Happy TravellerWelcome to Panadura, a beautiful city located in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka. This charming city is situated approximately 27 km (17 mi) south of Colombo and is surrounded on all sides by water; the Indian Ocean, the Bolgoda Lake and river. Panadura is famed as the location of important events in the Buddhist revival movement of Sri Lanka.
One of the most significant events in the history of Panadura was the Panadura Debate, held in 1873. This debate was the climax of the first phase of the Buddhist revivalist movement which began with the establishment of the Society for the Propagation of Buddhism at Kotahena and the establishment of the Lankopakara Press in Galle. The two key persons in the Panadura Debate were Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera and Father David de Silva and the two key institutions were the Rankoth Viharaya and the Methodist Church of Panadura. It was the success of the Panadura Debate that prompted Colonel Henry Steel Olcott to come to Ceylon.
Panadura is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic city. The Sinhalese make the majority in the city, followed by Muslims. Others include Sri Lankan Tamils, small numbers of Indian Tamils, Burgher and Malay. The city is well-connected with the rest of the country through various modes of transportation. The Panadura railway station is located to the east of the town, and is located on the Coastal line. Due to Panadura being situated along Galle Road, it is serviced by many bus routes terminating at Panadura as well as ones heading further south.
Panadura is home to several notable educational institutions, including Royal College Panadura, Agamathi Balika Vidyalaya Panadura, Sri Sumangala College Panadura, Sri Sumangala Balika Maha Vidyalaya, St. Johns College Panadura, Lyceum International School Panadura, Leeds International School Panadura, Walana Mahanama Maha Vidyalaya, Bauddhaloka Maha Vidyalaya Panadura, Good Shepherd Convent Pandura, Panadura Balika Vidyalaya, Panadura Nalluruwa Siri Seevali Maha Vidyalaya, St Anthony’s Boys School, St Anthony’s Girls School, Pinwatta Maha Vidyalaya, Jeelan Central College (National School), Jeramies Dias Kanishta Vidyalaya, Kuruppumulla Sri Prakrama Vidyalaya, Dibbedda Gunawardena Kanishta Vidyalaya, Upadya Kanishta Vidyalaya, Bekkegama Kanishta Vidyalaya, Methodis’t Primary School, Malamulla Maha Vidyalaya, Thotawatta Al Fahriya central Muslim madya maha vidyalaya, Ikra international College, House Of Scholars Ambalanduwa, and Ilma Muslim Vidyalaya.
Panadura is also home to several notable individuals, including Celestina Dias – Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Prof.Gunapala Piyasena Malalasekera – Sri Lankan academic, scholar and diplomat, Dr.Premasiri Khemadasa – Music director, composer, Arthur V. Dias – A planter by profession he is known as Kos Mama, Dr.Nalin de Silva – Theoretical physicist, philosopher and a political analyst, Prof.Ravindra Fernando- Forensic Pathologist, Toxicologist Physician, author and academic, Leslie Goonewardene (MP)- One of the founders of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Wilmot A. Perera – Statesman and Diplomat, Prasanna Vithanage – Film Director, Ravindra Pushpakumara – International Cricketer, Charitha Buddhika – International Cricketer, Chamara Silva – International Cricketer, Don Anurasiri – International Cricketer, Dilruwan Perera – International Cricketer, and Akila Dananjaya – International Cricketer.
Panadura is also home to several healthcare facilities, including Kethumathi, the fourth largest hospital in the country, dedicated for Obstetrics and Gynecology. It is situated at the centre of Panadura, 10 m (33 ft) from the A2 road. This hospital is a comprehensive with neonatal ICU and has a 300 bed capacity. A grade-1 Base hospital situated near the Panadura police station facing A2 road. Apart from this there are wide range of health care facilities run by the Government. There is an Ayurvedic Treatment Centre in Pallimulla, Panadura.
Come and explore the beauty of Panadura, Sri Lanka, and experience the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine that this enchanting destination has to offer!
