KATARAGAMADEVELOPMENTPLAN

2021-
2030

URBANDEVELOPMENTAUTHORI
TY
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Kataragama Development Plan 2021 - 2030

© Urban Development Authority – Sri Lanka 2021

All Right Reserved. This publication is published by the Urban Development Authority.
Duplication, Trade, Distribution, Copying or otherwise without the prior consent of the
Authority, either entirely or partially or transmitted without the prior consent of the Authority,
either entirely or partially or transmitted without written permission, or for the dissemination
or commercialization of such a publication through modern techniques.

Published by
Urban Development Authority – Sri Lanka
6th, 7th & 9th floors, “Sethsiripaya Stage I”, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka

Website – [Link]
Email – info@[Link]
Telephone - +94112873637
Published date – 2021

Kataragama Development Plan 2021 – 2030 mainly consists of three parts as Part I, II and III.
The Part I consists of the background study, preliminary studies, the need of the plan, the
planning framework, the SWOT analysis and the plan. The Part II consists of the Zoning and
Zoning Guidelines pertaining to the planning boundary for the period of 2021 – 2030. The part
III consist of the zoning boundaries with the coordinates and all the annexures.

Kataragama Development Plan 2021 – 2030 has been prepared by the Uva Provincial Planning
Divission.

Supervision

Arct. Harshan De Silva - Chairman – UDA, Plnr. [Link] - Director General - UDA,
Plnr.K.A.D. Plnr. [Link], Additional Director General – UDA, Plnr. [Link],
Deputy Director General (Planning) – UDA, , Plnr. Sugath Premasiri - Director (Uva Provincial
Office), Attorney at Law C. Jayawardena, Consultant (Legal) – UDA, Plnr. Priyani
Nawarathne, Director (Strategic Planning) – UDA,

Planning Team

Plnr. [Link] - Deputy Director (Planning), [Link] – Town Planner (Monaragala

Cluster).

Supportive divisions of the UDA

Strategic Planning Division – UDA (Supervision, monitoring and gazetting)

Environment and Landscape Division – UDA (Preparation of the PORS, DRR, Conservation,
Cultural & Heritage Plans)
GIS Division – UDA (Providing Arc GIS Spatial data layer & technical assistants)
Research and Development Division – UDA (Conduct awareness programs to introduce new
techniques)

Urban Development Authority

i
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Aknowledgement
The Planning Division of the Monaragala District Office of the Urban Development Authority
(UDA) prepared the Kataragama Development Plan for the time period extending from 2021
to 2030. In the process of plan preparation, diverse functional Divisions of the UDA and many
other Government and Non-Government Organizations extended their assistance to make this
endeavor a success. Following are the Agencies, which helped the Planning Team of the
Monaragala District Office of the UDA in completion of this plan successfully.

1. Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabhawa

2. Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division Office
3. National Physical Planning Department
4. The great Ruhunu Kataragama Temple (Devalaya)
5. Kiriwehera Buddhist Temple
6. Shree Abhinawaaraamaya Buddhist Temple
7. National Water Supply and Drainage Board.
8. Ceylon Electricity Board.
9. Kataragama Police Station
10. District Medical Officers’ Office Kataragama

There are many other Government and Non-Government Agencies, which are not listed here
as they are legendary in numbers, assisted the Planning Team, we thank them all for their
invaluable assistance extended in this regard.

Urban Development Authority

ii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Hon. Minister’s forward

The Urban Development Authority was established under the

Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978, for the
systematic planned urban development in the declared urban areas
andcontinue to actively contribute towards it.

Steps have been taken to formulate comprehensive development

plans for each urban development area, based on the efficient and
effective use of physical space so that all areas of Sri Lanka make an equal contribution to the
development process of the country.

The Kataragama town provide services to a large population (Pilgrims and Tourists).
Accordingly,Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Planning Area has the potential to become a town
that continues to provide residential and commercial ervices. This potential is further enhanced
by the natural ecosystem of the surrounding area and the locations of Sacred, historical and
archeological sites of value. These development plans aim to develop the Kataragama town by
utilizing the potential of the area.

For the realization of His Excellency the president’s vision “Vistas of Prosperity” the new Re-
urbanization Programme has been formulated in wide consultation with Professionals,
Specialists, Stakeholders & communities with strategies having an excellent technological
methodology and innovativeapproach.

Accordingly, I commend the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority, the Director
General, the planning teams and all the officers of the Urban Development Authority who
assisted in making this work a success. Further, I also appreciate and believe through the
support and contribution of the relevant Local Government Institutions, Public and Private
Sector Institutions and the general public, Kataragama Development plan would be
successfully implemented.

[Link] Rajapaksa (M. P)

Minister of Urban Development & Housing

Urban Development Authority

iii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Hon. State Minister’s forward

As a pioneer in Sri Lanka in achieving modern sustainable development

goals, the Urban Development Authority has a great responsibility.
Accordingly, it is essential to prepare development plans for the Urban
Development Areas declared by the Hon. Minister in charge of the
subject in terms of the Urban Development Authority Amendment Act
No. 04 of 1982 (Part II, Section 8A (1)).

The development plans thus formulated are primarily aimed at building a productive citizen, a
happy family, a dignified society and a prosperous nation, which are the core aspirations of the
vistas of prosperity. I also believe that these development plans will go a long way in achieving
the objectives of urban development and regulation through a formal reurbanization plan that
will bring economic stability to the urban population.

Therefore, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the planning team and to all those
who have played a very responsible role in preparing this plan and I hope that you will all
contribute to the expectations of the vision of prosperity.

Dr. Nalaka Godahewa (M.P)

State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation,
Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness

Urban Development Authority

iv
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Hon. Chairman’s forward – Urban Development Authority

Throughout the last four decades, Urban Development Authority has

been serving as the apex planning authority in Sri Lanka having the
statutory powers to prepare and enforce urban development plans.

Urban Development Plans cover a number of fields including optimum,

effective and efficient use of land and managing the quality of its
environment. These development plans are prepared for the promotion
and regulation of public well-being in urban areas and the people.

According to the present government’s manifesto, it is compulsory to prepare development

plans for areas which have been declared as urban development areas by the subject minister
as per section 8 A (1) under part II of Urban Development Authority Act No. 04 of 1982
(Amendment).

The Development Plan for Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha area has been prepared for the period
2021 – 2030 considering the physical, economic, social and environmental factors, while
successfully overcoming the challenges in preparing the development plan through tools and
methodologies with which the Urban Development Authority is equipped.

Therefore, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the planning teams who dedicatedly worked for
ensuring successful completion of this plan and to those who contributed in numerous ways.
At the same time I also expect that all parties who contributed for the preparation of this plan
will also effectively contribute in future as well for successful implementation of the plan.

Archt. Harshan De Silva

Chairman
Urban Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

v
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Hon. Chairman’s forward (Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha)

Kataragama is ancient scared city which having large amount

attraction of visitors such as Government leaders, honours persons
and pilgrims. Kataragama is special city due to location of Ruhunu
Maha Kataragama Dewala, ancient kiri wehera, Wedasiti kanda,
Sella Kataragama and Yala National Park. So, large number of
pilgrims are visit to this city and then as a president of kataragama
prasehiya sabha my duty is providing the necessary infrastructure
facilities and other facilities for this pilgrim’s community.

I would like to offer my sincere gratitude Urban Developmet & Housing, Urban Development
Authority for preparation of development plans for kataragama urban area for fulfil my
purpose.

The Development plan preparation is suitable for formal development of country because this
plan has been prepared identifying the problems of the people in the area to improve the welfare
of community of entire country. When prepare the development plan, has provided opportunity
for different group of communities such as officers at government and non-government
institutions, local people and investors.

I wish this development plan will be formalizing the development of the area with improving
the welfare of public. I wish all the parties will be support for make kataragama development
plan success.

Chanka Amil Rangana

Chairman
Pradesheeya Sabha - Kataragama

Urban Development Authority

vi
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Preface
The Kataragama Town is one of the prime Sacred Towns in the Island, situated in a
geographically flat plain land, covering an area of 566.8 Square Km (sqkm) in the Monaragala
District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. This town is culturally characterized by a multi religious
and multi cultural attractions in terms of demography and it harbours most sacred Sthupa
(Kiriwehera), “Ashtaphala” Sacred Bo-Tree, kataragama Hindu Temple, Wadahiti kanda
(Wadahity Mountain) Sithulpowwa Budhist Temple andSella Kataragama Hindu Temple and
so on, which are considered not only as sacred monuments but also as historically significant
places. In commemoration of sacrednes and historical significance of these places, the people
who respect these places religiously hold peagons annually in the Kataragama Town in the
Month of “Esala” which has become an established cultural practice in the town attracting the
attention of the entire Country. Due to these reasons, the Kataragama is visited by many
devotees in thousands daily. The devotees so arriving the Kataragama Town do not forget to
visit and enjoy the natural beauties of the environm, such as Manik River and forest gardens in
the locality. These cultuaral and environmental features contributed in a great way to enhance
the significance of the Kataragama Town.

This Development Plan, that has been prepared for development of the Kataragama
Pradesheeya Sabhaa Area (KPS) during the next 9 year period starting from 2021 to 2030,
envisages guiding the the development process to achieve an advanced economic and physical
development enhancing the sacredness as well as protecting the natural environment making
the Kataragama Town the “Great Worshiped City of the Ruhunupura” which being the main
objective.

This development plan focused its attention on land use pattern of the area, numbersof visitors
and devotees ariving the sacred town, the locality’s economy, health, education, religious and
infrastructure facilities, demography and housing conditions, geography of the area, and storm
water drainage pattern and framed development regulations and formulate strategic projects
with a view of succeeding the vision formed in the plan i.e “Great Worshiped City in
Ruhunupura”.

Urban Development Authority

vii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Urban Development Authority

viii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Gazette Notification
I fldgi ( ^I& fPoh - YS% ,xld m%cd;dka;s%l iudcjd§ ckrcfha w;s úfYI .eiÜ m;%h - 2021'07'13 1A
PART I : SEC. (I) - GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA - 13.07.2021

Y%S ,xld m%cd;dka;%sl iudcjd§ ckrcfha .eiÜ m;%h

w;s úfYI
The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
EXTRAORDINARY
wxl 2236$11 - 2021 cQ,s ui 13 jeks wÕyrejdod - 2021'07'13
No. 2236/11 - TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021

(Published by Authority)

PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL

Government Notifications
APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE KATARAGAMA PRADESHIYA
SABHA AREA

I, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Urban Development and Housing do hereby approve the development plan for the
Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Area, having considered the recommendation made by the Board of Management of the
Urban Development Authority on 24th September, 2020 by virtue of the powers vested in me under Section 8 “F” of the
Urban Development Authority (Amendment) Act, No. 4 of 1982.

MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA (M. P.),

Minister of Urban Development & Housing.

Ministry of Urban Development & Housing,

17th and 18th Floors,
“Suhurupaya”,
Subhuthipura Road,
Battaramulla,
15th April, 2021.

07 - 538/1

1A- G 34626 — 60 (07/2021)

This Gazette Extraordinary can be downloaded from [Link]

Urban Development Authority

ix
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2A I fldgi ( ^I& fPoh - YS% ,xld m%cd;dka;s%l iudcjd§ ckrcfha w;s úfYI .eiÜ m;%h - 2021'07'13
PART I : SEC. (I) - GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA - 13.07.2021

NOTICE OF APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE PRADESHIYA SABHA

LIMIT OF KATARAGAMA

NOTICE is hereby given to the General Public of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka under Section 8(G) of
the Urban Development Authority Law No. 41 of 1978 as amended by the Act, No. 4 of 1982 that I, Mahinda Rajapaksa,
the Minister in charge of the subject of Urban Development & Housing by virtue of the powers vested in me under Section
8(F) of the said Act, have approved the Development Plan for the Pradeshiya Sabha Limit of Kataragama, prepared under
Section 8(A) of the said Act on the 15th day of April, 2021.

MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA (M.P),

Minister of Urban Development & Housing.

Ministry of Urban Development & Housing,

17th and 18th Floors,
“Suhurupaya”,
Subhuthipura Road,
Battaramulla,
12th July, 2021.

07 - 538/2

APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE PRADESHIYA SABHA LIMIT OF

KATARAGAMA

PUBLIC are hereby informed that the Development Plan prepared for the Pradeshiya Sabha Limit of Kataragama under
Section 8(A) of the Urban Development Authority Law No. 41 of 1978 as amended by the Act, No. 4 of 1982, has been
approved on 15th April 2021, by Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Urban Development & Housing by virtue of powers
vested on him under Section 8(F) of the said Act.

ARCHT. HARSHAN DE SILVA,

Chairman,
Urban Development Authority.

12th July, 2021.

07 - 538/3

PRINTED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT PRINTING, SRI LANKA.

Urban Development Authority

x
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Content

PART -I

Chaptor 01 …..……………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..1

Background of the Development Plan ........................................................................... 1

1.1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2. Planning Team ................................................................................................................. 3

1.3. Scope of the Plan ............................................................................................................. 5

1.4. The Planning Process ....................................................................................................... 6

Background Study ………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Scope of the Plan ............................................................................................... 7

Identification of problems and potentials .......................................................... 7

Vision, Goals and Objectives ............................................................................. 8

Detail Analysis ................................................................................................... 8

Preperation Of Strategic Plans ............................................................................... 8

Formulation of Rules and Regulations .............................................................. 8

Presentation of Draft Plan to Local Authority for Public/ Stakeholder

Consultation ....................................................................................................... 9

Submission of Recorded Plan to UDA Planning Committee for Approval....... 9

Publication of the Development Plan after Approval of the UDA Board of

Management ....................................................................................................... 9

Chaptor 02 …..……………………………………………………………………….……………………………… 10

Preliminary Study....................................................................................................... 10

2.1. The Study area ................................................................................................... 10

2.2. Planning & Situational Context ................................................................................... 14

2.2.1. Planning Context.............................................................................................. 14

2.2.2. Situational Analysis ......................................................................................... 18

Urban Development Authority

xi
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2.3. Delineation of the Planning Baundary .......................................................................... 29

Chaptor 03 …..…………..…………………………………….……………………….………………….…..…… 32

Need of the Development Plan ..................................................................................... 32

Chaptor 04 …..…………..…………………………………….……………………….………………….…..…… 36

Planning Framework .................................................................................................... 36

4.1. The Vision...................................................................................................................... 36

4.2. The Vision Statement ..................................................................................................... 36

4.3. Goals .............................................................................................................................. 38

4.4. Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 39

Chaptor 05 …..…………..…………………………………….……………………….………………….…..…… 41

SWOT and Detail Analysis ........................................................................................ 41

Chaptor 06 …..…………..…………………………………….……………………….………………….…..…… 85

The Plan ....................................................................................................................... 85

6.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 85

6.2. Proposed Landuse Plan ................................................................................................88

6.3. Social and Physical Infrastructure Development Strategies.......................................... 93

6.3.1. Proposed Services Provision Plan ..................................................................... 93

6.3.2. Road and Transport Development Plan ............................................................ 97

6.3.3. Proposed Drinking Water Supply Plan .............................................................. 106

6.3.4. Proposed storm water & waste water, Drainage Plan .......................................... 108

6.3.5. Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan ....................................................... 109

6.3.6. Other Utilities Plan ......................................................................................... 114

6.4. Economic Development Strategies ............................................................................. 116

6.4.1. Proposed Economic Development Plan ......................................................... 116

6.5. Environment Sustainable Strategies ............................................................................ 121

6.5.1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 121

Urban Development Authority

xii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.5.2. Environment Conservation ............................................................................ 121

6.5.3. Landscape Management Plan ........................................................................ 124

6.5.4. Public Open Space Plan ................................................................................. 126

6.6. Culture and Heritage Management Strategy ............................................................... 130

6.7. Implementation Strategies ........................................................................................... 136

6.7.1. Strategic Projects ........................................................................................... 136

6.7.2. Insitutional Setup ........................................................................................... 139

6.8. Projects ........................................................................................................................ 147

PART -II

Part II……………………………………………………………………………………. 227

Chaptor 07………………………………………………………………………….......... 228
Development Zones and Zoning Guidelines …………………………………………. 228
7.1. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 228
7.2. Development Zones………………………………………………………………….. 230
[Link] Zoning Plan 2021-2030 ………………………………………… 231
7.3. Zone Factor Calculation …………………………………………………………….. 232
7.3.1. Zone Factor ……………………………………………………………….. 232
[Link].Zone Factor Calculation ………………………………………………… 232
7.3.2. Permissible floor area ratio for zones ……………………………………. 236

[Link]. Form ‘A’ - Permissible floor area ratio for zones …………………… 236
[Link]. Form ‘B’ - Number of Floors for 3m & 4.5m wide Roads ……………… 237
[Link]. Form ‘C’ - Setbacks & open Space ………………………………………237
7.4. Common Zoning Guidelines ………………………………………………………... 238
Chaptor 08…………………………………………………………………………........ 242
Zoning Guidelines .……………………….…………………………………………… 242
8.1. Development Guidelines in the Sacred Area Zone……………………………….… 242
8.1.1. Permissible Uses for Sacred Area …………………………………… 243
8.2. Development Guidelines in Commercial Zone - I………………………………… 244
8.2.1. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone - I …………………………………… 245
8.3. Development Guidelines in Commercial Zone - II …………………………… 246
8.3.1. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone - II ……………………………… 247

Urban Development Authority

xiii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.4. Development Guidelines in Mixed Development Zone …………………………… 249

8.4.1. Permissible Uses for Mixed development Zone ………………………… . 250
8.5. Development Guidelines in Residential Zone …………………………………… 253
8.5.1. Permissible Uses for Residential Zone……………………………………… 254
8.6. Development Guidelines in Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone ………256
8.6.1. Permissible Uses for Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone ………256
8.7. Development Guidelines in Agricultural Promotion Zone………………………… 257
8.7.1. Permissible Uses for Agricultural Promotion Zone ………………………… 258

Chaptor 09 ………………………………………………………………………………. 259

Proposed Road Width, Building Line and Reservations ……………………………… 259
9.1. Proposed Road widths are in Operation ………………………………………………259
9.1.1. Opening of the Proposed Street Line for Developments…………………… 260
9.2. Roads Operating on Building Limits ……………………………………………… 261
9.2.1. Building Limits on roads owned by the Road Development Authority,
Provincial Road Development Authority and the Pradeshiya Sabha …………… 261
9.2.2. Building Limits for other Roads ………………………………………… 262
9.3. Reservations/Buildings Lines for Canals/Streams, Tanks, Rivers and Reservoirs…… 263

PART -III

Part III …………………………………………………………………………………… 264

Annexure 01 - Zonning Boundaries …………………………………………………… 271
Annexure 02 - Zoning matrix …………………………………………………………… 313
Annexure 03 – Computaion of Zone Factor …………………………………………… 317
Annexure 04 - Interpretations …………………………………………………………… 319
Annexure 05 - Other Annexures …………………………………………………………. 322

