Divisional Secretariat - Yatawatta

History

Evolution of the institution 

Situation

The Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat Division is located in the Matale District of the Central Province in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It lies within the Central Hills and is bounded by Pallepola to the north, Matale to the east, Ukuwela Divisional Secretariat Division to the south, and the Kurunegala District to the west. The southwestern boundary connects with the main road linking Matale, Kurunegala, Galewela, and Dambulla.

The Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat Division is bordered on the east by the small hills of Makulussa, Asgiriya, and Ritigala; on the west by the Knuckles Mountain Range, which rises from the surrounding local hills; on the south by the hills of Ovilikanda and Etipola; and on the north by the southern limits of the Ambokka Hills. It can be described as a scenic and environmentally rich valley.

The average elevation of this area above sea level ranges from approximately 400 to 1,250 meters. The region features a natural formation of hills, including Etipola Hills, Makulussa Hills, Ethagala, Hulangala, and Nawgala. These hills contribute to the area's rich natural environment, enhancing its beauty with vast, dense forests that offer great ecological value to humanity.

Water Distribution System

The Nalanda Oya is the primary source of water for the Yatawatta area. The Polwatta Oya serves as the second major water source. Additionally, a stream flows down from Etipola Hill, along with several other streams originating from the surrounding hills. All these streams flow toward the southwestern part of the area and are considered the main water sources feeding into the Deduru Oya.

Climatic System

The Yatawatta area is situated in the natural central part of the region and falls within the Central Wet Zone. In terms of climate, the area receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 160.8 mm during the Northeast Monsoon period, which occurs from September to January. It is also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon, which begins in June. The average temperature in the area ranges between 28°C and 36°C.

Minerals and Mineral Deposits

The Yatawatta area contains large deposits of light brown and red-brown mixed soil, with lacquer sonic soil types found throughout the region. The area's rock formations are part of the natural drainage system. A significant deposit of mica has also been discovered at the foot of a meteorite site near Etipola, close to Matalapitiya.

Administrative System

After 1815, following the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom, the Matale District was divided into three main administrative divisions—Matale North, South, and East—each overseen by a designated officer. Yatawatta was included under the Matale South Division. In 1955, Matale was recognized as a separate administrative district, although Yatawatta remained under the Matale Divisional Secretariat Division. Later, in 1985, Yatawatta was established as its own Divisional Secretariat Division.

The Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat Division covers an area of 65.7 square kilometers. Its administration is carried out by the Yatawatta Divisional Council. The division includes 144 villages and is organized into 56 Grama Niladhari Divisions. For agricultural purposes, the area is divided into zones such as Yatawatta and Walawela, which function as agricultural development zones. Historically, the region was divided into two administrative paths: Asgiri Udasiya and Asgiri Pallesiya Paththu. Currently, births, marriages, and deaths are registered under the existing administrative system.

Historical Background

The history of the area now known as the Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat Division dates back to the arrival of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. According to old boundary-marked survey plans and records (Kadaim Potha), the village of Deevilla is mentioned as the place where the Aryans who accompanied the sacred Bo tree first settled. At that time, the area was uninhabited, and the Aryans made this village their home.

The leader of the group, Ruwan Vellya, is said to have been appointed as the village head. Initially, the settlement was called “Mul Gramaya,” which later became “Mulgama.” For ease of pronunciation, the name gradually evolved into “Gammulla.” In the beginning, only a small number of people lived there, but over time, the population grew significantly, and the village came to be officially known as Gammulla.

There is also a well-known local legend that King Wikramabahu had his palace at Udagama Balumgala. According to the story, during a time of war, false information was spread that the king had been defeated. Upon hearing this news, the 60 queens in the king’s harem believed it to be true. In despair, all the queens are said to have committed suicide by jumping from Balumgala, the site of the palace. After this tragic event, the nearby waterfall came to be known as Biso Ella, meaning "Queens’ Waterfall."

The Urulawatta Rajamaha Viharaya is a rock temple built during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. There is substantial evidence that the Thalgahagoda Rajamaha Viharaya also originated as a rock temple, and that the sacred Bo tree there was planted by King Dewanampiya Tissa. This history highlights the significant cultural and historical value of the villages of Gammulla, Deevilla, and Kosgolla. During ancient times, there were Ambalamas (resting places) in these areas, with three such resting places located across the three villages.

William Gopallawa served as the Chairman of the Matale Town Council from 1927 to 1931. Srimath William Gopallawa, who was appointed as the first Governor and the first President of Sri Lanka, was also a resident of Dullawe, which is located within the Yatawatta Division. It is well known that he received his early education at Dullawe Maha Vidyalaya.

From its early history, it is well known that the villages in this area have a deep connection to Sri Lankan culture. The preparation of Awu Athu, Muraawuda, Sesath, and Laksha lacquer carvings are examples of traditional crafts that have long existed here. When the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bo tree was brought to Sri Lanka, many Indians settled in the area of Unaweruwa and introduced the art of Sesath, which continues to be practiced by their descendants today.

Currently, Alokagama is famous for its flax industry, a tradition passed down from ancestors. Thalgahagoda village is known for its clay industry, Salagama for its lacquer carving industry, and Dullawe for its blacksmith industry. The villages in the Yatawatta area are also renowned for Kandyan dancing, with several dancers from Thalgahagoda winning presidential awards from the very beginning.

Overall, Yatawatta is highly valued for its rich historical, religious, educational, and cultural heritage.

 Maps

Role performed at DS -