Akurana
Akurana (Sinhalese: අකූරණ), (Tamil: அக்குறணை) is a suburb of the city of Kandy in the Kandy district of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The town is situated 125 KM (77 Miles) from Colombo and 10 KM (6 Miles) from the City of Kandy. Akurana lies near Katugastota town, along the A9 high way. The Akurana area consists of small villages lie in both sides of the A9 high way. Akurana area came under the local government authority of the Akurana Pradeshiya Sabhawa in late 1980s and it includes the villages of Alawathugoda, Dunuwila, Malgamandeniya and Dippitiya.
Geographically, it is surrounded by hills and rivers. The Balapitiya Oya, a tributary of Pinga Oya river, runs through Akurana.[1] Majority of the population are ethnic Moors. Akurana belongs to the Harispattuwa Electorate. Akurana was represented in Parliament by one of the former Foreign Ministers Hon. Late. Alhaj. Dr. A C S Hameed, for more than 33 years without interruption.
The Moors arrived in Sri Lanka in their travels across the Arabian Sea, primarily for the purpose of trade.
The majority of the people in the town speak Tamil, English and Sinhala. Some can read Arabic (Quranic Texts are in Arabic) and from working in Arabic-speaking countries. Smaller numbers can speak Japanese. There are few speak German as well.
History
According to Sri Lankan history, this city was presented to the Muslim community by a Sinhalese King for bravery and support of Muslim men in war. Also Kandy Perahara was started to welcome the 4 Muslim personalities(name not included) who came from Arabian countries in Boats without Visa and helped the King of Kandy and afterwards it became as a Kandyan culture.
Climate
It has a relatively cool climate because of its location in the central hills. Average day time temperature is 25°C and the night is 19°C. In December the mercury drops to ave. 19°C with heavy mist covers during dawn.
Demographics
Akurana is a Moorish majority town. The Moors are all predominantly Muslim. There are sizable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamil living in peace. The muslim women in this area are very much concerned about their modest, by wearing the head scarf and Niqab not as in other religions and cultures.
Education
There are two national schools in Akurana namely, Azhar College and Akurana Zahira College. Akurana Muslim Balika College is the only two Muslim girls colleges in Akurana. There are many other junior level in Akurana. Akurana is home to many English medium private schools and private vocational institute. 'Netherfield International School' is the first in Sri Lanka to form a private education system away from national curriculam. Akurana is well known for its famous poet and scholar called "Kasawatta Alim Pulawar". His Arabutamil(Tamil language written in arabic alphabets) writing are considered as an excellent literature worked carried out by a Sri Lankan moors.
Economy
Akurana is an economically developed town compared to other towns in Kandy districts. There are many residential construction going inside Akurana town and many high rising buildings are coming up in the town.Many of the high rise buildings were after the 1990s, Following Easy Visas to Japan. Most of Akuranites are well known in Sri Lanka for their traditional business. Akuranites are doing business all over the island and few in foreign countries such Japan, UK, Botswana and South Africa. Most of the oversea businesses are Automobile trading. A handful of Akuranites are involved in manufacturing business. There are lots professional living in Akurana and they are engaged in their professional careers such as Doctors, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Professors, Diplomats and Scientist.
The migrant population is another important factor, contributing to the economical development of Akurana. There are many individuals and families originally from Akurana living all over the world. An especially the high migrant population lives in Europe and GCC. The other major countries are North America, Japan, South Africa and Botswana.
Nowadays Akurana town is becoming a commercial hub in the Kandy district and is well known for its speciality in textiles, ceramic and automobile businesses.
Newspaper
NewsView is the regional newspaper issued Monthly, which gives authentic news to the public.
Banks
There are four conventional banks and two interest-free banks operating in the Akurana town.
Hospital
Zia Hospital is the only government hospital operating in Akurana providing free health care to the public which was opened by the late Pakistani President Hon. Zia Ul Haq in the regime of Late Sri Lankan President Hon. J.R.Jayawardane. There is one private Hospital called Royal Care Hospital in Akurana. There is another Consultation center called Channelling Center, Akurana
Environmental Issues
The waste management of Akurana town has improved comparing to the past and it's because of the efficiency of the waste management board and the support given by the people of Akurana.
Transport
Akurana has both public and private transport. Nearest Railway station is in Katugastota, 4.5 km away.
- Roads
- A9 highway connects Akurana with Kandy & Matale cities.