Urban Development Authority

xiv
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

List of Maps

Map 2.1. Location of Kataragama Divisional Secratariet Division .……………..………...... 12

Map 2.2. Study area …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Map 2.3. Planning Boundary (Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha area)………………………………. 31

Map 5.1. Landuse Pattern of Kataragama - 2017 ……………………………………………………….. 54

Map 6.1. Proposed Landuse Plan - 2021 …………………………………………………………...………… 92

Map 6.2. Proposed Service Plan ……………………………………………………………………………….... 96

Map 6.3. Alternative Road Development …………………………………………………………………... 99

Map 6.4. Proposed Pedestrian Paths and walkways …………………………………………………….. 101

Map 6.5. Road Reserve from Kataragama Bus Stand to Dutugemunu Pilgrimage Hall on
Tissa - Kataragama Main Road…………………………………………………………………….. 103

Map 6.6. Proposed Transportation Development Plan …………………………………………………. 105

Map 6.7. Proposed Water Supply Plan ………………………………………………………………………… 107

Map 6.8. Proposed Waste Management Plan ................................................................. 113

Map 6.9. Sanitary facilities Development Plan …………………………………………………………….. 115

Map [Link] Economic Development Plan ……………………………………………………….. 120

Map 6.11. Proposed Environmental Management Plan ………………………………………………. 123

Map 6.12. Proposed Landscape Management Plan ………………………………………………………. 125

Map 6.13. Proposed Open Spaces Plan………………………………………………………………………….. 129

Map 6.14. Culture and Heritage Management Plan …………………………………………………….. . 135

Urban Development Authority

xv
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

List of Tables

Table 2.1. Population Growth in the Divisional Secretariat area of Kataragama ……….……………… 23

Table 2.2. Population Density in the Divisional Secretariat area of Kataragama ……………………. 24

Table 2.3. Visits of Kataragama by the Pilgrims……………….…………………………………………… 24

Table 2.4. Housing Distribution in the Divisional Secretariat Division of

Kataragama…….……………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Table 2.5. Demand for and Supply of Power in kataragama area…………………………………… 27

Table 2.6. Roads in Kataragama……………………………………………………………………………………. 28

Table 5.1. Workforce in the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division - 2016 ……..…… 53

Table 5.2. Number of applications received by the UDA for long-term lease of lands in

Kataragama……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 56

Table 5.3. Number of accomodation facilities in Kataragama (Registered) …………….…… 60

Table 5.4. Arrival of Pilgrims………………………………………………………………………………….……. 60

Table 5.5. Capacity of accommodation facilities (Estimated) ……………………………………….. 60

Table 5.6. Location of accomadation facilities in Kataragama ……………………………………….. 67

Table 5.7. Demand for Water in Kataragama …………………………………………………………………. 68

Table 5.8. Number of vehicles arriving Kataragama………………………………………………………. 69

Table 5.9. . Number of Vehicle Parks in the Kataragama area and their capacities ………… 69

Table 5.10. Sanitary Facilities in Kataragama ……………………………………………………………….. 73

Table 5.11. The components in the Waters of Manik River ……………………………………………. 80

Table 6.1. Proposed Car Parks in Kataragama …………………………………………………………….. 103

Table 6.2. Demarcation of Reservations ………………………………………………………………………. 122

Table 6.3. Existing public recreational and leisure facilities ………………………………………… 126

Urban Development Authority

xvi
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Table 6.4. Public Recreational and Leisure facility Spatial Plan …………………………………… 128

Table 8.1. Development Guidelines in the Sacred Area Zone ………………….………………………..244

Table 8.2. Permissible Uses for Sacred area Zone ……………………….………………..………………...245

Table 8.3. Development Guidelines in the Commercial Zone -I ………….…………………………… 246

Table 8.4. Permissible Uses for Comercial Zone - I ………………..……………………………………….247

Table 8.5. Development Guidelines in the Commercial Zone -II …………………………………… 248

Table 8.6. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone -II ………………………………………………………249

Table 8.7. Development Guidelines in the Mixed Development Zone ……………………………. 251

Table 8.8. Permissible Uses for Mixed Development Zone ………………….……………………..…..252

Table 8.9. Development Guidelines in Residential Zone …………….………………………………... 255

Table 8.10. . Permissible Uses for Residential Zone …………………….………………………………….256

Table 8.11. Development Guidelines in Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone .. 258

Table 8.12. Permissible Uses for Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone …………….258

Table 8.13. Development Guidelines in Agricultural Promotion Zone ……………………..…… 259

Table 8.14. Permissible Uses for Agricultural Promotion Zone ……………………………………….260

Table 9.1. Roads Operating on Proposed Road Widths ………………………………………………………..…261

Table 9.2. Roads Operating on Building limits ………………………………………………………………………263

Table 9.3. Water reservation for the river, streams ………………………………..…………………………….…265

Table 9.4. Canal Reservation ……………………………………………………………………………………………....265

Urban Development Authority

xvii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

List of Figures

Figure 2.1. National Physical Planning Policy Proposals 2011-2050…………………… 16

Figure 2.2. National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ -2019………… 17

Figure [Link] Sthoopa………………………………………………………….. 20

Figure 2.4. Kataragama Shrine (Dewalaya) - 1819……………………………………… 20

Figure 2.5. Devalaya Entrance - 1953……………………………………………………. 21

Figure 2.6. Intra Loca Linkages of Kataragama Town…………………………………… 22

Figure 3.1. Unauthorized Stals at Kataragama Town…………………………………….. 33

Figure 3.2. Menik River………………………………………………………………….. 34

Figure 5.1. Location of Kataragama main sacred area…………………………………… 42

Figure 5.2. Location of other historical and religious places…………………………….. 43

Figure 5.3. Cultural Events that unique to the Kataragama Area………………………… 44

Figure 5.4. Unauthorized stals at kataragama …………………………………………… 46

Figure 5.5. Location and number of unauthorized constructions during the Non-festive

season-2011…………………………………………………………………. 47

Figure 5.6. Location and number of unauthorized constructions during the Non-festive

season-2017…………………………………………………………………. 48

Figure 5.7. Spread of unauthorized constructions during the Eslala Perahera- 2017…… 49

Figure 5.8. Vehicles parking in the Sacred Area…………………………………………. 50

Figure 5.9. Entrance Square Development Project – Kataragama………………………. 50

Figure 5.10. Kataragama Sacred Area Development Proposals…………………………. 51

Figure 5.11. Sale of flowers and fruits in Kataragama…………………………………… 55

Figure 5.12. Areas and percentage of flowers imported to Kataragama………………..... 57

Figure 5.13. Purpose of visiting Kataragama by the Visitors…………………………….. 59

Urban Development Authority

xviii
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.14. Pilgrims attraction………………………………………………………….. 62

Figure 5.15. Climate and Temperature in Sri Lanka…………………………………….. 63

Figure 5.16. Accessibility of Kataragama………………………………………………… 65

Figure 5.17. Locations of Water Sources of Kataragama………………………………… 66

Figure 5.18. Vehicle Parking……………………………………………………………… 70

Figure 5.19. Open and recreational facilities in Kataragama…………………………… 71

Figure 5.20. Main Access Roads of Kataragama…………………………………………. 72

Figure 5.21. Public Toilet Rooms in Kataragama……………………………………….. 73

Figure 5.22. National Physical Planning Policy proposals………………………………. 75

Figure 5.23. Location of Forests and Water Sources in kataragama……………………... 77

Figure 5.24. Bio-Diversity in Kataragama.......................................................................... 77

Figure 5.25. Distribution of Water Sources in kataragama………………………………. 78

Figure 5.26. Location of Yala Sanctuary…………………………………………………. 79

Figure 5.27. Menik River…………………………………………………………………. 81

Figure 5.28. Solid Waste Management in Kataragama………………………………….. 81

Figure 5.29. Solid waste disposal in Kataragama................................................................ 82

Figure 5.30. Distribution of Development Pressure in Kataragama……………………… 83

Figure 6.1. Concept Plan…………………………………………………………………. 86

Figure 6.2. Cross Section – From Mixed Development Zone to Environment

Conservation Zone via Sacred Area………………………………………… 89

Figure 6.3. Cross Section – From Detagamuwa Wewa to Mixed Development

Zone via Commercial Zones………………………………………………… 90

Figure 6.4. Cross Section – From Wedasiti Kanda to Main Sacred area Zone………….. 90

Figure 6.5. Cross Section – From Environment Conservation Zone to Mixed

Development Zone via Sella Katharagama Sacred Area…………………… 92

Urban Development Authority

xix
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 6.6. Cross Section of Proposed Galahitiya Road ……………………………… 98

Figure 6.7. Present Statuation of the Kataragama Bus Stand, Proposed Conceptual

Diagram and Proposed Lnad……………………………………………… 101

Figure 6.8. Current condition of the road reserve on the Tissa - Kataragama main road… 104

Figure 6.9. Development of road reserve as proposed parking area on Tissa - Kataragama
main road - Cross section……………………………………………………. 104
Figure 6.10. Location of Galapitagalayaya Solid Waste management

Centre in Kataragama……………………………………………………….. 111

Figure 6.11. Waste Collection Center at Sacred area……………………………………. 112

Figure 6.14. Trade Stalls in Kataragama………………………………………………… 132

Figure 6.15. Model of the Proposed Building in the Entrance Square

Project in Kataragama………………………………………………………. 132

Figure 6.16. Identified zone for Facade improvement at Kataragama…………………… 132

Urban Development Authority

xx
KATARAGAMADEVELOPMENTPLAN
2021-
2030

PARTI

URBANDEVELOPMENTAUTHORI
TY
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 01
Background of the Development Plan

1.1. Introduction

Planning for future of cities, based on social, economic, political and environmental trends,
startedduring medieval period of the world history. The development nature of a city is
generally shaped by the relations and interactions between the said forces, the impacts of these
interactions may be either productive or destructive but continued to influence to change the
shape of the development of cities. Change is a natural law, hence cities and towns are not
exceptions, but the changes of cities need to be guided through planning intervention,
understanding the potentials of developments of cities in the light of a vision formed for the
betterment of the people who live in such cities creating more opportunities for them to reap
the benefits of developments.

The guiding institute of urban development in Sri Lanka has been the Urban Development
Authority (UDA), which was established under the Law no 41 of 1978 and as amended
subsequently with more powers being given to undertake more meaningful social and
economic friendly developments in the Country. The main objective of this Law has been to
promote integrated planning in the selected areas of the Country for national economic, social,
physical and environmental development. In order to achieve a sustainable development in the
Country, more powers have been provided for in the Law to undertake integrated development
planning for towns and cities in the Country,those urban centres were selected with a vision of
making a substantial combined contribution to the national economy. Accordingly the
provisions are made for under this Law to prepare Development Plans for the Towns and Cities
selected on a basis of a planned vision and declared them as development areas under the
relevant provisions of this Law. Therefore preparation of development plans for the towns and
cities declared under its provisions as development areas is mandatory.

Accordingly, all the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, some selected number of
Pradesheeya Sabhaa Areas and one Kilo Meter land-ward belt right around the Country along
the beach has been declared under the section 3 of the said Law. The Kataragama Pradesheeya
Sabhaa (KPS) has been one of the selected Pradesheeya Sabhaas declared under this provision
for urban development. The Kataragama was declared as an urban development area in 1986
by a Special Gazette Notification bearing number 423/6. The planned development activities

Urban Development Authority

1
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

of the Kataragama were initiated during the Gam Udawa Program of the Government in the
year of 1987. However, the plans prepared since the Gam udawa Program in 1987, none of
them had followed the full legal procedure provided for in the Law but remained as draft plans
guiding the ongoing developments. In conclusion, it is necessary to be mindful of the fact that
there is no legally acceptable development plan that has been prepared and enforced in the KPS
area.

The Kataragama is a special sacred town, which reflects the true cultural and social nature of
the Country. The Sri Lanka has a plural society, consisting of multiple communities that creates
a unique cultural characteristics. Kataragama represents these true characteristics since the start
of the memorable history of this Country evolving to the present state of the social and physical
form. It is discernible from the fact that this urban development process is still continuing
influencing the sensitive religious, social and cultural characteristics of the town, directly or
indirectly.

Accordingly, undertaking planning of the KPS for developmentprotectingthe religious, cultural

and social values and physical characters of the town, as it has been declared as an urban
development area under the UDA Law, has been recognized by the Planning Team and decided
to prepare a development plan for the future development of the KPS area coveringa physical
area of 5 Grama Niladhari Divisions (GND). As a result of this decision initial steps were taken
in 2017 to prepare strategic Development Plan for implementation over a period of 9 years
starting from 2021 to 2030.

Urban Development Authority

2
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1.2. Planning Team

Many main Government and Non-Governmental Institutions, which provided assitance

towards the Strategic Development Plan Preparation process, by way of providing information,
comenting and submitting proposals for consideration of the planning team, have been
appended below.

Main Stakeholders

1. Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha (KPS)

2. Divisional Secretariat Division Office-Kataragama
Other Stakeholders

1. Ntioanal Physical Planning Department.

2. Basnayaka Nilame's Office – Kataragama Devalaya
3. Kataragama Kiriwehera Budhist Temple .
4. Katharagama Shree Abhinawaramaya Budhist Temple .
5. Wadahitikanda Budhist Temple .
6. National Water Supply and Drainage Board- Kataragama
7. Ceylon Electricity Board - Kataragama
8. Police Station, Kataragama
9. District Medical Officers' Office.- Kataragama
10. Southern Development Authority
11. Road Development Authority - Hambantota
12. Departmenrt of Civil Security- Kataragama
13. District Secrateriat Office – Monaragala
14. Provincial Road Development Authority
15. Central Environment Authority - Monaragala
16. Department of Irrigation- wellawaya
17. Department of Archeology
18. Agrarian Services Office - Kataragama
19. Gramasewa Niladhari Officers .
20. Trade Associations of Kataragama
21. The Principal, Kataragama National School .
22. The Principal, Detagamuwa Junior School

Urban Development Authority

3
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Other Functional Divisions of the UDA which contributed towards the success of the
Kataragam Development Plan 2021 -2030 preparation.

• Strategic Planning Division

• Environment and Landscape Division
• GIS Division – UDA
• Research and Development Division

Urban Development Authority

4
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1.3. Scope of the Development Plan

The assignment of preparation of this development plan envisaged finalizing the planning
process within a period of one year, accordingly the planning process was initiated on
01/04/2017. The Planning Area, which resembles the Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha Area as
well as the Katharagama Divisional Secretariat Divisional area, has been decided with an extent
of 566.8 sqkm.

The development process of Kataragama has been evolved to the present state of development
due to the locationand influence of mostly acclaimed religious centres, which are multi
religious and multi-cultural in nature and significant in historical and archeological terms,
namely, Kiriwehera Buddhist Temple, Ashtaphala Boo Tree Buddhist temple, Kataragama
Temple (Dewalaya) Wadahiti Kanda Budhist Temple, Sella Kataragama Ghana Hindu Temple
and so on. The Asala Pageant, which has been held annually, represents the multi-cultural and
multi-religious nature of the Sri Lankan plural society. This multi-cultural character of the
Kataragama Tow has been able to establish sustain strong linkages with every part of the
Country as well as with the overseas locations.

The National Physical Planning Department, with the aim of protecting and conservation of
sacred religious places in the Kataragama Town, an area confined to the main religious places
have been declared as a sacred area, and a conservation plan for that area was implemented.
Subsequently, in view of the Gamudawa Program, the Government implemented a
development program for the Kataragama Town in 1987. The historical records revealed that
there had been several attempts to prepare development plans for this town, but none of them
had succeeded in following the full legal procedure of development plan preparation as
specified under the Law.

As such, this assignment of preparing a development plan for the Kataragama planning area
was undertaken with a view of protecting and conservation of religious and archeologically
significant values, complying with the recommendations of the national plans and their
objectives, undertaking in-depth analysis of physical, social, economic and environmental
sectors and falling in line with their trends. This plan includes a set of urban development
projects, formulated for the town’s development together with planning and development
regulations for enforcement within the planning area.

Urban Development Authority

5
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1.4. The Planning Process

Background Study

Identification of Scope

Identification of Problems and Potentials

Formulation of Vision, Goals, and Objectives

Detail Analysis

Setting out Strategic Plans

Drafting of Rules and Regulations

Submission of the Draft Development Plan to the Local

Authority for Public Comments

Submission of the Draft Development Plan to the

Planning Committee of the UDA.

Approval of the Draft Development Plan by Board of

Management of the UDA and Publication

Urban Development Authority

6
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Background Study
For preparation of this Kataragama development plan, an in-depth analysis was undertaken on
the physical, economic, and social and environment aspects of the planning area with the
information gathered during this course of this study. Gathering of information, preparation of
maps and collection of data on the geography of the planning area were undertaken during the
course of primary survey. The relevant information was gathered from the National Physical
Planning Department, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board,
Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division, Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha, Health
Department, Education Department and so on and then analyzed the information following
scientific methods.

Identification of Scope of the Plan

In setting out the scope of the development plan, the facts relating to the findings of the studies
undertaken to assess the significance of the Kataragama Town in the hierarchy of urban
settlements in the Country, in terms of its location, the significance attached to it by the
national level planning agencies and its influence on the development of the locality and the
proposals made by diverse plans implemented by the Government Agencies over the
Kataragama Planning Area for its future developments. Accordingly the scope of the plan was
set out following the examination of ongoing and planned development projects and the
recommendations of national significance that exert impact on the future development of the
town .

Identification of Problems and Potentials

The Planning Team identified problems of the study area during the course of the background
study, but further issues and potentials were identified with the help of the stake holders who
attended the meeting held on 17/11/2017 regarding the development of the Kataragama Town.
These issues and development potentials identified with the help of the stake holders are
relating to many sectors which had been a great help in the planning process to the planning
team to comprehend the development trends and the gaps in the locality in the process of plan
preparation.

Urban Development Authority

7
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Formulation of Vision, Goals and Objectives

With the attention being paid towards harnessing the potentials of the locality, the issuesof the
area to be resolved pertaining to the town development and how to succeed a balanced
development among the physical, economic, social and environmental sectors, a long-term
vision was formed. The planning team has been mindful of the role of the Goals and the
Objectives of the development plan that has to play in the course of approaching the vision of
the [Link], the Goals and Objectives that act as the means for achieving the
expected development were set out

Detail Analysis
Having succeeded the formation of the vision, Goals and the Objectives to achieve the expected
future development of the Kataragama Town, the method of achieving such an expected
development wasanalyzed in detail following the standard scientific methods, such as SWOT
Analysis, Potential analysis, environment sensitivity analysis and development pressure
analysis.

Preparation of Strategic Plans.

