Ratnapura District
Ratnapura District
රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம் | |
|---|---|
Map of Sri Lanka with Ratnapura District highlighted | |
| Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Sabaragamuwa Province |
| Largest City | Ratnapura |
| Government | |
| • District Secretary | Malani Lokupothagama |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,275 km2 (1,264 sq mi) |
| Population (2012) | |
• Total | 1,088,007 |
| • Density | 332.2/km2 (860/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka) |
| ISO 3166 code | LK-91 |
Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
This gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroad between southern plains and the hill country to the east. A bustling market city servicing most of the surrounding towns, many of the prominent gem dealers in Sri Lanka operate from this town. There is a route to Sri Pada from Ratnapura direction. Excursions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The surrounding area is a popular trekking destination and a good place for bird watching. The district is home to Kukulugala, the 18th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.