Gampaha District, located in Sri Lanka's Western Province, boasts a rich history tied to ancient kingdoms, colonial exploitation, and modern urbanization. Its strategic position near Colombo shaped its role in trade, religion, and agriculture across eras.
Pre-Colonial Era
Pre-1505 ADGampaha's history traces to pre-Christian times, linked to the mythical Kingdom of Kelaniya, where folklore claims Vibhishana—Ravana's brother—ruled as king. The area gained profound religious significance around the 3rd century BCE, when Buddha visited Kelaniya on Vesak Poya Day at the invitation of Naga king Maniakkhitha, averting a war over a gem-studded throne and leading to the construction of a stupa; this event elevated Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya as a key Buddhist site, renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa.
Gampaha's history traces to pre-Christian times, linked to the mythical Kingdom of Kelaniya, where folklore claims Vibhishana—Ravana's brother—ruled as king. The area gained profound religious significance around the 3rd century BCE, when Buddha visited Kelaniya on Vesak Poya Day at the invitation of Naga king Maniakkhitha, averting a war over a gem-studded throne and leading to the construction of a stupa; this event elevated Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya as a key Buddhist site, renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa. During the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, cave temples like Maligathenna served as refuges for royalty, hiding the Tooth Relic twice during invasions.
Key Events
- Buddha's third visit to Kelaniya (3rd century BCE)
- Kotte Kingdom founded as fortress against South Indian invasions (1412)
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya became principal shrine of Kotte Kingdom
Historical Figures
Vibhishana
Legendary ruler of Kelaniya Kingdom
Maniakkhitha
Naga king who invited Buddha to Kelaniya
Prince Uttiya
Brother of King Devanampiyatissa, renovated Kelaniya Temple
Parakramabahu VI
Unified the Kotte Kingdom (1412–1551)
Did You Know?
The name 'Gampaha' derives from 'five villages' (Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama, Aluthgama), forming a cultural hub amid dense forests.
Colonial Era
1505–1948Portuguese arrival in 1505 disrupted local powers; they laid the main route to hill country through Gampaha, signed treaties with Kotte's Parakramabahu VIII for Colombo trade posts, and plundered Kelaniya Temple's gold, gems, and bricks to build nearby churches. Dutch ousted them by 1658, using Gampaha as a cinnamon collection center while retaining coastal forts after truces with Kandy's Rajasinha II.
Portuguese arrival in 1505 disrupted local powers; they laid the main route to hill country through Gampaha, signed treaties with Kotte's Parakramabahu VIII for Colombo trade posts, and plundered Kelaniya Temple's gold, gems, and bricks to build nearby churches. Dutch ousted them by 1658, using Gampaha as a cinnamon collection center while retaining coastal forts after truces with Kandy's Rajasinha II. British rule transformed the area: Governor Edward Barnes visited in 1825 inspecting Negombo-Colombo road works, followed by Moragoda Catholic Church in 1828 spurring settlement in former dense forests. The 1866 Henarathgoda railway station facilitated upcountry exports, while in 1876, under Peradeniya's George Thwaites, 1,919 rubber seedlings from Kew Gardens via Amazon smuggler Henry Wickham were planted at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden—the first in South Asia—blooming in 1881 and seeding exports to India, Malaysia, Myanmar.
Key Events
- Portuguese arrival and plundering of Kelaniya Temple (1505)
- Dutch establish cinnamon collection center (1658)
- Henarathgoda railway station opened (1866)
- First rubber seedlings planted in South Asia at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden (1876)
- Rubber trees bloom for the first time (1881)
Historical Figures
Edward Barnes
British Governor, pioneered road construction
George Thwaites
Director of Peradeniya Botanical Garden, introduced rubber
Henry Wickham
Amazon smuggler who sourced rubber seeds from Kew Gardens
Muhandiram A. de Zoysa
First caretaker of Henarathgoda Botanical Garden rubber plantation
Did You Know?
A dedicated railway halt was built solely to serve foreign rubber scientists visiting the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden.
Post-Independence
1948–PresentPost-1948, infrastructure boomed: 1850s Colombo-Kandy road and 1867 rail extensions solidified Gampaha's hub status. Town planning in 1920 created 52 roads, markets, hospitals; 1945 village council became urban council under P.P.
Post-1948, infrastructure boomed: 1850s Colombo-Kandy road and 1867 rail extensions solidified Gampaha's hub status. Town planning in 1920 created 52 roads, markets, hospitals; 1945 village council became urban council under P.P. Jayawardane. Constitutional reforms on September 7, 1978, carved Gampaha from Colombo District (gazette notification), spurring government institutes, free trade zones, and tourism via Kelaniya and airport proximity. Rapid urbanization followed: 2002 upgrade to Municipal Council; economy shifted to paddy, rubber, pineapples, with rural crafts like pottery; highest literacy (98.5%) and institutions like University of Kelaniya, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute (1929 origins).
Key Events
- Gampaha carved from Colombo District as separate district (September 7, 1978)
- Katunayake Export Processing Zone established (1978)
- Biyagama Export Processing Zone established (1985)
- Gampaha upgraded to Municipal Council (2002)
Historical Figures
P.P. Jayawardane
First urban council chairman of Gampaha
Did You Know?
Gampaha District has the highest literacy rate in Sri Lanka at 97.2%, surpassing the national average.
Historical Timeline at a Glance
Key milestones that shaped Gampaha District
Buddha's visit to Kelaniya
On Vesak Poya Day, at the invitation of Naga King Maniakkhitha
Kotte Kingdom Founded
Alakesvara established it as a fortress against South Indian invasions
Portuguese Arrival
Plundered Kelaniya Temple's gold and gems to build churches
Dutch Takeover
Used Gampaha as a cinnamon collection center
First Rubber in South Asia
1,919 seedlings planted at Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
District Created
Carved from Colombo District on September 7th
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Economy & Business