Under this stage of the planning process, in order to reach the vision of the development plan
through achieving the objectives, strategies were identified covering the physical, economic,
social and environmental aspects of the proposed development, which includes, proposed land
use plan, proposed zoning plan, proposed economic development plan, proposed environment
conservation plan and cultural and heritage management plan. Additionally guide plans were
prepared for the special use zones identified under the proposed zoning plan.

Drafting Rules and Regulation

The enforcement of the development plan in the Planning Area needs a set of Rules and
Regulations in order to guide the development to reach the vision formed under this
development plan. These Rules and Regulations will enforce standards for development of
lands and buildings within the planning area. This set of rules and regulations enforceable has
been drafted and included in the development plan

Urban Development Authority

8
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Submission of the Draft Development Plan to the Local Authority for public
participation purposes.
Under the legal procedure provided for under the UDA Law, placing the draft plan for public
inspection and to receive their comments for improvement of the plan to meet the aspirations
of the public. Accordingly, the draft development plan will be submitted to the Local Authority
for inspection by the public.

Submission of the Draft Development Plan to the Planning Committee for

recommendation of approval
The Planning Committee established under the provisions of the UDA Law is expected to go
through the document of the draft Development Plan and make recommendation either to
approve it or amend it as it proposes. Falling in line with this provision, the draft development
plan that will be prepared for the Kataragama Town will be submitted to the Planning
Committee of the UDA for its recommendation

Publication of the Development Plan

According to the legal provisions of the UDA Law, a draft development plan will be finally
approved by the Minister in charge of the subject of urban development, there after it will be
published under a Special Gazette Notification. The Katraragama Development Plan too has to
go through this procedure as it is mandatory under the relevant Law. Prior to the approval of
the Minister, this draft Development Plan has to be recommended by the Planning Committee
as well as by the Board of management of the UDA for approval of the Minidter.

Urban Development Authority

9
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 02

Preliminary Study

2.1. The Study Area

The Kataragama Town, which is also known as Kajaragama and Kadirgama, is the prime sacred
town of the most sacred townswith the highest multi religious attractions,in terms of Buddhist,
Hindu, Islam and Christian religions equally. The “Ashtaphala Boo Tree” fetched from the land
treaded by the Lord Buddha, Kiriwehera, the Kataragama Temple (Devalaya), which is thought
to be offered to the Skandha God alias Katharagama God, Wadahitikanda Sacred Area, as well
as an Islam Mosque are located in the Kataragama Sacred Area. Further Sella Kataragama
Ghana Hindu Temple, Galge, Walliguhawa etc. whith archeological and religiuos significance,
as well as Yala Sanctuary and Manik River are located in this area adding beauty to the
environmental character of the Kataragama Planning Area.

Location

The Kataragama Divisional Secrateriat Divisional Area is bounded by the Siyambalanduwa

and Buttala Divisional Secrateriat Divisions of the Monaragala Administrative District of Uva
Province on the North, by the Hambanthota District on the South and the East and by the
Thanamalwila Divisional Scrateriat Division on the West and includes five Gramasewa
Nildharee Divisions, namely, Kataragama, Sella Kataragama, Karawile, Detagamuwa and
Kandsurindugama.

The Kataragama Town is located in a flat plain land, covering an area of 566.8 sqkm at a
distance of 280 Km from the City of Colombo, the Commercial Capital of Sri lanka. (Vide
Map no 2.1) Kataragama Town has a unique location as it is being bordered by administrative
boundaries of a District and a Province, as such this town has been influanced by the socio-
economic and demographic factors of both administrative units. Further the Kataragama
Divisional Secrateriat Division has 5 Grama Niladhari Divisions. Because of these locational
characteristics, the planners had to pay a special attention not only to the Kataragama
Divisional Secrateriat Divisional area but also to the Hambanthota and Monaragala Districts’
influancing socio-economic factors as all these factors could influance the development of the
Kataragama town. As such 6 GS Divisions located right around the Kataragama Divisional
Secrateriat Divison and falling within the perview of the Monaragala and Hambanthota
Districts’ administration, namely, Wellawaya, Thanamalwila, Buttala, Thissamaharama,

Urban Development Authority

10
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Lunugamwehera and Siyambalanduwa have been considered as the planning area of the
Kataragama Town, which covers an area of 4669 sqkm. (Vide 2.2)

Urban Development Authority

11
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Map 2.1. Location of Kataragama Divisional Secratariet Division

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
12
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Map 2.2. Study area

Legend
Study area

Boundary - Study area Map No :

nd
Prepared Date : 22 October 2018

Source : Monaragala District Office District Office

(UDA) Monaragala
Urban Development Authority Prepared By : [Link]

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
13
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2.2. Planning & Situational Context

2.2.1. Planning Context

1969 - Sacred Area Development Plan and the Kataragama Town Development Plan.

The then Department of Town and Country Planning, the fore-runner of the National Physical
Planning Department, relocated the old Kataragama Townon 6th of October 1961, which had
been located closer to the sacred places, away from such places on a basis of a plan and declared
the sacred area as a conservation area under the special Gazette notification bearing number
12/688 with following objectives in mind.

• Protection and conservation of culture, heritage and sacred places.

• Create an environment to carryout religious and cultural activities free of any
disturbances.
• Management of development density and protection of sanctity of sacred places and
the surroundings
• Develop and Provide infrastructure facilities

1987 - Gam Udawa Town Development Plan.

The Kataragama PS area was declared under the Section 3 of the UDA Act in 1986 as a Urban
Development Area by the Government Gazette bearing number 423/6 on 14th of October 1986.
This declaration of the Kataragama Town empowered the UDA to implement an urban
development program in that area according to a draft plan which had not followed through the
legal procedure laid down in the UDA Act. Subsequently, there had been several planning
attempts to finalize development plans for this area, but none of them had succeeded as a legally
acceptable development plan. However, the evidence revealed that the development
implemented in the Kataragama Town up to date had followed a draft plan, which was based
on a long-term development concept with the concurrence of the UDA Planning
[Link] there is no legally acceptable development plan in force in the
Kataragama Planning area.

Physical Planning Policy on Uva Province 2011-2030

According to the Uva provincial Development Plan, the Kataragama area has been zoned as
“Protected Area Network Zone” in view of the potential of the areas that surround the
Kataragama planning area for tourism development. The surrounding areas are rich of natural

Urban Development Authority

14
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

environment, such as Yala sanctuarywhen it is combined with historically and culturally

significant locations area may become more attractive for nature based tourism, as such that
area too has been included in this zone with an objective of promoting the tourism industry. .

The Uva Provincial Development Plan proposed a development corridor from Hambanthota to
Batticalo via existing towns of Siyambalanduwa, Moneragala, Buttala, Wellawaya and
Thanamawila, which will be developed as the main centres of interactions. The Provincial
Authorities have selected these towns for development as the provincial development plan
provided for. The Kataragama Town has a close location to these towns and as such it can
enhance the development potential of thetown. This provincial development plan contains
proposals for promotion of nature based tourism, agricultural development and construction of
another new entrance to the Yala Sanctuary, which can contribute towards the development of
tourism industry.

National Physical Planning Policy (2017-2050)

The Department of National Physical Planning published a set of Guidelines on preparation of

physical development plans by a Government Gazette Notification bearing number 1729/15 on
27th of October 2011 under the National Physical Planning Policy (2011-2030). This National
Physical Planning Policy was revised in 2017, with effect from 2017 to 2050. According to this
revised National Physical Planning Policy, the priority that can be accorded to the Kataragama
Town including its principal development opportunities and proposals can be identified.

According to this national physical planning policy, the spread of locations in the Country,
where major settlements are concentrated and the proposed town developments proposed are
presented. The kataragama Town, according to this national policy, is located within the
influencing area of proposed Hambanthota and Wellawaya major settlement concentrations.
Further, the proposed transport network presented under this policy could exert a direct positive
impact on the development of the Kataragama Town. This influence is expected to originate
from the proposed extension of the Southern Highway up to the Mattala, terminating at a point
closer to the Katragama Town. The proposed Railway track, which has been planned to run
from Matara to Baticalo bordering the Kataragama area is another proposal that can act as a
catalyst on the development of Kataragama. This Railway line has been proposed to run via
Hambanthota, Wellawaya, Monaragala and Ampara. Other road development projects, which
are in the pipelines too can influence the future development of the Kataragama town.

Urban Development Authority

15
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 2.1. National Physical Planning Policy Proposals 2017-2050

Source: National Physical Planning Department, National Physical Planning Policy Proposals
2017-2050

Urban Development Authority

16
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

National Policy Framework Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour

His Excellency the President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”
Policy Statement has put forward a number of development proposals and action plans at the
national level through the Ten Step Policy and the development proposals put forward by those
policy manifestos have identified many high development opportunities for the Kataragama
area.

The new approach to the physical space of this policy statement seeks to enable manufacturers
to connect with the market, to promote tourism, and to create interconnected physical areas that
are unchanging from rural to urban areas, in order to make the country's economy more
efficient for a prosperous country. for that It is proposing new economic corridors through
urban restructuring to reduce inequality and inequality in the process, and expected to add new
value to cities. It is proposed to develop Hambantota as one of the four Multi dimentional
commercial cities and Buththala city as a connected city. Due to the proximity of Kataragama
town to the Hambantota and Buttala cities, the direct impact of those developments to
Kataragama town can be identified as a major potential for the development of the Kataragama
area.

Figure 2.2. National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ -2019

Source: ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ Manifesto -2019

Urban Development Authority

17
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2.2.2. Situational Analysis

Geographical terrain and Climatic Conditions

Kataragam falls within the dry zone of the low country with an annual average temperature
ranging from 260C to 280C. The average annual rainfall has been ranging from 1000 mm to
1500mm. The terrain is featured by gentle ripples formed together with isolated hills at sporadic
locations. The main water source is Manik River which runs across the area of Kataragama.
(Annexure - 5.1)

Historical Evolution

The evolution of the history of the Kataragama sacred City dates back to many centuries
according to the historical records. The primary evidences are found from the historical
information recorded during the era when the Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time
in sixth century BC. According to this historical information the Lord Buddha visited Sri Lank
along with 500 Arahaths to the Kataragama City and stayed at the location where the
Kiriwehera Dagaba (Sthoopa) is located according to the Dathuwansaya historical record.
(Page no 8 and 9 of Dathuwansaya). This historical source further confirmed that the residents
of the Kataragama City had been the devotees of the God of Kataragama even at the time when
the Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time.

In addition to the information in the “Dathuwansaya” historical source, main documentary

evidences of the existence of Kataragama are found in the description of the plantation of the
Sri Maha Bodhi in the “Mahawansaya”. This description evolved around the plantation of the
Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, which was attended by, among other visitors,
“Kshathriyayas” from Kataragama in Rohana Settlement who were offered a sproutat this
ceremony of Sri maha Bodhi plantation which was subsequently planted at kataragama at a
place which is currently known as “Ashtaphala Bodhiya” (Mahawansaya,Chapter19 Paragraph
54 and 55).

According to popular stories prevailing among the Sri Lankans, the King Dutugamunu prayed
for the help of the God Kataragama to fight a war against the King Elara and won the war. This
popular story centered on a vouch he made to the God kataragama seeking his help in the war
and he fulfilled the vouch subsequently after winning the said war by establishing the
Kataragama Temple (Devalaya) at the current location (Kataragama Puda Sirith, Rev.
Aluthwewa Soratha Thera).

Urban Development Authority

18
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The “Choolawansaya”, which is another historical source, includes a number of references

confirming that the Kataragama had been the centre of the Ruhunu administrative area until 13
Century, when the SInghala Kingdom shifted towards the South-Eastern part of the Country
due to the influence of the foreign invasions, thereafter, the glamorous position of the
Kataragama City declined. After the decline of the Kataragama City the historical records had
beensilent on kataragamauntil the Western Countries established their rule in the Country
during the 13th Century During the rule of the Britishes (Lanka Ithihasaya Praweshaya page
no 163-166 ).

During the British rule from 1796-1948, British ruler had taken steps to develop the
infrastructure facilities of Kataragama, such as Health facilities, establishment of a police
station, road development and so on, which laid the first foundation for the development of the
Kataragama Town (Scripture on Pilgrimage-1873 (Wandanagaman Pilibanda Liyawilla)).

This town has been undergoing a rapid development after the Country became independent
from the British rule. Accordingly in 1969, the Kataragama town was declared as a Sacred City
and initiated many development projects within the planning framework by the then Town and
Country Planning. The management of this town was assigned to the Development Council in
1981 which was established by the Government. This Development Council managed the
Town until the town management was assigned to the Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha which
was established by the Government in 1987 as a result of Local Government Administration
reform. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) declared the kataragama Pradesheeya
Sabhaa Area as an Urban Development Area under the UDA Law by a Special Gazette bearing
number 423/6 in 1986 for development purposes. Thereafter many urban development projects
were undertaken in the Kataragama Planning Area under the Gam Udawa Program of the
Government, which inspired a formidable physical development in the Kataragama Town
which is still in progress

Urban Development Authority

19
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 2.3. Kiriwehera Sthoopa

Source ( [Link] website ( Kataragama Devalaya & Kiri Vehera [[Link]

[2017.03.02]

Photo taken in 1950, before the restoration of the Kataragama Kirivehera

Figure 2.4. Kataragama Shrine (Dewalaya) - 1819

Photograph taken by Governor Robert Brownrigg during his visit to Kataragama after the 1818 Uva
Wellassa Rebellion was over.

Urban Development Authority

20
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 2.5. Devalaya Entrance - 1953

Main gateway (Wahalkada) of Kataragama Devalaya

Source ( [Link] the Kataragama-Skanda website ( Kataragama Shrine: Its History and Epigraphy
by prof. Senarath Paranavithana [[Link]
[2017.03.02]

Urban Development Authority

21
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Intra Local Linkages

Kataragama Town sustains its linkages through Weerawila-Kataragama road bearing no. B464
and Kataragama-Buttala road bearing no. B035 except for the towns which are sepersted from
the Yala Sanctuary which obstructs the interactions with the towns in the UVA Province in
particular. However the road no B464 facilitates the linkages with these townsin the Uva
Province as well as with other towns spread in all the other directions via Southern areas of the
region.

Figure 2.6. Intra Local Linkages of Kataragama Town

Source: Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

22
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Demography

Demographic information gathered is based on the Population Concusses carried out by the
Department of Census and Statistics. The Census enumerated in 2012 recorded a population of
18,220 in the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division, which has increased to 23,471 in the
year of 2019 (Table 2.1). At the same time this Census has reported a population growth rate
of 1.31% in the same Divisional Secretariat area during the period between the two Censuses
enumerated. (Annexure - 5.2 and 5.3)

Table 2.1. Population Growth in the Divisional Secretariat area of Kataragama

Table 2.1. Population Growth in the Divisional Secretariat area of Kataragama 2019
GN Division 2001 2012
(Forecasted)

Sella Kataragama 1,736 1,924 2,627

Kataragama 2,882 3,364 4,311
Detagamuwa 4,991 4,777 5,047
Kandasurindugama 3,608 4,031 5,812
Karawile 3,155 4,124 5,674
Total 16,372 18,220 23,471

Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2001- 2012 Data and Resource Profile -2016,Kataragama
Divissional Secretariate Office-2020

The information in the Table 2.1 demonstrates that the population in the GS Division of Sella
Kataragama had been the minimum in the year of 2019, while a comparatively high population
concentration was indicated in the Karawile GS Division in the same year. However, the
population growth in the Kataragama GS Division did not show a significant increase, which
can imply that the people do not want to reside in the Kataragama GS Divisional area due to
some [Link] notable feature of the spatial population distribution is that the
population density in the Kataragama area is considerably low, which has been 41 persons per
sqkm, hence Kataragama can be categorized as one of the towns with low population density.
(Annexure -5. 3 and 5. 4)

Urban Development Authority

23
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Table 2.2. Population Density in the Divisional Secretariat area of Kataragama

Year 2001 2012 2019

Population 16,372 18,220 23,471

Population Density
27 31 41
(Persons/sqkm)

Source: Department of Census and Statistics, 2001- 2012 Data

Resource Profile -2019,Kataragama Divissional Secretariate Office

The composition of the population in Kataragama, in terms of ethnicity, during the year of
2019 was characterized by 95% Singhala, 3% Tamils, 1% Islamic and another 1% composed
by other ethnicity groups

Migratory Population/ Visits by Pilgrims

Although the resident population in the Kataragama area recorded a low population
comparatively, the visitors arriving the town on pilgrimage is considerably high, which
influence the sectors of commercial, economic and physical fabric of the kataragama Town.
This influx of pilgrims and visitors in the town is spread almost evenly during the year;
nevertheless, a time-bound pattern of pilgrims’ visits can be recognized when the information
is studied carefully as indicated in the table below.

Table 2.3. Visits of Kataragama by the Pilgrims

Time Duration Visit of Kataragama by Pilgrims

Week Days 2 500 - 4 000
Week-Ends 10 000 - 15 000
Longer Week-Ends 30 000 - 45 000
During the Esala Perahera Season 500 000 >

Source: Office of the Kataragama Basnayaka Nilame - Ruhunumaha Kataragama Dewalaya, 2017

Urban Development Authority

24
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Housing Distribution

The housing distribution pattern in the Divisional Secretariat area of the Kataragama Division
demonstrates a resemblance to the Population Distribution in the same Division. The housing
distribution in the Sella kataragama GS Division demonstrates a comparatively low housing
distribution, while Kandasurindugama and Karawile GS Divisions show a comparatively
higher rate of distribution. The study of the housing distribution during the time period from
2001 to 2012, indicates a declining trend (Table 2.4), but there is no such a decline in the
housing stock in the kataragama GS Division during the same period of time. This notable
feature of the housing distribution could be attributed to the fact that the change of use of
residential buildings to non-residential activities in areas of declining housing stock indicates
a decline in the housing stock without reflecting a similar change in the building stock in the
same areas. The housing stock in Kataragama is made up of houses being categorized as 75%
of permanent houses, 18% semi-permanent houses and 7% of uncategorized houses. (Annexure
5.6 )

Table 2.4. Housing Distribution in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Kataragama

GS Division 2001 2012 2019

Sella Kataragama 540 495 669
Kataragama 801 870 977
Detagamuwa 1,643 1,213 1,184
Kandasurindugama 1,154 1,074 858
Karawile 1,113 1,075 1,033
Total 5,251 4,727 4,721

Source: Resource Profile -2019,Kataragama Divissional Secretariate Office

Land use Pattern

The planning area (Divisional Secreteriat Division of Kataragama) has an area of 58,684
Hectares, of which more than 80% is made up of forests officially designated as sanctuaries
while the balance 20% shared between the other diversed activities of the area (Anneure5. 7,
5.8).

Urban Development Authority

25
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Land Use-Storm Water Drainage

The main water source of the planning area is the Manik River (Ganga) which snakes through
most part of the area. The area is also rich of a chain of rain-fed tanks which facilitates a better
storm water drainage systemt. ( Annexure - 5.9)

Economic Base

Historically Kataragama economy had been primarily an agricultural one, but along with the
implementation of the Sacrted Area Development Plan since 1970, the Kataragama bagan to
emerge as a facilitator of pilgrims,transforming the agricultural economy in to a service
providing economy relegating the agricultural economic activities in to a secondary position.

