Diyatalawa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diyatalawa is a garrison town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Badulla District of Uva Province. It is at an altitude of 1,499 m (4,921 ft) and has become a popular destination for local holiday makers. It is home to the Sri Lanka Military Academy, officer training center of the Sri Lanka Army; SLAF Diyatalawa, the Sri Lanka Air Force's ground combat training centre; and facilities of the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police.
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[edit] History
It is not exactly known as to when Diyatalawa became a training station for troops, but available records show that it was selected around 1885, when the British Army first established a garrison at Diyatalawa. At that time training was conducted at the Imperial Camp which is presently occupied by the Gemunu Watch troops. The Royal Navy also set up recreational and facilities here. During World War 2 a POW camp was set up to house Italian POWs.
After Sri Lanka gained its independence in 1948, all military facilities were taken over by the Sri Lanka army and navy. Soon afterwards, Sri Lanka Air Force established SLAF Diyatalawa.
[edit] Sporting events
Fox Hill, Diyatalawa is the venue for the annual Fox Hill Motor Cross organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy, one of the premier motor racing events in the country.
[edit] Climate
Due to the high altitude, Diyatalawa has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost.
[edit] Maps
 Sri Lankan Cities |
Sri Lankan cities |
|---|---|
| Colombo (Commercial Capital) | Sri Jayewardenapura (National Capital) | Anuradhapura | Trincomalee | Jaffna | Kandy | Polonnaruwa | Galle | Batticaloa | Boralesgamuwa | Nuwara Eliya | Negombo | Kurunegala | Badulla | Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia | Moratuwa | Matara | Maharagama | Ratnapura |
