central part of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the Sabaragamuwa Province to the west, North Western Province to the northwest, North Central Province to the north, Uva Province to the east, and the Southern Province to the south. The province is home to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Mahanuwara District, which includes the city of Kandy, a major cultural and religious center. The province is also known for its tea plantations, which are a significant contributor to the country's economy of Sri Lanka. The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are a notable feature of the province, with Adam's Peak and Horton Plains National Park being popular tourist destinations.

Geography

The Central Province is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, with a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. The province is home to several major rivers of Sri Lanka, including the Mahaweli River, Kelani River, and Kalu Ganga, which provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Knuckles Mountain Range is a unique feature of the province, with a wide range of flora and fauna and a rich biodiversity. The province is also home to several national parks of Sri Lanka, including Horton Plains National Park and Knuckles National Heritage and Wilderness Area, which are popular tourist destinations. The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are a notable feature of the province, with Adam's Peak and World's End being popular hiking destinations.

History

The Central Province has a rich and diverse history of Sri Lanka, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mesolithic era. The province was an important center of the Kingdom of Kandy, which was a major kingdom of Sri Lanka from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The province was also a key location during the Kandyan Wars, which were a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of Kandy and the British Empire. The Treaty of Kandy was signed in 1815, marking the beginning of British colonial rule in Sri Lanka. The province is also home to several important archaeological sites of Sri Lanka, including the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, which is a major cultural event. The Central Province was also a key location during the Sri Lankan independence movement, with several notable figures, including D.S. Senanayake and S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, playing important roles.

Demographics

The Central Province has a diverse population, with a mix of Sinhalese people, Tamil people, and Moors. The province is home to several major cities, including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale, which are centers of commerce, industry, and culture. The province has a high population density, with a significant proportion of the population living in urban areas. The Central Province is also home to several notable universities of Sri Lanka, including the University of Peradeniya and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, which are major centers of learning and research. The province is also home to several important hospitals of Sri Lanka, including the Teaching Hospital Kandy and the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital.

Economy

The Central Province is a significant contributor to the economy of Sri Lanka, with a diverse range of industries, including tea production, rubber production, and textile manufacturing. The province is home to several major tea plantations, which are a significant source of foreign exchange earnings. The province is also a major center for tourism in Sri Lanka, with several popular destinations, including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Horton Plains National Park. The Central Province is also home to several important hydroelectric power stations of Sri Lanka, including the Mahaweli Power Station and the Kotmale Power Station, which generate a significant proportion of the country's electricity. The province is also a major center for agriculture in Sri Lanka, with several important crops, including rice, coconut, and vegetables.

Administration

The Central Province is administered by the Central Provincial Council, which is responsible for providing various services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The province is divided into three districts of Sri Lanka, including Kandy District, Matale District, and Nuwara Eliya District, each of which has its own district secretariat. The Central Province is also home to several important government institutions of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine and the Ministry of Education. The province is also a major center for local government in Sri Lanka, with several important municipal councils and urban councils.

Culture

The Central Province is a culturally rich and diverse region, with a mix of Sinhalese culture, Tamil culture, and Muslim culture. The province is home to several important cultural festivals of Sri Lanka, including the Kandy Esala Perahera and the Nuwara Eliya Festival. The province is also a major center for Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with several important Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka, including the Temple of the Tooth and the Gangarama Temple. The Central Province is also home to several important museums of Sri Lanka, including the National Museum of Kandy and the Nuwara Eliya Museum, which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. The province is also a major center for traditional crafts of Sri Lanka, including woodcarving, batik, and handloom weaving. Category:Provinces of Sri Lanka