Education Facilities

The Divisional Secretariat Division of Kataragama has 05 Government schools with a student
population of 3,790 students as of 2016. Out of five schools, the Kataragama National School
and the Sella kataragama VIdyalaya (school) are the principal schools, while the other three
schools, namely, Detagamuwa Junior School, the Gothamigama School and the Sasheendra
Rajapaksha Junior School are secondary schools functioning in the area. Beside these schools,
there are higher education facilities located within the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Area,
such as Youth Centre,E-Nanasala and Sarvodaya,functioning in the area with a purpose of
promoting the higher education in the locality. However, one cannot be satisfied with the
performance of the education sector as the school dropout trend in this area is considerably
high. (Annexure - 5.10 )

Health Facilities

The kataragama Government Hospital is the principal medical facility functioning in the
Planning Area. The MOH Office, which is also located in the area, is conducting community
health and clinic services. This sector is also supported by many health facility centres, such as
Ayurweda Centre, Dispensaries, and Pharmacies. The patients needing advanced treatments
are referred to the Government Hospitals located at Debarawewa and Hambanthota. However,
it has been observed that the facilities already available in the Kataragama area is not adequate
enough to meet the needs of the pilgrims who arrive in Kataragama on pilgrimage, most of
them stay there more than a day. (Annexure -5.11)

Urban Development Authority

26
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Water Supply

The main source of water in Kataragama is the Manik River, which runs through the area while
the people in the areas pipe-borne water is not provided, used to depend on shallow wells and
tube-wells drawing the ground water. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board supplies
the drinking water to the people in kataragama, with the help of pipe-borne distribution
network, its daily water supply capacity, which is supported by four storing over-head tanks,
is appended bellow.

• During the Dry spell - 6500 m3

• During the rainy Period - 4500 m3
(Annexure - 5.12)

Electricity Power Supply

The power distribution network in Kataragama covers 99% of the planningarea. The current
trend of demand for power supply is featured by an increasing demand for three phase power
supply and for bulk supply.

Table 2.5. Demand for and Supply of electricity Power in kataragama area

Year Demand for Power Power Supply

2004 1396 1019
2005 1938 1142
2006 2026 2646
2012 - 2017 5384 4855

Source: Ceylon Electricity Board - Kataragama, 2017

Urban Development Authority

27
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Roads and Transport

The main road network, that serves the planning area, is consisting of two categories of roads,
first is the “B” Grade roads that area developed and maintained by the Road Development
Authority (RDA) and the second category is the “C” Grade roads that are maintained by the
Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA). The details of roads of each category are
appended below. Further, 89.33 Km long local roads being maintained by the PS are serving
the locality

Table 2.6. Roads in Kataragama

Name of Road Length (Km) Grade

Weerawila-Kataragama Road 5.76 B

Kataragama-Sella Kataragama Road 5.23 B

Roads in the Kataragama Urban 14.40 B
Development Area
Gamudawa main entrance road 6.35 B
No 3 Bridge- Kiriwehera Road 0.59 B
Depot Road 0.61 B
Gamudawa Internal Road 5.84 B
Sramadana Road 4.00 B
Total 42.78

Source: Kataragama City Profile - 2017, Kataragama Pradeseeya Sabha

Drainage and solid waste management

A limited pipe-borne sewerage disposal network is in operation in the Kataragama town area
serving only the core area of the town. The solid wastes collected daily in the Kataragama
Town area have been estimated to be 4 tons. The bio-degradable wastes are disposed of to the
solid waste management centre for composting and the wastes which are non-bio-degradable
are disposed to the dedicated centre which has been established for the purpose. The waste
generated within the Kataragama town area and the Sacred Area is collected by the PS and the
Rhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple). However, the volume of wastes generated in the Town
and the Sacred Area are considerably large, particularly during the festival period, which
exceeds the capacity of the current system of waste management and has become a formidable
problem in the town.

Urban Development Authority

28
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2.3. Delineation of the Planning Baundary

The determination of the planning area of the Kataragama and its immediate surroundings was
undertaken based on the analysis of local development trends, prevailing development
potentials, geographical characteristics f the area, functional limitsand administrative
boundaries.

2.3.1. Geographical Boundary

Kataragama is naturally bounded on the North by the Yala Sanctuary, on the East by the
Lunugamwehera Sanctuary and on the West by the Kataragama Mountan Forest Cover
Sanctuary. The natural forests and shrub jungles that spread elsewhere in the Kataragama DS
Divisionmake up 80% of the land area, leaving the balance 20% for the human [Link]
land area, which is under the natural forest and shrub jungle cover, has been identified as
environmentally sensitive land use demanding protection and conservation under the study of
sensitivity analysis.

2.3.2. Functional Boundary

The Kataragama Town, being located within the Uva Province in Moneragala Administrative
District, closer to the Southern Provincial Boundary, has more effective linkages with the towns
of the Southern Province than that of Uva Province. As a result the residents of the Kataragama
tend to undertake more visits to the towns in the Southern Province such as Thissamaharamaya,
Thangalle and Hambanthota than to the towns of Uva Province to meet their day-to-day needs
relating to education, health and commercial [Link] trend of Kataragama, fostering more
effective linkages with the towns of the Southern province, have been evident from the analysis
of the development pressure exerted on such towns by the Kataragama Town and the Southern
Provincial Area itself. Under the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that the area of
influence of the Kataragama Town is smaller than the Administrative Area of the Kataragama
DS Division

2.3.3. Administrative Boundary

The kataragama DS Division, which is bounded on the North by the Siyambaladuw and Buttala
DS Divisions of the Monaragala District in the Uva province,on the South and the East by the
Hambanthota District of the Southern Province and on the West by the Thanamalwila DS
Division, has five GS Divisions, namely Kataragama, Sella Kataragama, Karawile,
Detagamuwa and kandasurindugama. The Kataragama DivisionalSecretariat area has been

Urban Development Authority

29
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

declared as an urban development area under the UDA Law. The information discussed so far
points to the fact that most of the criteria that were used in determination of the planning area
of the study area centered on the Divisional Secretariat Division, as such it is more scientific
to accept the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Divisional area as the planning area for the
purpose of Development Plan preparation.

Urban Development Authority

30
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 2.3. Planning Boundaries (Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division)

Legend
Kataragama PS Baundary

Main Roads
Secondary Roads

Map No :
Planning Baundary - Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha area
Prepared Date : 22nd October 2018
District Office
Source : Monaragala District Office
Monaragala
(UDA)

Urban Development Authority Prepared By : [Link]

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
31
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 03
3. Need of the Development Plan

The Kataragama Development Plan envisages setting up a better natural environment

supported by the infrastructure services for the residents of the area by optimum utilization of
the development potential of the area and minimizing the adverse impacts exerted by the
ongoing developments on the human settlements through managing the development forces to
reach the objectives. Accordingly, Problem identification and comprehensive analysis of the
situation were undertaken with the support of the views and the comments expressed by the
members of the planning team and the stake holders. Identification of development priorities
of Kataragama were undertaken in accordance with the context, significance of the sector and
the magnitude of the issues of the area. The necessity of a development plan for the Kataragama
town could be justified by the following facts.

1. Religious and Cultural Significance of Kataragama

Kataragama has been emerged as one of the most sacred towns in the Country, characterized
by multi religious and cultural traits. The location of most sacred places such as Kiriwehera,
Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Katharagama Temple (Devalaya) Wedahitikanda. Sithulpawwa, Sella
Kataragama, and Ghana Temple (Devalaya) helped Kataragama to rise above the other sacred
towns as almost all the communities in the Country pay their highest homage equally to this
town unlike for other sacred cities which attract only followers of one religion. The Esala
Pageant, that held annually in Kataragama is another event which represent the multi-cultural
character of Kataragama attracting active participation of people belonging to diverse religions
from different parts of the Country. Therefore, this town is full of pilgrims throughout the year
demonstrating religious significance of the kataragama Town.

2. Challenging religious, cultural and aesthetic values in Kataragama due to physical

development.

Kataragama is centrally positioned in a setting surrounded by the Sacred Area, Manik River
and Yala Sanctuary with mutual connections that have been sustained among them over the
[Link], “sanctity” of Kataragama has been naturally earned through the sanctity and safety
of the most venerated religious places that surround this town and the natural environmental
characters that add beauty to the town. However, the characters of the built and natural

Urban Development Authority

32
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

environment, that have been gradually evolving traditionally over the time have been
encountered with challenges of haphazard development of un-planned structuresundertaken
contrary to the planning rules and regulations elsewhere in the town, particularly in the areas
surrounding the most sacred places. The structures,soconstructedhaphazardly,contraveningthe
development and planning regulations include trade stalls and many other commercially
motivated diverse service centres. These developments mar the aesthetic beauty of the built
environment as well as the tranquility of the sacred places and relegate the sanctity of the most
sacred religious places venerated by many thousands of devotees.

I. Haphazard development and unauthorized Vendors

The irregular trade stalls existed in 2011 during the normal days recorded in the town area have
been recorded as 113 in number. The relevant Authorities have been removing them annually
on a regular basis as a practice, but the number of trade stall has increased to 270 by the year
of 2017 despite being removed. Lack of effective law enforcement may have contributed to
this state of affairs impacting the sacred places to diminish in their sanctity and cultural
significance

Figure 3.1. Unauthorized Stals at Kataragama Town

Source: Field Survey on unauthorized vendors - 2017.08.03, Urban Development Authority

II. Pollution of the main water resources (Manik River)

Menik River is the main drinking water source in Kataragama. This important water source is
currently under a formidable threat of pollution caused by human activities, such as discharge
of waste water in to the river, use of river waters for bathing and washing of clothes by the
pilgrims etc. mining of sands in the river, use of insecticide and pesticide in agricultural areas
which are being washed off in to the river recording an increased reading of toxic contents the
waters of the Menik River. Further, the embankment and the reservations of the Menik River,
tank reservations, forest which are aesthetically and environmentally sensitive are being used

Urban Development Authority

33
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

for verity of developments. This situation has further been aggravated by solid wastes,which
are not collected by the PS due to its capacity limitations, could find way in to the river waters
with the help of the storm water during the rainy seasons. Under these circumstances the local
residents as well as the pilgrims have to undergo many hardships and threats that are caused by
unhygienic and polluted environment.

Figure 3.2. Menik River

Source: Field Survey on unauthorized vendors - 2017.08.03, Urban Development Authority

III. Limitation of Waste management

The Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha bears the responsibility of managing the solid waste
management, which includes collection of solid wastes, transport of them to the waste
processing centre and sort them out for final disposal. The wastes collected in the town area
daily account for 4 tons. However the problems are caused asthese waste management
operations does not cover the weekends when the pilgrims are high in number and so does the
solid waste generation resulting in heaps of wastes elsewhere in the Town. This solid waste
management issues become aggravated during the Month of July (Esala Month) when the
religious festivals are held for a period of 15 days while the Kataragama town is crowded with
large number of devotees arrived from many different parts of the Country. The solid waste
generation during this festive season has been estimated to be more than 60 tons (during the 15
days), management of it has become extremely difficult for Authorities. The wastes generated
during the weekends have been recorded approximately as 08 [Link] weakness points to the
fact that the waste management system, which is in operation in the Kataragama Town, has
not been geared to handle the volume of wastes as much as wastes generated during the
weekends and the festive seasons. This problem in Kataragama, including the sacred area, has
been recurring every year resulting in an unhygienic environment for the local residents as well
as the devotees who arrived inon pilgrimage.

Urban Development Authority

34
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

3. Limitation of Infrastructure Facilities in the Kataragama Town for the Local

Residents as well as the Pilgrims

Kataragama is a sacred town, which attracts a large number of pilgrims daily with spikes during
the week-ends and the festive seasons demanding for more infrastructure facilities, such as
drinking water, car parking areas, open areas and parks, entertainment facilities, sanitary
facilities and so on. This situation is evident from the common sight in Ktaragama during the
day time that a considerable number o f groups of people clog along the Menik River Bank for
bathing, washing and resting purposes, which contributes in great deal towards the pollution of
the river. As such development and management of such facilities in the town area has become
an essential need.

4. Potentials are not having been utilized in proper manner for economic development
at Kataragama

As observed previously, the residents of Kataragama have been assimilated to the evolving
socio-economic environment, which is driven the pilgrims. The residents have opted to engage
in quick-money-making economic activities rather than involving in other agriculture-like
activities, which are more seasonal and long-term. As a result they do not want to engage in
alternative economic activities despite the fact that there are more agricultural lands available
for cultivations in villages such as Sella kataragama, Dambe, Sithulpawwa, Gothamee Gama
and so on. These agricultural lands are not utilized for cultivation purposes though they have
been traditionally used for such purposes. The resultant impact of this trend is evident from the
fact that 60% of the labour force is un-employed in Kataragama.
With a view of addressing the issues of Kataragama this development plan needs to be prepared
aiming at a sustainable development based on the socio-economic conditions, centered on the
sacredness of the town that safely harboures the sacred places. The development is mostly
based on the pilgrims’ economy; hence the pilgrims need to be provided with necessary
facilities as they become the drivers of the economy, which can strengthen the economyin the
long-run. In this scenario, making the Kataragama Town “The Great Worshiped City in
Ruhunupura” needs to become a reality.

Urban Development Authority

35
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 04

4. The Planning Framework

4.1. The Vision

“The Great Worshiped City in Ruhunupura”

4.2. The Vision Statement

‘The city where having a strong religious, spiritual peace and harmony quality destination
with the bless of green cover in southern region while accomplishing the high economic,
physical development and more pilgrims attraction’

Kataragama has been emerged as one of the most sacred towns in the Country, characterized
by multi religious and cultural traits. The location of
most sacred places such as Kiriwehera, Ashtaphala
Bodhiya, Katharagama Temple (Devalaya)
Wedahitikanda. Sithulpawwa, Sella Kataragama, and
Ghana Temple (Devalaya) helped Kataragama to rise
above the other sacred towns as almost all the
communities in the Country pay their highest homage
equally to this town unlike for other sacred cities
which attract only followers of one religion. The Esala
Pageant, that held annually in Kataragama is another
event which represent the multi-cultural character of Kataragama attracting active participation
of people belonging to diverse religions from different parts of the Country. Therefore, this

Urban Development Authority

36
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

town is full of pilgrims throughout the year demonstrating religious significance of the
kataragama Town. The attraction of Ktaragama has been intensified due to its location
surrounded by not only by the sacred places but also by the Yala sanctuary and the Menik River
which sustain mutual connections with each other. These facts point to the conclusion that the
“sanctity” of the Kataragama has been primarily grown not only on the sacredness of the
religious places and their safety but also on the sustainable safety of the natural environmental
characters of the surrounding areas.

The development of Kataragama, that has been emerging since the time immemorial, based on
the sacred places and the beauty of the natural environment, has been encountered with new
challenges posed by the aesthetic and cultural developments that are taking place in the sacred
places. New developments implemented in the sacred places of Kataragama enticed the
pilgrims and devotees to visit the sacred places and the environment, which increases the influx
of pilgrims at a higher rate in the town in the absence of sufficient developments in the
infrastructure services, giving birth to many complex [Link] this development plan
is prepared addressing the issues arising from the lack of facilities to meet the needs of the
increasing number of pilgrims and local visitors, to achieve a higher economic and physical
development while protecting the sacredness of the religious places and the natural characters
of the environment that surround the Kataragama by the year 2030.

Urban Development Authority

37
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

4.3. Goals

Goal 01

Develop buildup area while Ensuring the ‘Sacred character’ of the city

Goal 02

Improve the economic security of Kataragama area

Goal 03

Provide well Developed infrastructure

Goal 04

Well preserved Natural environment

Urban Development Authority

38
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

4.4. Objectives

Goal 01

Develop buildup area while Ensuring the ‘Sacred character’ of the city.

Objectives

1. Removal of 80% of unauthorized vendors and shops at surrounding areas of

Kataragama main sacred area, Sella Kataragama and Wedasiti kanda area by
2030
2. Facade improvement of the identified areas at Kataragama town area by 2025
3. Increase mobility at Kataragama sacred area while reducing the impact of
vehicles on sacred areas.

Goal 02

Improve the economic security of Kataragama area.

Objectives

1. To Reserve 200 hectares of land at Kataragama for agriculture, by the year 2030.
2. To provide facilities to increase the staying period of pilgrims and tourist at
Kataragama by 2030.
3. To Provide facilities for the development of traditionally unique small scale
industries and business at Kataragama area by the year 2030.

Urban Development Authority

39
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Goal 03

Provide well Developed infrastructure.

Objectives

1. To Increase mobility between Kataragama town area and the sacred area through
provision of facilities by 2030.
2. Increase facilities to provide adequate and quality drinking water and sanitary
facilities for the residents and pilgrims by 2025.
3. To provide adequate vehicle parking facilities for pilgrims by year 2025.
4. Provide adequate land ( 27 hectares) to leisure and entertainment activities for
Kataragama residents and pilgrims by 2030.

Goal 04

Well preserved Natural environment.

Objectives

[Link] facilities for improve the quality and safety of water resources while
reducing impact of urban development to Menik river and other water resources by
2030.
[Link] conserve 100% of forest reserves and green belt bordering the Kataragama main
sacred area by 2030.
[Link] physical facilities to create proper waste management system covering
sacred areas and Kataragama town by 2030.
[Link] Maintain 200 Acres of paddy lands in Kataragama urban area by end of 2030.

Urban Development Authority

40
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 05

5. SWOT and Detail Analysis

Goal 01 : Develop buildup area while Ensuring the ‘Sacred character’ of the
city

S
STRENGHTS

• A main Sacred area declared by NPPD

• Location of other Pilgrims and tourist attraction places
• Unique cultural activities of area

W
WEEKNESS

• Continuous Increasing of incompatible development and

unauthorized vendors
• Unauthorized encroachment of sacred area
• Unauthorized parking

O
OPPORTUNITIES

• UDA entrance square development project

• Proposals of NPPD

T
THREATS

Urban Development Authority

41
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Strengths
1. Declaration of the sacred area as a conservation area by the National Physical
Planning Department
There is a strong belief among the devotees of Kataragama that the Lord Buddha visited
Kataragama far deep in the history and in commemoration of that, the Kiriwehera Stoopa was
constructed. The Astphala Bo Tree in the sacred area,which is thought to be an offshoot of Sri
Maha Bodhi is being respected by buddhists at their highest esteem and the Kataragama
Devalaya (Temple) attracts devotees of multi-religious and cultures from many parts of the
Country. These sacred places and their locations in the kataragama Sacred area attracts
devotees throughout the year. The combined effect of these sacred places has been considered
as a strengt for development of Kataragama in this process.

