Kalawana

Kalawana is a village in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka, with lush green surroundings. It is situated approximately 12 km away from the City of Gampaha, 17 km from the City of Negombo and also in close proximity to suburban areas of Minuwangoda. Sinhalese is the mother tongue of the villagers but English is understood by many. Paddy and betel cultivation had been the main source of income for many families for decades. However, with the rapid industrialization in Sri Lanka, the younger generation has moved to other options like working in nearby industrial zones or in the capital Colombo as executives or office staff.

Climate

Kalawana belongs to the wet zone of Sri Lanka where ample amount of rain is received throughout the year. The average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius during day time and high humidity is sometimes experienced.

Places of interest

Kalawana has one Buddhist temples where Buddhist monks are living. The villagers offer arms to Buddhist monks as a daily routine. Almost all of the dwellers of this village are Sinhalese Buddhists. Many religious programs are being conducted at these temples on full moon poya days.

GSM / Telephone Coverage

The village is fully covered by the four GSM cellular operators in the country. Prepaid SIMs and reload cards are readily available at entry points to the village. In addition, Sri Lanka Telecom fixed land line service is available throughout the village.

Electricity

The village is now completely covered by the National Electricity Grid. Almost all of the houses are supplied with 230V AC Mains Power. Three Phase Electricity is also available for industries or houses.

Water

The main source of water is ground wells owned by individual families. Ground water is portable after boiling.

Shopping

Day-to-day needs can be met by grocery shops scattered throughout the village. For bulk shopping, one may have to make a weekly visit to markets in nearby suburban areas.

Industries

Small industries such as welding workshops, motorcycle repair shops, wood mills, rice mills and coir processing plants can be found. Paddy and coconut cultivation and related post harvest industries are well established in the village.

Schools

The village has one government school. For secondary school studies many students opt for government schools situated in Minuwangoda, Gampaha or Colombo.

Accommodation

Rented accommodation is rarely available. A visitor to the village either has to share accommodation with a relative / friend or book a hotel in Gampaha, Minuwangoda or in the popular beach resort Negombo which is 17 km away.