Seeduwa
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Seeduwa
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|---|---|
  Seeduwa Location in Sri Lanka | |
| Coordinates: 7°7′53″N 79°52′35″E / 7.13139°N 79.87639°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Western Province |
| District | Gampaha |
| Division | Katana |
| Government | |
| • Type | Urban Council |
| • Mayor | Dinal Perera |
| Area | |
| • Total | 21.8 km2 (8.4 sq mi) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Total | 61,228 |
| • Density | 2,808.6/km2 (7,274/sq mi) |
| Time zone | +5.30 |
| ZIP code | 11410 |
| Area code | 011 |
Seeduwa (Sinhala: සීදුව [sīduva]; Tamil: சீதுவை [Cītuvai]) is a suburb of Negombo city, in Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is located on the A03 road between Colombo and Negombo.
It is approximately 21 km (13 mi) north of Colombo, and is situated south of Katunayake, north of Ja-Ela, and west of Raddoluwa and Negombo Lagoon. Seeduwa has an area of 21.8 km2 (8.4 sq mi). In 2012, Seeduwa had a population of 61,228, with the majority of people either Roman Catholics, Methodists or Buddhists.
Etymology
There are four theories about the origin of the name "Seeduwa":
Duwa, meaning "island" (දූව [dūva]) is given to the village as it is surrounded by the river Dandugam Oya (Attanugalu Oya), as well as canals and paddy fields, giving Seeduwa an island-like appearance.[1] The four theories concern the beginning portion (See-) of the name Seeduwa.
- The name may derive from Sinha Duwa ( සිංහ දූව siṁha dūva, "island of lions") due to the presence of lions in the village. However, there is no evidence that lions were ever here.[1]
- The name may derive from Sinha Duwa because King Bhuwanaikabahu V gave this area to a chief named Sinha.[2]
- The name may derive from Sivu Dupath ( සිවු දූපත් sivu dūpat, "four islands") because there are four areas in Seeduwa (Athul Owita, Maddegoda, Vena and Maharagodalla) which are separated with small canals and paddy fields, creating the appearance of four islands.[1]
- Finally, that it may derive from Siri Duwa (සිරි දූව siri dūva, "prosperous island") because in the past this was a prosperous area.[1]
History
The first historical evidence of Seeduwa occurs in the era of King Bhuwanaikabahu V, when this area was given to a chief named Sinha. In 1890, a Roman Catholic church building was built in Seeduwa, for a congregation which had previously met in a small tent.
Local Government
The Seeduwa Katunayake Urban Council governs the city. It's Mayor is elected every five years.
River
Seeduwa is surrounded by Dandugam Oya (Attanugalu Oya) on the east and south. A bridge on the river is used in the evenings for fishing.
Economy
Economy
In the 19th century, the economy of Seeduwa was based on coconut and cinnamon production, as well as carpentry. The modern economy is mostly supported by factories in the Katunayake Export Promotional Zone.
Professions
In the past, residents were employed in the coconut industry, and were not employed by government or private institutions.
After the arrival of schools, some residents began to be employed as teachers, evangelists, and other public workers. During the Second World War, many residents were employed at Katunayake Army Camp, while others were joined the military. A distillery at Seeduwa was opened after WWII, which continues to employ locals. When the Export Promotional Zone was created in Katunayake, factories began to employ many residents, lowering unemployment.[1]
Religions
Before the 17th century, most inhabitants of Seeduwa was Buddhists. An old Sanhida is located under the Banyan tree near the ferry.
In the 17th century, Roman Catholic priests came to the village and made many converts. In 1890, a church was built and dedicated to St. Mary, replacing a tent the congregation had met in previously.
In 1814, Methodist ministers arrived and established a church, converted a number of people.
During the early 20th century, relations between Catholics and Methodists were strained. In 1946, Methodist leader Rev. Dencil De Silva, who lead the Methodist council, opened a youth centre to people of any religion, easing some of the religious tension in the region.
United Christian Easter Rally
On 31 March 1991, there was a United Christian Easter Rally, with Roman Catholics, Methodists, People of Assembly of Lanka-Dandugama participated together by holding banners with bible quotes and bands.
Transportation
The A03 (Colombo - Puttlam road), and E03 (Katunayake Colombo Expressway) pass through Seeduwa.
Many bus routes which run north from Colombo run through Seeduwa. The Puttlam Railway Line goes through Seeduwa and there are Seeduwa, Liyanagemulla, EPZ, Katunayake railway stations in Seeduwa Katunayake UC area.
At present, most people do not travel by water, but a sea plane port still exists at Dandugam Oya, Seeduwa.
The Katunayake Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB) is also in the Seeduwa Katunayake UC area.
Education
Historically there was little education in the town, however there are now several schools in the area.
The following is a list of several of the schools in the area.
- Alawathupitiya J.S.P.
- Amandoluwa R.C.P.V.
- Amandoluwa M.V.
- Bandaranayake J.S.V.
- Davisamara M.V.
- Seeduwa Methodist P.V.
- Seeduwa R.C.P.V.
- Sri Jothirathna V.
- St. Mary's P.V.[3]
Sports
Sports are popular in Seeduwa, especially volleyball. There are many players[who?] who originated from this area. Elle is also popular.[clarification needed]
Notable residents
- Henry Caldera - singer, songwriter, musician
Gallery
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Seeduwa Railway Station -
Immaculate Virgin Mary's Church - Seeduwa -
Seeduwa is surrounded from Dandugam Oya
Location of Seeduwa
Places adjacent to Seeduwa | ||||||||||||||||
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References
- ^ a b c d e Eric Herbert Wijerathne, P.D. (2003). Seeduwe Yatagiyawa. Sri Lanka: Dahana Publishers. pp. 9, 15, 27, 28, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, . ISBN 955-98550-0-X.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ Professor, Risiman Amarasinghe (2 December 1990). "Seeduwa Church celebrates Centenary". Messenger. Gnanartha Pradeepaya.
- ^ "School Directory". Department of Education - Sri Lanka.
See also