The Department of National Physical Planning defined the sacred area surrounding the areas
of Kiriwehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya and the Kataragama Devalaya (Temple) and declared it as
the sacred conservation area in 1961 by the Government Gazette Notification bearing number
12/688. This declaration as a sacred area has been considered as a potential for development.

Figure 5.1. Location of Kataragama main sacred area

Kirivehera

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama

Devalaya
Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

42
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Location of other Pilgrims and tourist attraction places.

In addition to Kataragama main Sacred area, there can identify other pilgrims and tourist
attraction places like Sella Kataragama gana Devalaya, Valliguhawa, Wedasiti Kanda, Galge,
Sithulpawwa and Yala sanctuary which are potentials to attract pilgrims and tourists.

Figure 5.2. Location of other historical and religious places

Kiri Vehera
Lakshmi Devalaya

Sella Kataragama
Devalaya Kataragama Devalaya

Yala Sanctury Wedasiti Kanda

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

3. Cultural Events that unique to the Kataragama Area

The cultural event of Esala Pageant held annually in Kataragama has been one of the most
colorful cultural events in Kataragamabeing held devoted to the God Kataragama. This event
dates back to time immemorial and is scheduled to be held during the time from June to July.
This event is held with a large gathering of devotees from many parts of the Country as well
as from overseas. The devotees from the North of the Country consider participation at this
event is most important pilgrimage that they can offer to the God Kataragama annually, and
therefore they get ready for the event in advance of about two months before and start walking
in large groups to Kataragama to take part in the event. Their participation at this event is
considered as the oldest pilgrimage in the Country that has been successively progressing from
the time immemorial.

Urban Development Authority

43
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.3. Cultural Events that unique to the Kataragama Area

Kataragama Perahera Preparation of ‘Athu Pandalama’

Water cutting Ceremony Pada Yathra

Photogrphs : Sandima Devapriya, 2019

Weaknesses

1. Incompatible unauthorized constructions within the sacred area and their

uninterrupted continuation

The Kataragama being one of the most sacred towns in the Country has been venerated by
multi religious and multi-cultural communities living in many parts of the Island. The
successive Governments, that came to power, having understood this significance of the
Kataragama Town, declared the town as a sacred area in 1961. However, the local residents
seem to have been aggressively inspired by the commercial opportunities offered by the large
volume of visitors coming in to the town throughout the year and engage in many trading
activities disregarding the city management rules and regulations. This situation was
aggravated by the weaknesses of the law enforcement authorities. As a result the state land
encroachments and unauthorized constructions were continued unabated in a haphazard
manner and aggressively. This development in the sacred area as well as in the town area

Urban Development Authority

44
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

created a built environment which is not compatible with the sacredness of the area. There is
no sign of the authorities taking corrective measures to arrest these developments. As such this
complex situation has been identified as a weakness in the development process of the
Kataragama Town

The operation of unauthorized trade stalls in Kataragama can be phased out in to three main
time periods as follows.
1. Non-festive time commercial operations
2. Weekends
3. Festive season during the pageant being held

The combined operation implemented by the law enforcement authorities annually, including
UDA, Pradesheeya Sabhaa and the Divisional Secretariat Division, to remove the land
encroachments and unauthorized constructions, there does not seem to be any reduction in the
number of unauthorized trading stalls in the Kataragama Town including the sacred area, rather
there seem to be a notable growth of such stalls in numbner. The records reveal that the number
of unauthorized trading stalls in the town area during the non-festive seasons was recorded as
113 (Vide Map no 01) which had been increased to 270 in 2017 (Vide Map no 02) in spite of
the fact that the Authorities annually took action to remove them.
The main feature of unauthorized constructions is growth of such constructionsduring the
festive seasons in areas where unauthorized constructions exist during the non-festive seasons
and growth of such constructions only during the festive seasons. (Figure 5.7 ) The existence
of unplanned haphazard constructions causes many disturbances on the visitors, mainlyof being
subjected to unreasonable exploitations as the law enforcement authorities find it difficult to
control such aspects of trading [Link] trend can result in diminishing respect to the
sacredness of the religious places which have been the hallmark of the sacred city of
Kataragama. This unplanned physical developments poses a long term threat to the sacredness
of the city and thereby the built environment of the entire area, that should have been reflective
of the sacredness of the entire cityscape, is becoming an unplanned complex. So this process
has been identified as a weakness that can impact the redevelopment of the built environment.

Urban Development Authority

45
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.4. Unauthorized stals at kataragama

Source: Field Survey on Unaitherised vendors - 2017.07.13, Urban Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

46
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.5. Location and number of unauthorized constructions during the Non - festive season-2011

Location Number
1 No 3 Car Park 4
2 Vicinity of the water tank 4
3 Access road to the Devalaya (Temple) 48
4 Car Park near the water supply 16
5 Road to Kiriwehera 19
6 Car Park near the Gangaramaya. 8
7 Thissa Road 14
Total 113

Source: Field Survey on Unaitherised vendors - 2011, Urban Development Authority - Kataragama

Urban Development Authority

47
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.6. Location and number of unauthorized constructions during the Non-festive season-
2017

Location Number
1 No 01 Car Park 19
2 No 03 Car Park 26
3 No 03 Car Park 25
4 No 04 Car Park 28
5 Devalaya entrance Road 72
6 Wimalasena Mawatha 2
7 Gangaramaya Car Park 16
8 Beriar Junction 18
9 Nagaha Veediya Road 17
10 Pussadeva Mawatha 4
11 Hospital Road 2
Total 270
Source: Field Survey on Unaitherised vendors - 2017.07.13, Urban Development Authority - Kataragama

Urban Development Authority

48
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure: 5.7. Spread of unauthorized constructions during the Eslala Perahera- 2017

Source: Field Survey on Unaitherised vendors - 2017, Urban Development Authority - Kataragama

[Link] area land encroachments and entry of passenger vehicles in to the sacred area.

The Authorities, with a vision of protecting the sacred area, a green corridor with trees planted
was implemented right around the sacred area in 1961to act as a natural barrier to stop the
vehicles entering in to that area. The Authorities, by creating this green belt around the sacred
area envissaged stopping the unauthirized constructions and enteringvehicles in to the area.
However this strategy seem to have failed in the face of weak law enforcement of the relevant
Authorities. CUrrently there are many encroachments and unathorized constructions within the
green belt area itself threatening the sacredness of the much respected religious places. The
main areas where encroachemnts and unauthorized constructions exist have been identified as
follows.

• Gothamigama Car Park

• Barrier Junction

It has been apparant that the Authorities removed all the unauthorized constructions, which did
not have direct relevance to the functions of the religious places and the activities that are
disturbing the activities of the sacred area. The Authorities also may have envisaged creating a
calm and quite environment within the sacred area by removing all the irrelevant and disturbing

Urban Development Authority

49
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

activities from that area in order to maintain free environment for the devotees to engage in
their religious activities. However, the devotees enter the vehicles in to the sacred area with no
any control causing obstructions to the religious function of the sacred area.

Figure 5.8. Vehicles parking in the Sacred Area

Source: Field Survey - 2017.07.13, Urban Development Authority - Kataragama

Opportunities

1. UDA Entrance Square Development Project at Kataragama

The UDA planned a project to protect the sacredness of the sacred area of Kataragama by
developing the entrance with a public square including properly placed trading stalls and with
an environment landscaped according to an overall architectural design. This project could
offer many opportunities underpinned by a concept of discipline and authoritativeness for easy
management in the long-run. SO this project has been identified as an opportunity in the process
of plan preparation.

Figure 5.9. Entrance Square Development Project - Kataragama

Source: Project Management Division - Urban Development Authority , 2019

Urban Development Authority

50
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2¡ The proposals of the Department of the National Physical Planning for development
of Kataragama

The Department of National Physical Planning (NPPD) made several proposals with a view of
protecting and enhancing the religious sacredness of Kataragama, which can inspire the
development in this by other relevant Agencies on the same line as envisaged by such
proposals. These proposals of the National Physical Planning Department are considered as
favorable opportunities. The proposals of the NPPD made the following proposals for
development of Kataragama.

• Identification of new alternative access roads to kataragama

• Construction of new internal roads and landscaping the public areas.
• Provision of sanitary facilities to the devotees.

Figure 5.10. Kataragama Sacred Area Development Proposals

Source: Sacred Area Development Proposals, Department of National Physical Planning, 2017

Urban Development Authority

51
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Goal 2 : Improve the economic security of Kataragama area

STRENGTHS

S • Resources that can be utilized to develop economic potentials are

located within the area
• Being a highly potential agricultural area
• Having an adequate workforce in the area
• The demand for flowers and fruits from pilgrims
• The tendency to purchase land at Kataragama for commercial purposes
by investors

WEAKNESSES

W • Importing large quantities of flowers and fruits for pilgrims from

outer areas
• Pilgrims staying in Kataragama are at a low level
• Informal businesses based on the Kataragama sacred sites
• The attitude of the people in the area (people are engaging with
sacred area related economic activities as a short term earning
method)

O
OPPORTUNITIES
• State Assistance / Incentives for Small and Medium Enterprise
• Influx of pilgrims throughout the year

T
THREATS
• Dry climate and weather condition

Urban Development Authority

52
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

STRENGTHS

1. Resources that can be utilized to develop economic potentials are located within the
area

The Kataragama area is basically an agricultural area with large extent of cultivable lands. The analyis
of potential of lands for verious crop cultivations, undertaken by the plannign team revealed that
approximately 2328 Hectares of agricultural lands were identified which can be potentially made use
of in the effort of reaching the development [Link] agriculturally potential lands are spread
in areas such as Sella Kataragama, Dambe, SIthulpowwa, Gothamee gama and so on. It has been
.considered as a streangth

2. Having an adequate workforce in the area

The Kataragama Planning Area has a great potential as it harbours an economically active
population of 67% which can support any endeavour undertaken for development of the area.

Table 5.1. Workforce in the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division - 2016

Age cohort 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64

Population 1,603 1,500 1,580 1,542 1,224 1,149 1,117 1,085 793 690

Source: Department of Cencus and Statistics, 2016

3. Being a highly potential agricultural area

As already highlighted previously, 80% of the total land area of Kataragama is under the forest
cover and sanctuaries, only the balance is being used for other economic activities of the human
settlements, of which only 10% is being used for agricultural purposes. The principal crops in
the agricultural sector, that are rutinely cultivated, have been paddy, chena cultivation and other
commercial crops, such as dragun fruits, banana, cinnamon and so on. These agricultural lands
are provided with irrigation facilities through the rain-fed tanks and Manik River and the
natural water source of Weheragala Lake. These water sources has an increased ability in
supporting and propmoting the agriculturein the planning area.

Urban Development Authority

53
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 5.1 Land Use Pattern in Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division - 2017

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
54
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

4. The demand for flowers and fruits from pilgrims

The pilgrims arrive in large numbers to Kataragama from many parts of the Country as well as
from overseas. This number increases during the weakends and festive seasons. The devotees
arrived in kataragama have to purchased flowers and fruits from the trade stalls in Kataragama
to offer to the buddhist temple and the God Kataragama, as a religious ritual. The market survey
carried out indicated that the sale of flowers during the weak days in Katarama reaches 1500
to 3000 flowers per day and this nimber reaches as much as 15000 flowers during the
weakeands and the festive seasons. These sales record shaws the magnidute of demand for the
flowers. As far as the fruits are concerned, all the fruit verities are not offered to the God, only
a limited number of verities are offered to the God, such as watermelon, banana, mangoes and
woodapple. The traders in Kataragama, who understand the rituals and practices of offerings
very well, prepare the flowers and the fruits exactly the way the practice of offering needed, so
they prepare them accordingly. In a way this sale procedure is easy for the deveotees too who
arrived in Kataragama from a far distant places to fetch them with convenience in Kataragama
with close proximity to the religious places they came to pay their homage.

Figure 5.11. Sale of flowers and fruits in Kataragama

Photohraphs ( Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

5. The tendency to purchase land at Kataragama for commercial purposes by investors

Most of the lands in the planning area are owned by the State, anybody who wants to develop
or cultivate themhave to secure it from the relevan Authorities following the established
procedures. It has been observed that there is an increasing demand for such lands in
Kataragama from the entrepreneurs to fetch such lands on long-term lease basis for varying

Urban Development Authority

55
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

purposes of developments. This trend of attraction of investors to the planning area has been
considered as a streangth in planning process.

Table 5.2. Number of applications received by the UDA for long-term lease of lands in Kataragama

No of
applications for
Extents of lands
Year Month lease of lands
in Hectares
for commercial
purposes
2017 October 16 11.65
November 24 6.58
December 12 3.86
January 11 3.83
2018 February 16 12.19
March 16 7.24
April 04 1.04
May 21 7.83
June 19 6.58
July 16

Total 139 66.22

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority - 2017, 2018

Urban Development Authority

56
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Weaknesses

1. Importing large quantities of flowers and fruits for pilgrims from outer areas

As seen before the 1500 to 3000 flowers are sold per day in during the weak days this figure
rises to 15ooo flowers during the weak ends and the festive seasons, which reflects the
magnitude of the demand for flowers. The sources of flowers that are being sold in Kataragama
near the sacred area, are coming from far distant external sources which are located outside of
the planning area. The flower supply sources are located in areas such as Suriyawewa,
Pannegamuwa, Thissamaharama, Mattala, Weeraketiya and so on. However, the sellers are
over depending on external sources to fetch their supplies dispite the fact that there is an ample
possibilities of growing flowers within the planning area itself. This is a weakness in the area

Figure 5.12. Areas and percentage of flowers imported to Kataragama

Areas and percentage of flowers imported to Kataragama

12%
16% Sooriyawewa
8%
Weeraketiya

Maththala

Pannegamuwa
20% 30%
Kataragama

Hambegamuwa
14%

Source: Survey on Pilgrims and Traders in Kataragama - 2017.08.05, Urban Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

57
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Informal businesses based on the Kataragama sacred sites

A notable trend in the commercial developments in the Kataragama area is that the people
engaged in the commercial activities which are mostly related to the sacred area religious
functions meeting the needs of the pilgrims and the devotees who visit Kataragama sacred
[Link] traditional industries of handicrafts and carvings that had been a well established
industry in the past had vanished in the face of the emerging businesses of trading communion
articles, flowers, ornamental articles and fruits etc. No opportunities are offered to the visitors
to have a look at traditional ornamental articles that are reflective of creative talents of local
people in the area. It has been recognized as a weakness.

3. Short duration of pilgrims’ stay in Kataragama area

The pilgrims visiting Kataragama from far distance places of the Country are compelled to stay
in Kataragama to attend the religious functions which are routinely taking place according to a
schedule. Therefore the pilgrims coming from distant places have to find a place in Kataragama
as much closer to the religious places as possible to rest for a while after a long distance travel
and to prepare themselves for the religious functions. Then they will attend the scheduled
religious functions and thereafter they can spend a night at a suitable place. Following day after
the religious functions are over, most of pilgrims make use of the opportunity to visit natural
environmental assets of Sanctuaries located nearby. Also some of them visit nearby other
religious and historical places while staying in Kartaragama. This shows that the duration of
stay in Kataragama, to a large extent, depends on availability of accommodation facilities at
variable qualities to meet the needs of the pilgrims who can afford depending on their financial
budgets, purpose of their visit to Kataragama etc. Currently, average duration of stay, according
to a survey carried out on the purpose of visit in 2017 during a weak end, has been two days
and 80% of the visitors come to Kataragama for religious and cultural functions while15%
come for touring the areas and for entertainments purposes.

Urban Development Authority

58
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.13. Purpose of visiting Kataragama by the Visitors

Percentage of visits to Kataragama based on purpose by visitors

1% 2%
2%

15%
Religious and Cultural

Entertainment/ lesure

Business

Meeting friends / relatives

80%
Other

Source: Survey on Pilgrims - 2017.08.05, Urban Development Authority

Another factor that does not encourage the visitors to stay longer duration is most of other
religious and historical places are located at a considerable distance from the Kataragama
Town, so on their way back they visit conveniently such places, namely, Matara,Kirinda,
Thissamaharama, Hikkaduwa and Galle where, unlike in Kataragama, entertainment
opportunities too are available.

The number of accomodation facilities available for the visitors during all the seasons in
Kataragama are not adequate enough to meet the full demand. The quality of available such
facilities too are not up to the standard either as expected by the visitors. Adding to the issue
further, lack of a regulatory system to regulate or standardize the prices of such facilitiesthe
hotel ownersare given the full freedom to charge prices as they wish, and on the other hand the
visitors, in most of the time, are compelled to succumb to the situation as there is no any other
option left to them. Under these circumstences the prices the hotel owners charge from the
visitors are thought to be exorbitant. As such these factors are considered influencing the
visitors unfavorably to cut short their stay in Kataragama and thereby weakening the economic
sustainabilty of the planning area.

Urban Development Authority

59
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Table 5.3. Number of accomodation facilities in Kataragama (Registered)

Type Number

Private Hotels 125

Government Circuit Bungalows/Rest Houses 29

Resting Halls 17

Renting of houses or part of houses is an emerging trend

Source: Sampath Pathikada - 2016, Kataragama Divisional Secretariet Office

Table 5.4. Arrival of Pilgrims

Time Period Number of Pilgrims

Weak Days 2500 - 4000

Weak-Ends 10 000 - 12 000

Long Weak-Ends 30 000 - 48 000

Festive Season 500 000 >

Source: Sampath Pathikada - 2016, Kataragama Divisional Secretariet Office

During the Weak-Ends and Long Weak-Ends approximately 45,000 visitors arrive in
Kataragama but the hotels rooms available are only 20 to 50 rooms in number. The
accomodation facilities that can be provided for the visitors are demonstrated as follows

Table 5.5. Capacity of accommodation facilities

Type Number Visitor nos.

Private hotels 125 17,500
Government Circuit Bungalows/Rest 29 4,060
Houses
Resting Halls 17 8,500
Total 171 30,060

Source: Sampath Pathikada - 2016, Kataragama Divisional Secretariet Office

Urban Development Authority

60
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The above table reveals that the accomodation facilities available to the visitors in Kataragama,
during the weak ends and festive seasons, are inadequate and therefore the visitors are not
compelled to stay in Kataragama as they can find reasonable places nea by areas and even the
vistors who stay there will not stay longer as the prices are comparatively high.

4. The attitude of the people in the area ( People are engaging with sacred area related
economic activities as a short term earning method )

The local residents of Kataragama have been used to engage in business activities which yield
them revenue in the short-run. These business activities are primarily based on the services
provided and sale of specialized items that are required for religious purposes and their markets
are located mainly around the religious places. This fact reveals the logic of many small-scale
unauthorized structures being constructed in the vicinity of the sacred places of Kataragama
and Sella kataragama areas. This type of business activities provides the local residents a mean
of revenue that will help them meeting their day to day living expenses, so disengagement from
such business activities has become a socio-economic issue for them in the absence of other
economic opportunities in the locality. This attitude is also influencing the teenagers to leave
the school education for the want of earning money in this manner by which they can help
running their family. This unfavorable economic attitude of the local residents leads to an
internal social crises in the planning area.

