Sabaragamuwa, a province in Sri Lanka that neighbours the Hill Country, is a region which receives plenteous rainfall. The province houses two districts: Ratnapura and Kegalle.
According to folklore, Sabaragamuwa is said to have received its name from its indigenous people, the ‘Sabra’, who were hunter-gatherer tribes. The province renowned for its gem industry, with Ratnapura acting as its epicentre.
But gems aren’t the only thing Sabaragamuwa is known for, as it also plays a major role in the cultivation of rice and fruits, as well as tea and rubber. Furthermore, it is also home to the Sinharaja Rainforest, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Udawalawe National Park, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Deliwala Kota Vehera Temple, Bopath Ella Falls, and Sri Pada.
The Daily News recently discussed with Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa on how far the Sabaragamuwa Province has moved forward under the new government, as well as the extent of its contribution to national development.
Q. Radical changes have arrived in the country with the election of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, especially in the judiciary. What are your thoughts on this?
A. The President has launched rapid development programmes and given the necessary instructions for rendering a better service to the public. He has visited several state institutions in order to assess their efficiency and progress.
It is as if the country has awoken from a deep slumber that lasted almost five years as the new government is steering the country towards a fruitful future. The previous regime cast a shadow on the law and order in the country, but their ill deeds are now exposed.
Q.Do you think the new government is capable of solving the nation’s burning issues?
A. President Rajapaksa’s victory at the recent election was a significant one as he won the hearts of many a youth in the country. He has encouraged them to paint murals across the island, and has also taken measures to protect the environment while highlighting the need for recycling and garbage control.
Q. What are the measures taken for better education and health in Sabaragamuwa?
A. The new government has taken measures to remove ethnic or religious biases from schools as it believes that all children deserve proper education. Furthermore, it sees the necessity for ethno-religious harmony as a building block for national reconciliation and peace. Concerning the health sector, steps are being taken to tackle the scarcity of drugs at hospitals.
Q. And what of turning the younger generation into disciplined citizens?
A. We aim to focus on showing youth the value of our culture. We see ‘Inclusive Nationalism’ as the way to ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging to this country.
Q. How as the Sabaragamuwa Province fared at environmental protection?
A. Garbage control is one of the main subjects we’ve paid attention to, especially in the Ratnapura, Kegalle, Mawanella, and Rambukkana areas.
We aim to make Sabaragamuwa the #1 province when it comes to environmental protection by the year’s end, and we’ve already held discussions with district and divisional secretaries regarding the matter. Moreover, steps will be taken to plant more trees in the province as well.
Q. What are the measures taken to promote tourism in Sabaragamuwa?
A. Sabaragamuwa is home to many waterfalls and forest reserves, and as such, it could be a hub for tourism.
The gem industry is also to be used to promote tourism, with a gem museum and tower set to be erected in the future. A land has already been selected for it.
The Ratnapaura and Kegalle districts, especially, have beautiful waterfalls and historic sites; including the Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya, Wattarama Raja Maha Viharaya, Deliwala Kotawehera, and Dedigama Kota Wehera.
Q. The media has repeatedly reported about environmental pollution at Sri Pada. Have any measures been taken to mitigate this?
A. We have commenced a programme under the guidance of MP Namal Rajapaksa to tackle this issue. We’re providing pilgrims with bags they can carry their belongings in so that when they come back to the mountain’s foot, they can dispose of their garbage properly.
from daily news