Urban Development Authority

61
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Opportunities

1. State Assistance / Incentives for Small and Medium Enterprise

The Government is implementing an incentive scheme to develop small and medium scale
enterprises in the Country. This incentive scheme includes providing financial assistance in the
form a scheme of soft loans to the enterprises at concessionary interest rates.

2. Influx of pilgrims throughout the year

As has been examined previously, the devotees are coming to Kataragama from all the parts of
the Country in large numbers showing an extra ordinary increase during the weak-ends and the
festive [Link] of the commercial activities and services located in and around the sacred
area functioning with strong links with the pilgrims who are becoming the drivers of the
emerging economy in Kataragama. This fact has been considered as an opportunity for the
town development.

Figure 5.14. Pilgrims attraction

Source: Internet,2021

Urban Development Authority

62
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Threats

1. Dry climate and weather condition

Kataragama falls in to the low country dry zone in terms of climatic conditions, with an annual
rain-fall ranging from 1000 mm to 1500 mm and with an average annual temperature ranging
from 260C to 280C. The dry spell prevails most part of the year.

Figure 5.15. Climate and Temperature in Sri Lanka

Annual Rainfall in Sri Lanka (mm)

Average annual temperature in Sri Lanka ( 0C )
Source – Department of Meteorology - Srilanka web site, 2021

Urban Development Authority

63
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Goal 3 : Provide well Developed infrastructure

STRENGTHS

S •
•
Easy access to main roads
Implementation of Identified Infrastructure Projects in Kataragama
• Location of the main sources of water resources (Menik River)
• Location of different types of pilgrims and tourist facilities

W
WEAKNESSES
• Limitation of water supply for residents and pilgrims
• Alternative road system has not developed in proper way
• Inadequate parking spaces for pilgrims
• Underutilization of open spaces and recreational facilities
• Insufficient infrastructure facilities for seasonal pilgrims
• Issues of Waste management

O
OPPORTUNITIES
• State aid for development of Southern areas / sacred areas and
state policies
• Impact of the Southern Expressway and proposed railway line

T
THREATS

Urban Development Authority

64
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Strengths

1. Easy access to main roads

The examination of the Kataragama road network revealed that they are basically connected
with three main roads which are of nationally significant as they are functionally linked with
other major roads serving every part of the Country. The main three roads, which are of
nationally significant are Weerawila-Kataragama Road, Lunugamwehera-Kataragama Road
and the Buttala-Kataragama Road, these roads are categorized as B Grade roads according to
the road classification of the Authorities. This well established national road network, having
ability to provide access to Kataragama from any part of the Country, has been considered as
an enormous strength for the infrastructure networks development of the Kataragama Town for
the benifit of the visitors as well as the residents.

Figure 5.16. Accessibility of Kataragama

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

65
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Location of the main sources of water resources (Menik River)

The reliable and sustainable water sources in Kataragama, that have the capacity to supply
water to the population in Kataragama and the visitors coming there annually, include Menik
River and its distributaries. There is also aman-made tanks network in place in the area with a
network of irrigation channels radiating from each tank to provide water to the agriculture. The
potential of these water sources are enormous and they can supply water to the residents as
well as the visitors coming to the town in addition to the supply of water to the agriculture if
the water management is done scientifically. Therefore these water sources have been
considered as a potential for development of infrastructure facilities for the planning area.

Figure 5.17. Locations of Water Sources of Kataragama

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

3. Implementation of Identified Infrastructure Projects in Kataragama

There are a few number of infrastructure projects under implementation in Kataragama with
the technical and financial assistance of foreign Countries in order to provide facilities for the
people in Kataragama and the visitors. Those projects which are already under implementation
are appended bellow

Urban Development Authority

66
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

• Redevelopment of the Drainage System in Kataragama

• Public Park and pilgrims’ resting place development in Sella Kataragama
• Redevelopment of identified roads
• Rehabilitation of 20 Acre-Tank in Sella Kataragama project
• Development of drainage system in the Kataragama Town
• Street Lighting Project

The above mentioned projects are currently underway and their completion in the near future
will enhance the facilities available in the Katargama Town. This fact has been considered as
a good opportunity for future development of the Town.

4. Location of Facility centres for the pilgrims and the visitors in Kataragama

The prevailing demand for the accommodation facilities in the Kataragama area has been fully
felt by the investors as well as the local residents. In the face of rising demand for
accommodation facilities, the house owners have been compelled to convert part of their
houses in to guest rooms which can be rented out to the visitors or the pilgrims in order to fetch
additional revenue to supplement their livelihoods. In this scenario the available
accommodation facilities have been considered as strength.

Table 5.6. Location of accommodation facilities in Kataragama

Type Number
Private Hotels 125

Gvt. Rest Houses and circuit bungalows 29

Resting Halls 17
Renting out houses or part of a house is an emerging trend

Source: Resource Profile - 2016, Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Office

Urban Development Authority

67
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Weaknesses

1. Insufficient Water Supply to meet the needs of the residents and the pilgrims in
Kataragama.
The water supply to the Kataragama town has been the responsibility of the National Water
Supply and Draingae Board (NWS&DB), which plan the water supply scheme, implement it
and maintain it in the long-run. The current scheme in Kataragama supplies water to the town
as follows.

• During the dry spell provide water - 6500𝑚3

• During the rainy period supply water - 4500𝑚3

As already observed, the visitor arrival fluctuates throughout the year forming a common
pattern, demonstrating a normal influx during the weak days and spikes during the weak ends
and the festive seasons. The visitor arrival increase the demand for water, during the weak end
it rises to 10,000 cm per day, which is higher demand cannot be met through the current system
due to limitations in the capacity. This weakness in the water supply system has been identified
as one of the main weaknessrs in the area.

Table 5.7. Demand for Water in Kataragama

Water Supply during the weak days

During the dry spell 6500𝑚3

During the rainy days 4500𝑚3

Demand for water by the residens and the pilgrims

Demand for water per day 7500-8000𝑚3
Demand for water during the weak ends 10 000𝑚3

Source: National Water Supply and Drainage Board - Kataragama, 2017

Urban Development Authority

68
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Inadequate Vehicle parking facilities in the area.

The visitor arrivals to Kataragama reaches peak levels during the weak ends and the festival
seasons, placing a higher demand for car parking facilities during those periods. However
during the normal week days the demand for car parks are not creating issues more than
unmanagable levels. But the issues created by the inadequate car parking facilities during other
special dayas, such as week ends and festival seasons necessity of more car parking facilities
are strongly felt.

Table 5.8. Number of vehicles arriving Kataragama

Time Duration Arrival of Vehicles

Week days 250

Week ends 450-500
Long Week Ends 800- 1000
During Esala Pageant festival 2500>

Source : Kataragama Pradesheeya Sbha, 2017

Inadequate vehicle parking facilities in the Town and the sacred area, formed a common sight
of parking eccessive vehicles along the pavements and the read reservations. In some busy days
such vehicles are used to park along the pedestrian walk ways causing the devetees to walk
along such walk ways with great difficulties. This situation also creates a sever traffic
congesstions in the town and the sacred areas on such busy days.

Table 5.9. Number of Vehicle Parks in the Kataragama area and their capacities

Car Park No of parking

slots
No 1 Car Park 50
No 2Car Park 75
No 3Car Park 20
No4 Car Park 35
GangaramayaCar Park 30
Sella Kataragama 200
Total 410

Source : Urban Development Authority, Kataragama, 2017

Urban Development Authority

69
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.18. Vehicle Parking

Sella Kataragama Car Park Parking vehicles on the pavements

Source: Field Survey - 2017.08.03, Urban Development Authority

3. Underutilization of open spaces and recreational facilities

The examination of open area requirement of the Kataragama area revealed that only 3.3
Hectares of open areas are available currently in this area, but when the acceptable minimum
requirement of open areas in a town is considered the rate becomes 1.4 hectares per 1000
population. However Kataragama is not a town of its residents along, it is also a town of many
thousands of deveotees and visitors who frequently visit Kataragama. Therefore the visitors
factor also needs to be taken in to consideration when the open area requirement is considered.
Under these circumstances the Kataragama needs an open area of 27.3 Hectares of open areas
and entertainment facilities need to be provided on the basis of the population forecaste to be
in the year of 2030. But the current situation is not up to the standards in terms of the quality
and the quantity. This situation causes attraction to be diminishing gradually and hence it has
been considered as a weeknes of the area standing on the way towards development.

• Open and entertainment facility area requirement for 1000 population 1000 = 1.4
Hectares (As per the UDA standard)

• Open area rquirement of residents and visitors of kataragama during the year of 2017
= Hectares 19.3

Urban Development Authority

70
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

FIgure 5.19. Open and recreational facilities in Kataragama

Children’s Park Ranjith Madduma Bandara Play Ground

Source: Field Survey - 2017, Urban Development Authority

4. Lack of alternative Road network and pedestrian-friendly environment

Daily visitors/devotees influx in to this Town is ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 during the week
days, 10,000 devotees during the week ends and during the festival seasons this figure rises to
100,000 or more. These estimated figures reveal the degree of attraction of this town in the
Country. The notable trait of this visitor influx is that they arrive in the town through two main
routes and there are no alternative routes to approach the sacred areas of Sella Kataragama and
Wedihitikanda. Due to this lack of alternative routes to approach sacred areas as explained,
during the festive seasons, a severe vehicular traffic congesstion is experienced along the main
roads, such as Thissa-Kataragama and Sella Kataragama-Kataragama and in the town area
itself. This situation is agravated by the lack of pedestrian-friendly walkways and pavments
within the popular areas of Kataragama. There is no proper public bus stand in the Kataragama
town, which demonstrates the lack fo attention being focussed towards the general public who
used the public transport to arrive here. These are the facts that have been considered as
weaknesses for development of the city in the long-run.

Urban Development Authority

71
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.20. Main Access Roads of Kataragama

From Buththala

Sella Kataragama

Kataragama

From Lunugamvehera From Thissa

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

72
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

5. Lack of proper sanitory facilities

As seen before, large number of visitors coming to Kataragama throughout the year. These
visitors require sanitary facilities adequately. The survey revealed that there are sanitary
facilities located elsewhere in the town and the sacred area, but their quality and quantity are
unable to meet the desired needs of the visitors. Most of the public toilet facilities are not tidy,
unhygienic and unserviceable. So lack of sanitary facilities in Kataragama was considered as a
weakness.

Table 5.10. Sanitory Facilities in Kataragama

Location No. of toilet rooms

Sacred City 37
Bus Stand 19
No. 02 Car park 19
Hellipad 10
Public Toilet 13
Wadihitykanda base 15
Sella Kataragama 12

Source: Field Survey - 2017, Urban Development Authority

Figure 5.21. Public Toilet Rooms in Kataragama

Source: Field Survey - 2017, Urban Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

73
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Opportunities

1. State aid for development of Southern areas / sacred areas and state policies

The Kataragama Town is respected by multi cultural and multi religious communities,
representing local areas as well as areas of overseas, it is one of the most respected sacred cities
in the Country. The Southern Development Board and the National Physical Planning
Department have focussed their special attention towards development of this town considering
its significance in the national context. These two Government organizations secured Rs. 430
Mln from the Treasury funds for development projects in this town. This investments in
prposed projects will be able to provide more facilities to the residents as well as the visitors
of the town in the future. The Government patranage for implementation of projects in this area
has been considered a formidable opportunity for development of the infrastructure facilities
in the area.

2. National Physical Planning Policy Proposals (2017-2050)

The National Physical Development Plan (2017-2030) includes several proposals that offer
many opportunities for development of Kataragama. They are appended bellow.

• Southern Highway has an intersection at Mattala, which is closer to the Kataragama

Town. Its impact upon Kataragama, after development, will be tremendous.

• The proposed railway extention is another proposal that will have a long lasting impact
on the future development of Kataragama as the proposed trace is running closer to
the Kataragama Town.

• The Wellawaya has been selected by the National Physical Development Plan for
development, which is one of the towns situated closer to the Kataragama Town. So
its impact on Kataragama will be favourable for future development of this town.

• Hambanthota town is another urban centre that has been proposed for development
with a larger concentration of population. This Hambanthota Town is situated closer
to the Kataragama Town, hence its impact upon Kataragama will be inevitable.

Urban Development Authority

74
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.22. National Physical Planning Policy proposals

Source : National Physical Planning Department, National Physical Planning Policy

2017 -2050

Urban Development Authority

75
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Goal 4 : Well preserved Natural environment

STRENGTHS

S •
•
Rich natural environment
Location of the water resources including Menik River
• Location of forest reserves and wild life sanctuaries

W
WEAKNESSES

• Pollution of Menik ganga

• Limitation of waste management system
• Encroachment of environmental sensitive areas

OPPORTUNITIES

O • Declaration of wildlife conservation and forest conservation

areas at Kataragama

THREATS

Urban Development Authority

76
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Streangths

1. Being a city with an increased natural environmental beauty

Kataragama being located in the low country dry zone, harbouring Yala Sanctuary,
Katagamuwa Forest and the Wadahity Kanda Forest areas and the Manik River snaking
through the area demonstrate a higher order of bio-diversity and a natural environmental
beauty.

Figure 5.23. Location of Forests and Water Sources in kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Figure 5.24. Bio-Diversity in Kataragama

Source: Internet,2021

Urban Development Authority

77
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Location of the water resources including Menik River

The main water source of kataragama is the Manik River that runs across the area, in addition
to this, there is a well distributed rain-fed tank network supported by a well-balanced
underground water sources. These water sources possess a potential of supporting the future
development of Kataragama infrastructure networks. (Vide Map no 07)

Figure 5.25. Distribution of Water Sources in kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

3. Location of forest reserves and wild life sanctuaries

There are two sanctuaries located in the Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Divisional area,
they are,

1. Kataragama Sanctuary with an extent of 837 Hectares and

2. Katagamuwa Sanctuary with an extent of 1003.7 Hectares.

In addition to the above sanctuaries, Part III of the Yala Sanctuary is also falling within the
Kataragama Divisional Secrateriat Divisional Area together with the Galge Access to the Yala.
This natural environmental characters of the area has been considered as great potential
resources for future development of the Planning Area.

Urban Development Authority

78
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.26. Location of Yala Sanctuary

Source: Internet. ( [Link]

Urban Development Authority

79
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Weaknesses

1. Pollution of Manik River

Manik River is the main drinking water source in Kataragama, which has not been given the
due protection it needs and is currently subjected to pollution in many different ways trigerred
by man-made activities. Discharge of waste in to the river by the hotels, river bank being used
for sanitory purposes, discharge of solid wastes in to the river, mining jems, mining of sand for
construction purposes, contamination of insecticides and pesticides with the river waters
through unbecoming agricultural practicescan be cited as some of such activities that course
pollution of the river waters. This process has been continued unhindered coursing the river
waters to become unhealthy for drinking purposes. The tests of river waters have revealed that
the chemical content and its compossition are increasingly becoming unacceptable in terms of
PH value, water colour, Amonia percentage, cloaraform Percentage and so on, which have
taken the values more than the acceptable standards. This situation is becoming a serious issue
threathening the fundamental factors that cause existance of the natural environment. The
following Table provides more details in this regard.

Table 5.11. The components in the Waters of Manik River

Source: National Water Supply and Drainage Board - Kataragama, 2017

Urban Development Authority

80
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.27. Menik River

Source: Field Survey - 2017, Urban Development Authority

2. Limitation of waste management system

The solid waste generated in the Kataragama sacred area and in the Town area including the
Wadihity Kanda area accounts for approximately 4 tons of solid wastes daily. The waste so
collected will be transported to the solid waste processing centre located at Galapitagalyaya,
where the collected wastes will be sorted out for final disposal. This management process is
currently managed by the Kataragama Pradesheeya S.

Figure 5.28. Solid Waste Management in Kataragama

Source : Waste Management Centre-Galapitagalayaya -2017, Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha

Urban Development Authority

81
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

As we have already seen, the pattern of pilgrim arrivals in Kataragama, rises to its peak during
the week ends and the festive seasons. During the peak arrival periods the waste generation
reach the maximum of 8 tons during the week ends and 60 tons during the festive seasons. This
volume of solid waste being collected at this centre is beyond the processing capacity of the
Management Centre, its operations are under staffed, as a result, the wastes collected are
disposed without sorting. However a part of the solid wastes collected from the sacred area is
sorted before they are brought in to the processing centre in Galapiatagalayaya. The share of
the waste brought to the processing centre unsorted is disposed of at the centre itself. This
method of solid waste disposal causes many hygenic issues, the devotees presence in the sacred
area faces with intolerable odor spreading in the area. The environmental pollution caused by
this irregular waste disposal has been identified as a main weakness that stands against the
protection of the natural environment in Katargama.

Figure 5.29. Solid waste disposal in Kataragama

Source: Field Survey - 2017, Urban Development Authority

3. Encroachment of environmental sensitive areas

The environmental beauty of the Kataragama area is in the higher order, appreciated by the
visitors as well as the environmentlists equally. The developments undertaken in the
surroundings of the sacred area, such as river reservations, tank reservations, low-lying lands
and forest areas are becoming easy grounds for irregular developments. The analysis of
sensitive environmental areas helped indentifying such areas and found particularly the ares in
Manik River, Detagamuwa Tank and the low-lying paddy lands situated closer to the urban
area are undergoing a severe pressure for such irregular developments.

Urban Development Authority

82
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 5.30. Distribution of Development Pressure in Kataragama.

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2018

4. Unauthorized Encroachments of water reservations

The unauthorized constructions in and encrachment of sensitive environmental reservation

areas have become rampant, this phenomenon is increasingly threatening the area of sensitive
environmental areas to diminsh in extent causing damages to the sensitivity and the beauty.
This irregular activities are particularly visible in the areas of Manik River reservations,
Detagamuwa Tank Reservations, Goyagala Tank resevation and Milagama Tank reservations
are a few number of glaing examples. This unabted process of encrachment and unauthorized
constructions in such sensitive environmental areas have been identified as a weakness in
foward march towards the protection of the environment of the Kataragama in the long-run.

Urban Development Authority

83
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Opportunities

1. Declaration of wildlife conservation and forest conservation areas at Kataragama

The Katargama Divisional Secrateriat Divisional Area includes 1840.7 Hectares of lands
falling under two sanctuaries. They are,

1. Kataragama Wild Life Sanctuary with an extent of 837 Hectares and

2. Katagamauwa Wild Life Sanctuary with an extent of 1003.7 Hectares.

In addition to the above, Part III of the Yala Sanctuary too is falling within this Divisional
Secrateriat Division. The location of sanctuaries in this Divisional Secrateriat Division has
contributed in a greatway to protect the sanctuary areas.

Urban Development Authority

84
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 06

6. The Plan
6.1. Introduction

Kataragama is one of the most attractive sacred Cities, in terms of multi cultural and multi
religious character, in the Country. This town has been growing surrounding the sacred places
of Kiriwehera and Kataragama Temple (Devalaya) and such growth has been bordered
naturally by the forest reservations that lie around the town. The land area between the sacred
area and the forest reserves has been developed for human settlements hugging the Manik River
that runs across this land area

The interaction between these physical features of forest reserves, sacred area and the Manik
River laid the foundation for the growth of this town in the past and continues to sustain the
growth of the town in to the future. This interaction between the natural environment and the
pilgrims has reflected a strong linkage, which cannot be disturbed as the economic base of the
town is principally based on it. Therefore the new plan should be handled delicately with the
full understanding of this inter relationship.

The principal goal of this development plan is to achieve anhigher economic development in
Kataragama while protecting the quality of sacred area and the natural environment, the
concept plan presents the future vision of the development conceptually within the parameters
contained in the goal of the ultimate development of the Kataragama Town. In this process of
forming the concept plan the attention has been focused on securing the sanctity of the sacred
places, economic development, infrastructure development and environmental protection.

This concept plan is based on the vision of the development plan that was formed at the
beginning of the development planning process, which envisages developing Kataragama as
the most venerated sacred city in the Ruhunu Pura (City) securing the sanctity of the sacred
places and protecting and conserving the natural environment to provide more facilities to the
visitors as well as the residents.

Urban Development Authority

85
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Figure 6.1. Concept Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
86
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The concept plan formed on the basis of the preceding vision is represented in the Figure no
6.1. This concept plan has been formed around the sacred places of Kirirwehera, Kataragama
Temple (Devalaya) , Wadahitikanada and Sella Kataragama protecting the settlements and the
sanctity of the sacred places and improving the communication channels between Sella
kataragama, Kataragama and Wadahitikanda.

It has been the aim of this plan to provide more facilities to the visitors of this town, they come
to attend religious functions and then to visit other sacred places and forests and sanctuaries
for leisure. These visitors need accommodation facilities in the locality itself, in order to meet
this need a mixed development zone has been proposed where hospitality activities will be
promoted together with the infrastructure facilities. This development alone cannot support the
economic development of the locality, it needs development of other economic sectors such as
agriculture development which will be complementary to the activities of the sacred area and
will secure the economic sustainability of the local residents. Agricultural sector can promote
certain crops such as flowers, fruits and vegetables to the market in the Kataragama.

This proposed development envisages attracting more visitors to the town and to increase their
duration of stay in Kataragama by providing more facilities to them. The agricultural
development and conservation of natural environment will support accomplishing these
objectives through increased visitor arrivals and yielding benefits of economic developments
to the local residents as anticipated.

Urban Development Authority

87
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.2. Proposed Landuse Plan

The Kataragama Town has become more attractive to the visitors mainly owing to the location
of sacred places and the beauty of the natural environment enriched with the low country
vegetation. In order to maintain the sustainability of the visitor arrivals, which is the current
economic base of the town, the quality of the environment and the sanctity of the religious
places need to be enhanced. As such sanctity of the sacred places and the quality of the natural
environment need to be protected and nurtured in this proposed strategy to support the higher
level of visitor arrivals. The “Kataragama Development Plan 2019 - 2030” accordingly
envisages protection of sanctity of the sacred places and providing more facilities to the
visitors, which can increase the visitor arrivals strengthening the local economy

Currently, diverse activities relating to urban economic environment are taking place in
Kataragama, of which activitiesthat are directly linked with the supply of goods and services
relevant to the sacred area and the religious activities are becoming more prominent. The
influence of these activities are capable enough to drive the shape of the built environment in
the locality. However, the built environment in the urban area does not conform to any urban
design standard, but it does to irregular and ad hock line of buildings, which impacts the
attitudes of the visitors present in the locality and disturb their sacred sensations they nurtured
in their heart towards the sacred places in Kataragama. Continuation of this irregular townscape
could impact the sanctity of the sacred places and the quality of the natural environment that
surrounds the Kataragama town to diminish in the long-run adversely affecting the economic
base of the locality. This process has been identified as a weakness in the planning process and
taking such facts in to consideration the land use plan was prepared with a vision of
accomplishing the anticipated physical form in the plan. Under this land use plan 6 main use
zones have been formulated which are appended bellow.

1. Sacred Area Zone

2. Mixed Development Zone
3. Commercial Zone - I
4. Commercial Zone -II
5. Residential Zone
6. Agriculture Promotion Zone
7. Environmental Conservation and Sensitivity Zone

Urban Development Authority

88
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Planned built environment and a physical form are being anticipated in time to come through
implementation of the above mentioned use zones in the Planning Area and by providing
necessary infrastructure facilities that could guide the development also with the support of the
planning and development Regulations..

The section of the proposed development of the area along a hypothetical line drawn from point
A in the Mixed Development Zone to Point B in the Environmental Conservation and
Sensitivity Zone is appended bellow demonstrating the future physical form of the locality.

Figure 6.2. Cross Section – From Mixed Development Zone to Environment Conservation Zone via
Sacred Area

Mixed Environmental
Paddy Commercial zone - II Commercial Green Resid
Development Sacred area Conservation
zone - I belt ential
Zone Zone
Zone

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

The Mixed Development Zone has been provided for to achieve a development with a higher
intensitywith more infrastructure facilities, such as water, roads and other services being
provided to the visitors arriving at Kataragama. The physical development in this zone will be
allowed to achieve a higher intensity and form the physical environment with more urban
characteristics and will be able to provide more facilities to the visitors more than what is
available today. The paddy fields visible when proceeding from Mixed Development Zone
will be maintained as a development restricted zonepreserving the current paddy cultivation
activities to [Link] commercial zone has been divided in to two commercial zones, the
one that is closer to the Sacred Area will be one commercial zone, where specialized activities
only will be permissible with a height restriction to a single floor and the other will be the main
commercial zone where built environment and the fascia of the buildings will be strictly
directed according to the design standards to reflect the sanctity of the sacred places in
Kataragama. Planning and design guidelines these zones will be prepared and enforced by the
UDA.

A “C-D” cross section from Detagamuwa Tank across the town centre towards the Mixed
Development Zone demonstrating the future urban form of the town is appended bellow. The
Detagamuwa Tank area will be developed as an urban park and from there the intensity of the

Urban Development Authority

89
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

building constructions will be increasing towards the Commercial Zone where the development
will be permitted with higher intensity. The buildings that will be permitted in the commercial
zone closer to the sacred area will be permitted with a height restriction to a single floor and it
will be gradually increased towards the Mixed Development Zone.

Figure 6.3. Cross Section – From Detagamuwa Wewa to Mixed Development Zone via Commercial
Zones

Detagamuwa Urban Park Commercial Zone - II Commercial Zone - I Mixed Development Zone

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

The cross section from point E in the Wadihitikanda to point F in the Kataragama Sacred area
demonstrates the future physical form of the built environment. According to this plan the
Wadihitykanda has been included in the sacred area Zone where height is restricted to single storied
buildings. The Kataragama mountain area has been included in the Environmental Conservation Zone,
so that this area will continue to be conservation area with free of building constructions.

The devotees who pass the environmental conservation zone will reach the commercial zonecloser to
the sacred area, where all the facilities required (only goods and services required for religious
activities) for religious functions will be provided. From this commercial zone towards the mixed
development zone and the main commercial zone the building densities will be increasing and again it
will be decreasing towards the sacred area commercial zone. The special characteristic of this zoning
plan is preservation of the paddy fields, which are situated within the Kataragama urban area, will
continue to be used for paddy cultivation areas in the future.

Figure 6.4. Cross Section – From Wedasiti Kanda to Main Sacred area Zone

Wedasiti Environmental Com Mixed Commercial Commercial

Conservation Zone merci Paddy
Kanda Develop Zone - II Zone - I Sacred area
al ment
Zone Zone
-I

Urban Development Authority

90
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The cross section drawn from the environmental zone to the Mixed development zone from
point G to point H cut across the sacred area and the agricultural zone , where only low density
developments are permissable. This agricultural zone can produce and supply fruits and flowers
to the sacred area where devotees need them. In this sacred area and in the surrounding area
building density will be restricted while high density developments will be permitted only in
the commercial and mixed development [Link], the special commercial zone located
closer to the sacred area will restrict the high density developments in the vicinity of the sacred
area.

Figure 6.5. Cross Section – From Environment Conservation Zone to Mixed Development Zone via
Sella Katharagama Sacred Area

Environ Agriculture Commercial Commercial Sacred area Mixed Development

mental Mixed Development
Zone Zone - II Zone - I Zone
Conserva Zone
tion Zone

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Boundaries of the Sacred area of the Sella Kataragama has been defined in the zoning plan to
encompass the sacred places of Gange Temple (Dewalaya) Mahasen Temple and Walli
Cavewhile it is providing for permitting activities that are not adversely affecting the sanctity
of the sacred places. The Mixed Development Zone situated at the fringe area of the sacred
area will accommodate developments with high-intensity with the intention of increasing the
facilities that will be provided by the private sector developers to the visitors.

Urban Development Authority

91
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.1. Proposed Landuse Zoning Plan -2030

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban
2018 Development Authority
92
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3. Physical and Social Infrastructure Development Strategies

The Kataragama Vision for 2030 envisages making the Kataragama Town “Most Venerated
Town in the Ruhunu City by 2030”, in order to accomplish this vision a number of goals were
set, of which the second Goal aimed at establishing sustainable economy, while under the third
Goal envisaged providing more facilities to advance the anticipated comfort of the visitors
through provision of infrastructure facilities. These goals derived from the vision-2030
underpin the necessity of development of infrastructure facilities that will support the visitors’
arrivals sustainably and increases their duration of stay at Kataragama strengthening the
economy. So the infrastructure development becomes the priority number one. Accordingly,
Proposed service plan, Proposed Transport Plan, Proposed Water Supply Plan and Proposed
Solid Waste Management Plan have been indentified under this Physical and Social
Infrastructure Development Strategies as the core of the development strategy.

6.3.1. Proposed Service Provision Plan

The Kataragama population of 19436 in 2017 wasliving in an area of 566.8 sqkm. This
population, depending on the growth rate prevailed at that time, has been forecast to be 24,000
people by 2030. Beside this growth of population the Kataragama Town would attract more
visitors and devotees by the sacred places and the environmental beauty, the anticipated daily
visitor arrivals accordingly in the future would be in the region of 3000 to 5000. This visitor
figure, during the week ends and the special holiday rises to 15,000 approximately and during
the pageant being held the visitor population rises to 800,000 to 1,000,000 (total during the 15
days of pageant festival). Taking these facts in to consideration, the proposed service provision
plan has been prepared envisaging providing better services such as commercial, education,
health and so on to the increased resident and visiting population in the year of 2030.

Education
As far as the education in Kataragama is concerned, the education is mainly provided through
the primary schools and the secondary schools. The higher education facilities are somewhat
limited but currently institutes such as National Youth Council and E-Nanasala are carrying
out programs to promote the higher education in the area. However, the notable issue in the
current education facility in Kataragama is the increasing trend of school dropout of children
at their early ages. The children who leave the school seem to be joining with the commercial
activities in the urban area to provide many verities of goods and services to the visitors. These

Urban Development Authority

93
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

business activities do not require a much of business skills and capital. As such the children
who left the school can easily join with this business, in this manner such informal businesses
inspire the children at their early ages to leave the education and to do businesses to earn
income to support their families.

The Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Divisionhas 5 Government schools including primary

and secondary schools. The student population in these schools comes to 3790 students and the
teachers come to 166 teachers. Out of the 5 schools only one school is categorized as a national
school while the balance 4 schools are coming under the provincial school category. The
teacher student ratio is prevailing at 1:22, the standard maintained by the Education Department
is 1:28, in that sense the ratio prevailing in Kataragama seems to be comfortable. The schools
which are currently functioning in Kataragama are quite sufficient to meet the needs of the
increased population in the year 2030, but the issue here is most of these schools do not have
even the basic infrastructure facilities to meet the current needs. Under these circumstances,
the education service plan envisages providing infrastructure facilities to selected schools with
the aim of creating a better environment in the schools to support the students’ comfort..

1. School developments
• Kataragama National School
• Gthami School
• Detagamuwa Secondary School
• Sella Kataragama School.
There is no tertiary education system in place in Kataragama geared to develop the skills of the
young people who leave the school for labour market. As has been seen, most of these young
children joined with the informal sector businesses which cannot support the qualitative
development of the businesses. As a result the informal sector businesses that are in operation
in Kataragama have been prevailing as an informal business without any qualitative
improvement and without providing any opportunity to the job seekers to make any useful
contribution to the local economy. The lack of tertiary educational institutions in Kataragama
has been a major drawback in the social development process and inspires the continuation of
poverty in the area. In this backdrop, a proposal has been made to establish the tertiary
education facilities with the aim of developing the skills of the youngsters coming in to the job
market in the disciplines that will have a demand in Kataragama.

2. Vocational Training Centre Establishment

Urban Development Authority

94
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The main objective of this training centre is to develop the skills of youngsters in the areas of
providing services and goods to the visitors and to help indirectly promoting the quality of
goods and services provided to the visitors in the market. In the long run it is expected to
promote the commercial businesses in the locality.

Health

The main health centre that treats the patients in the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division
is the Kataragama District Hospital. The MOH office is engaging in running programs on
prevention of diseases in the area. The Ayurveda Centre located in the area provides Ayurvedic
treatments to the patients. The health facilities available in the area seem to be capable of
meeting the needs of the local residents; however, those facilities are inadequate to meet the
needs arising from the visitors who arrive in Kataragama in large numbers. (Vide Map).
Therefore it has become necessary to expand the Kataragama District Hospital to meet the
needs of the increased visitor arrivals and the local population in the year of 2030.

1. Expansion of the District Hospital in Kataragama with modern facilities

Urban Development Authority

95
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.2. Proposed Services Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
96
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3.2. Road and Transport Development Plan

The vision of this development plan for 2030 envisages the “Kataragama Town to be the most
venerated City in the Ruhuna”. This plan also envisages the current resident population therein
to be increased to 24,000 by 2030 together with a similar increase,as forecast,in the number of
visitor arivals fluctuating from a low number during the week days and increasing towardfs the
week ends. The peak of the visitor arivals are generally experienced during the festival seasons
in every year. The visitors and the devetees of the Kataragama Town are reaching this town
from many parts of the Country by roads, which are limited only to two roads, namely, Buttala
Kataragama Road and the Thissa-Kataragama Road. There are no other alternative roads
available for the visitors to reach their most sacred town of Kataragama. This limitation in the
Kataragama approach roads resulted in severe traffic congesstion during the festive seasons
and the week ends. Lack of pedestrian friendly street network, walkways, pavements, adequate
car parks and a public bus stand add to this problem creating an unfriendly environment for the
visitor population.

As such this transport and road sector has been planned with the aim of addressing these issues
through achieving the objective of providing more facilities including transport facilities for
efficient mobility of the visitorsbetween important locations in the town.

Under this plan a number of strategies has been identified to improve this sector.

1. Development of Alternative Roads

2. Widening of road networks
3. .Development of pavements and pedestrian walkways
4. Kataragama Public Bus Stand Development
5. .Development of existing car parks and development of new car parks at selected places

Urban Development Authority

97
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1. Development of Alternative Roads

The mobility between most sacred places of Kataragama, namely, Kataragama Temple
(Devalaya), Sella Kataragama and Wadihitykanda are currently constrained by the lack of
alternative roads to access. Therefore following strategic proposals have been formulated to
develop the alternative roads.

1. Development of a new road connecting Gamudawa Entrance road and the Sella
Kataragama main road.
The Buttala - Kataragama road is the only road that can be used to enter and exit Kataragama
from Buttala. However, the road is not wide enough and it is not possible to widen the road as
there are plants (siyambala trees) planted under Gam Udawa in 1987 in the road reserve. Due
to this, the Galahitiya road was identified to be developed with two lanes as an alternative route
to enter Kataragama town from Buttala and exit towards Buttala.

Image 6.6. Cross section of the proposed Galahitiya alternative road

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

98
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Development of Kiriwehera Road connecting with the Sithulpwwa Road.

The old Kirivehera road will be used to access the Kataragama sacred area from Sella
Kataragama and it is proposed to develop this road with Sithul Pawwa road as an alternative
road with two lanes.

3. Development of Road providing access via Northern Entrance.

4. Development of Roads connecting Wadihitykanda with the Kataragama Town.
It is proposed to develop the existing road at the entrance to Kataragama town towards
Tissamaharama and exit towards Tissamaharama as well as the existing access road to
Wedasitikanda sacred area with two lanes connecting Wedasiti Kanda and the city.

5. Development of a new road to meet the public market

Map 6.3. Alternative Roads Development

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

99
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Widening of Road Network

Following roads have been identified under the strategic projects in this roads and transport
development plan
1. Gamudawa Entrance Road
2. Tissa- Kataragama main road
3. Gadolwadiya Road
4. Hospital Road
5. Old Wadihitykanda Road
6. Pussadewa Mawatha (Road)
7. Galahitiya Road

3. Development of Pavements and Pedestrians’ Walkways.

In order to facilitate the visitors of Kataragama, a visitor-friendly environment is expected to

create in Kataragama and Sella Kataragama by developing pavements and walkways in
selected places.

Selected Places in Kataragama Town

1. Walking Track around the Detagamuwa Tank
2. Developing a walking track from Detagamuwa Urban Park to Dewalaya Access Road
connecting Saddhathissa Road.
3. Pedestrian Walkway development from Detagamuwa Urban Park to the Dewalaya
Approach road connecting Gotaimbara Road.
4. Pussadewa Road
5. Hospital Road
6. Dewalaya Access road

Selected Places in Sella Kataragama

1. Ghana Temple surrounding area in Sella Kataragama.
2. Walking Track in Akkara Wissa Tank

Urban Development Authority

100
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Map 6.4. Development of Proposed Pavements and Walkways (Kataragama Town area)

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

3. Development of Kataragama Public Bus Stand

Visitors coming from long distances to Kataragama and the residents of the Kataragama area
need a better bus terminal with facilities of shops, sanitary facilities and organized bus parking
facilities enabling the people to board buses that will be transporting people to distant
destinations. With these needs in mind the bus stand development proposal has been
formulated.
Figure 6.7. Present Statuation of the Kataragama Bus Stand, Proposed Conceptual Diagram and
Proposed Lnad

Present Statuation Proposed Conceptual Diagram

Urban Development Authority
101
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Proposed Lnad

Proposed
Land

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

4. Redevelopment of Existing Vehicle Parks and Development of new Vehicle Parks

at Identified Locations

This proposal envisages to redevelop existing car parks with more facilities in more organized
manner and development of new car parks at identified locations in the urban area to meet the
needs of the increased numbers of visitors during the week ends and the festive seasons.
Accordingly following existing car parks will be redeveloped

• No. 02 Car Park (This proposal will be implemented under the proposal of public
market redevelopment project.)
• No. 3 Car Park
• Gangaramaya Car Park
These car parks will be developed with necessary facilities under the transport and road
development strategic proposal.

Development of New Vehicle Parks

• Wimalasena Road Car park
• Sella Kataragama Car Park near the Water Supply & Drainage Board’s Premises
• Reservations along the selected roads in the urban area.

Urban Development Authority

102
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Table 6.1. Proposed Car Parks in Kataragama

Location Land extent (Acres)

Wimalasena Road Car park 3
Sella Kataragama Car Park near the Water Supply &
2
Drainage Board’s Premises

Reservations along the selected roads in the urban area.

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Development of identified roads reservations as parking lots

The existing parking facilities in the suburbs are not adequate for the large number of vehicles
arriving in Kataragama during the long weekends and perahera seasons, which results in
parking of vehicles on the road reserves and sidewalks during the festive season as well as
during the peak hours in the town area and Causes congestion. As a solution to this problem, it
is expected to clear the road reserve for the main roads in the town area and develop it as a
parking lot.

Accordingly, it is proposed to develop the road reserve from the Kataragama bus stand on the
Tissa - Kataragama main road to the Dutugemunu rest house as parking lots.

Map 6.5. Tissa - Kataragama main road to the Dutugemunu rest house as parking lots

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

103
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 6.8. Current condition of the road reserve on the Tissa - Kataragama main road

Current condition

Figure 6.9. Development of road reserve as proposed parking area on Tissa - Kataragama main
road - Cross section

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

Urban Development Authority

104
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.6. Proposed Roads and Transport Development Plan of Kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
105
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3.3. Proposed Drinking Water Supply Plan

This water supply plan aims at providing safe drinking water sufficiently to the residents as
well as the visitors of Kataragama by 2030. Currently water supply to the area is constrained
during the dry spell and even during the rainy period water quantity supplied becomes
insufficient to meet the full needs of the residents and the visitors of the area. Therefore this
plan has been prepared with the full knowledge of the current issues of the water supply
situation of the planning area.
The main water source of the area is the Manik River that runs across the area, the pipe borne
network does not cover the entire planning area. The shallow wells and the tube wells become
the main drinking water sources in areas where pipe borne network is not operational.
Nevertheless, the pipe borne water supply network is responsible for supplying water to meet
the needs of the people more than 50%. In the year of 2017 the demand for drinking water in
kataragama (including visitors) was 7000m3, but the system can supply only 6500 m3, the water
supplied can be increased to 4000 m3 during the rainy period owing to the capacity limitations.
These figures reflects that the water supply is currently functioning at its full capacity. Under
these circumstances the Water Supply and Darinage Board has temporarily suspended the
establishment of new water connections to the local residents.
The facts so far discussed relate to the normal week days and weekends water supply situation,
but during the festive season the demand for water ramps to the peak level, reaching to the
level of 10,000 m3 of water creating a shortage of 3500 m3 of water. The visitors as well as the
local residents encounter this acute water shortage during the festive season of every year.
According to the population forecast and the visitor arrival projections the demand for water
supply in the Kataragama Town by the year 2030 can rise to 8000 m3 during the normal week
days, which can rise to 11,000 m3 during the weekends. The demand peak can be resulted in
the year of 2030 in 12,000 m3 or more. This situation can create an alarming situation as far as
the water supply is concerned. With the understanding of this grave water shortage that can
befall in the year of 2030, this water supply plan devised a strategy to supply safe drinking
water in sufficient quantity to the total population in the area including the visitors.

1. Development of a new water purification plant with a capacity of 15 000 m3

2. Establishment of a new Water intake at Kohomba digana

Urban Development Authority

106
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.7. Proposed Water Supply Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
107
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3.4. Proposed Storm Water and Waste Water Drainage Plan

The increasing resident and visitor population ramps the waste water generation as in the case
of solid waste generation. The increase of the built up areas in the urban area tends to increase
the volume of storm water runoff as the absorption capacity reduced due to the built up area
covering the naked ground. This process affect the environment in two different ways, first
reduced absorption of storm water reduces the underground water table recharge, secondly it
increases the storm water runoff over the surface in to natural water ways, which can pollute
the water sources in the locality. In the absence of a waste water drainage system, this issue
can be aggravated as there is a danger of underground water contamination by such waste water
that is absorbed in to the ground. Under these circumstances, a properly laid pipe borne
drainage system has become vital in the case of Kataragama. The proposed plan on this sector
envisages to achieve this objective.
The Kataragama urban area is served by an old system of storm water drainage network, which
does not cover the larger areas of the town. As the drainage systemthat is functioning with
limited capacity cannot cope up with the volume of waste water being generated in the built up
areas, such waste water naturally released in to the storm water drains, which finally ends up
at the Manik River which is the main source of drinking water in Kataragama. This process is
posing an eminent danger of river water being polluted. The storm water drains are not properly
integrated though most of the urban roads are provided with such drains, some drains are
isolated from the network, which results in stagnation of waste and storm water leaving a threat
of underground water contamination. There again shallow well water, which is one of the
sources of drinking water, may be contaminated making them unhygienic for drinking
purposes. The proposed drainage plan appended bellow envisages overcoming all these issues
and meeting the emerging needs of the increasing population as forecast under this
development plan.
1. Rehabilitation of the storm water drainage system in the town area.
2. Provision of such drains in areas where such facilities are lacking.
As the existing drainage system is inadequate to meet the needs of the town, the National Water
Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is currently implementing a drainage scheme covering
the urban area of the Kataragama Town with a capacity to meet the needs arising from the
increasing population until 2040 as forecast. This drainage scheme will yield results in
safeguarding the water in the Manik River which is the main drinking water sources in
Kataragama and secondly it will also protect the underground water table safeguarding the
waters in the shallow wells.

Urban Development Authority

108
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3.5. Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan

The protection and conservation of the natural environment of the Kataragama area has been
one the main objectives of this development plan, in order to succeed this objective by 2030,
Kataragama needs a better solid waste management system, being equipped with necessary
facilities to provide the services effectively. The current solid waste management in
Kataragama is being handled by the Kataragama Dewalaya (Temple) and the Pradesheeya
Sabha (PS). The solid waste generated in the sacred Area is collected by the Temple (Develaya)
Management while the same of the Sella Kataragama is done by the Pradesheeya Sabha. The
solid waste collected from the sacred area is discharged at the Galapitagalayaya solid waste
management site. The solid wastes collected daily, 4 tons, from the Sella Kataragama area is
discharged in to the same site, where the solid wastes are subjected to sorting and then
discharged. However, although the daily collection of solid wastes during the normal week
days can be managed at this site, same during the week ends and the festive seasons cannot be
handled as the overwhelming amount of wastes generated, 08 and 60 tons of wastes
respectively, exceeds the total capacity of the system, including waste collection, transport,
processing and final discharge. As a result, the management authorities are compelled to
discharge the wastes in to the open grounds without them being sorted out and processed.

The waste management authorities arranged a temporary tipping site closer to the sacred area
in Kataragama, which too suffered from the under capacity of the system. As a result the solid
wastes collected and tipped at this site cannot be sorted out as the necessary human resources
are lacking and discharge the wastes as collected in the site itself without sorting or following
hygienically safe methods. The issues emitting from this solid waste site is multi faceted,
environmental pollution is the most acute problem in the immediate vicinity. This ad-hoc
method of solid waste management cannot face the challenges of handling increased solid
waste generation during the run-up to the target year of 2030.
The magnitude of this issue can be comprehended by looking at the estimated solid wastes
generation during this period, according to which the solid waste generated daily during the
week days is 7 tons, which could ramp up to 15 tons per day during the week ends and long
weekends. In this backdrop it is necessary to planned out a comprehensive solid wastes
management system based on a strategy. The strategies indentified accordingly are appended
bellow.

Urban Development Authority

109
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1. Establishment of solid wastes collection zones

Currently only two solid waste collection zones are under implementation, which is in efficient
in terms of operation of the system. Therefore 7 solid wastes collections zones have been
proposed for implementation under this plan. The zones so identified are appended bellow.
I. Kataragama Urban Zone -I
II. Kataragama Urban Zone - II
III. Depot Road
IV. The zone surrounding the Pussadewa Road
V. Sella-Kataragama Zone
VI. Wadahitikanda Zone
VII. VIThe zone that covers the area outside the sacred area

This plan envisages detailing a waste collection truck/tractor to each zone and to carry out the
solid waste collection twice a day. Bio degradable wastes will be collected in the first session
and the materials which are made of synthetic materials could be collected in second
sessionThe collection of synthetic materials can be collected once a week as they can be stored
at the source until collected by the system

2. Expansion of the Galapita galayaya solid waste management site to cope up with
the increasing volume of solid wastes during the run-up to the target year of 2030

Currently the solid wastes management system is mainly operated by the Kataragama
Pradesiya Sabha, with the help of the following equipments and assets.
Tractors 04 Numbers
Compacting Trucks 01 Number
Bobcat Machine 01 Number
Cutter Machine 01 Number
A Tipping site
The above mentioned equipments will not be sufficient to face the challenges to be posed by
the increased solid wastes to be generated by the year of 2030; therefore it has been proposed
to increase the stock of equipments as follows.
Additional Bobcat machine 01 Number
One additional Cutter machine
A solid wastes processing and filling centre with necessary facilities.
The Galapitagalayaya processing centre needs to be expanded accordingly.

Urban Development Authority

110
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 6.10. Location of Galapitagalayaya Solid Waste management Centre in Kataragama

Kataragama

Galapitagalayaya Waste
management Centre

Wedasiti Kanda

Source: Urban Development Authority, District Office - Moneragala, 2021

3. Relocation of Solid Waste Management Centres which are inconsistence with the
natural environment at appropriate locations.

Under this proposal, the waste tipping operation carried out at the site situated closer to the
sacred area is proposed to relocate at the Galapitagalyaya waste management centre as the
current location is incompatible with the activities of the sacred area and the environmental
pollution that is caused by the operations of this centre.

Urban Development Authority

111
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Figure 6.11. Waste Collection Center at Sacred area

Sacred area
Waste Collection Center

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

4. Establishment of centres (Seva Piyasa) at selected places to purchase non-bio

degradable wastes.

The following locations have been identified to establish such centres in the urban area of the
Kataragama Town.
- Within the Public Bus Stand Premises
- Sella Kataragama, at a location closer to the Community Centre Hall Premises.

Urban Development Authority

112
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.8. Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
113
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.3.6. Other Utilities Plan

Sanitary Facility Development Plan

One of the main objectives of this development plan was to provide more infrastructure
services to the resident population and the visitor population of Kataragama. Therefore this
service facility plan was prepared aiming at providing improved sanitory facilities to the
people.

As already seen, the daily vistor population in the Kataragama Town, during the normal week
days, ranging from 2500 to 3000 and this figure ramps to 10,000 or more during the special
holidays or week ends. The existing sanitory facilities already provided for their use at public
bus stand, car parks and other places, in terms of service capacity, are inadequate to meet their
needs, as far as the quality of the facilities are concerned, they are not even up to any standard
and they are not even properly maintained either. In this backdrop it can be concluded that
those facilities are unservicable and posing a threat of environmental pollution. Hence this issue
of lack of sanitory facilities to the visitor population has been identifed as one of the pressing
issue in Kataragama.

If the current sanitory facilities availble in the Town Area and in the sacred area are inadequate,
in terms of their capacity and hygenic conditions vis a vis the current visitor population it is
parcatically impossible to meet the needs of the future visitor population that will be much
higher than the current number at [Link] daily visitor population is expected to reach 3000 to
5000 during the week days according to the forecast and this figure can be reaching 15,000
visitors per day during the week ends and special holidays. Under these circumstances the
provision of sanitory facilities to the vistor population becomes crucial and vital. If these
services continue to stay at the same status, it is impossible to think of the future state of the
town by the year 2030.

1. Development of Sanitory Facilities in the Urban Area of the Town and the Sacred Area.
2. Development of new toilets and sanitory facilities
⁻ Toilet Complex near the garden at a site closer to the second bridge
⁻ Toilet conplex at Proposed Detagamuwa wewa urban park
⁻ Toilet Complex at the Public Bus Stand Premises
⁻ Toilet conplex at the car park along the Wimalasena Mawatha

Urban Development Authority

114
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.9. Sanitary Facilities Development Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
115
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.4. Economic Development Plan

6.4.1. Proposed Economic Plan

Historically Kataragama economy has been evolving as an agricultural economy until the year
1961 when the sacred places were declared as a sacred area,this declaration became the turning
point of the traditional economic development, from agriculture to a service sector based
economy. The service sector economy was mainly characterized by the services that were
provided to the visitors and the devotees who arrived in the town for religious purposes and
nature tourism. This changing economic process gradually strengthens the service sector of the
town, thereby relegating the agricultural sector to an insignificant position. Therefore it is
necessary to examine the specific aspects of this emerging economic sector-providing goods
and services to the visitors of the town- before the economic plan is devised.

Large volume of visitor arrivals in Kataragama has been experienced ever since it was declared
as a sacred area. This visitor arrival has been increasing gradually and so did the business
activities which are strongly dependent on the visitor arrivals. This process has been growing
sustainably attracting more investments in to the emerging sector, this new sector was looked
at by the people as a fast- money -making economic activity, particularly those who have been
hither to engaged in agriculture, and joined with new business activities in the emerging sector.
As a result many hotels and visitor accommodation facility centres were sprung in the locality
and some residential buildings too were converted to visitor accommodation facility centres
reflecting the ramping demand for such services. The other specific sectors that were developed
along with the visitor arrival has been the supply of divers goods and services to the visitors
such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, foods, ornamental items and various other items required
for the religious functions. Transport sector also has been developed very fast along with the
development of the other related businesses.

However, the change of economic base also influenced the physical environment to develop
haphazardly, the resultant development has been the emerged of informal sector in the absence
of a strong law enforcement mechanism to control and guide the physical developments
undertaken by the informal sector businessmen. This process of informal sector growth
influenced the dignity and sanctity of the sacred places too to diminish and create hardships on
the visitors as well. This negative impact of the emerging economy needs to be arrested in order
to provide a better environment with a sustainable development for the visitors of the town, on
which most of the urban economic activities depend.

Urban Development Authority

116
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1. Demarcation of Agricultural Zones with provisions for the visitor - oriented service
facilities to facilitate the sacred area.

The SWOT analysis found that the agricultural sector in Kataragama is capable of producing
and supplying diverse agricultural products to the emerging market in Kataragama as the
demand for such goods and services are ramping in the market along with the growth of the
visitor arrival. The fruits, flowers and many food items are required for the religious functions
that are taking place in the religious places in Kataragama. The agricultural zones, if developed
with a realistic focused on a vision such agricultural products can be produced and supplied to
the market. In this scenario, the agricultural sector has a great potential for development on the
basis of the emerging economic sector. Therefore this economic plan envisages developing the
agricultural sector on the basis of the needs of the emerging market.

Those who are engaged in the agricultural sector can adopt this strategy to cultivate diverse
flowers, plantains, watermelon, and pineapple and so on. These agricultural produce will have
a ready market in the sacred area and many other whole sale businesses too can emerge to make
supplies to retailers. This process will give birth to a new economic order in the area where the
agriculture will become complementary to the emerging economy in the sacred area and the
urban [Link] projects identified for implementation under this plan are appended below.

I. Model Farm in the Proposed Agricultural Zone

It has been planned to implement with the help of the Agrarian Service Centre in Kataragama
small scale farms within the agricultural zone involving small farming groups in the area to
grow flowers with diverse verities and fruits such as pineapple, watermelon, plantains etc
including beetles, particularly in areas such as Galahitiya and Katawile. This plan will help
establishing a sustainable economy for the people in the area.

II. Proposed Agricultural Produce Sale Centre

With the view of establishing a sustainable market for the agricultural products and cow milk
a sale centre has been proposed. This sale centre will collect the agricultural products and
market them at this sale centre.

III. Proposed Rice Milling and Sale Centre

Urban Development Authority

117
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Establishment of Mixed Development Zone

This Mixed Development Zone envisages promotion of facilities in the formal sector geared to
attract more visitors and to entice them to stay longer duration in Kataragama by providing
them with quality services and goods. In developing this zone, attraction of more investors to
this area for development of hospitality centres in the formal sector, will become necessary.
Use of residential buildings for the hospitality centres will be encouraged within this zone,
which could yield direct and indirect economic benefits in the long-run. This development also
can be linked with the environmental tourism taking the advantage of the surrounding
sanctuaries.

I. Development of a New Circuit Bungalow in Kataragama to provide more

accommodation facilities

3. Development of Facilities to promote Secondary and Higher Education in the Area

Kataragama has an active labour force, but unskilled, in the backdrop of developing hospitality
activities in the area there will be a higher demand for skilled labour emerging from the
hospitality sector. This unskilled labour needs a vocational training to prepare themselves for
the opportunities created in the industry. In this backdrop establishment of vocational training
centres has become necessary. Hotel School and other technical institutions including
agricultural training programs will be very useful achieving these objectives.

4. Arrange facilities for formalize business and small scale industries established at
Kataragama

The traditional craftsmanship has been evolved in the Kataragama area spreading the skills in
some areas. These traditional industries are faded away in their economic strength as the market
for their products were overtaken by the modern industries. However, this traditional industry
has a potential of promoting in the modern markets through proper guidance and providing
marketing opportunities. Handicraft industry, carvings, turning out ornamental goods and
making garlands are some of the products that have a good opportunity for development in the
emerging market. The projects identified under this vision are appended below.

I. Development of Trading Stalls dedicated for the sacred area within the public market
premises (this project will be implemented under the entrance square project(
II. Redevelopment of Public market

Urban Development Authority

118
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

III. Weekly Fair Development Project

IV. Proposed Ornamental Good Shopping Complex
V. Mixed Development Project along the Wimalasena Road (Mawatha)

Urban Development Authority

119
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.10. Proposed Economic Development Plan

Legend
New Commecial Development

Pablic Market Relocation Project

Weekly fair Development Project
Vocational Training Center

Kataragama PS Boundary
Agriculture Zone
Commercial Zone - I

Commercial Zone - II

Mixed Development Zone

Map No :
Proposed Economic Development Plan (2021- 2030) - Kataragama Urban Development area nd
Prepared Date : 22 October 2018
District Office
Source : Monaragala District Office
Monaragala
(UDA)

Urban Development Authority Prepared By : [Link]

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
120
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.5. Environment Sustainable Strategies

6.5.1. Introduction

In order to succeed the achievement of the vision,“most venerated town in the Ruhunu City”,
the third objective set out in the development plan has been protection and conservation of the
natural environment of the planning area. In this scenario of sustainable environmental
development strategies have been devised under the landscaping plan, open area development
plan and the wetland management plan.

6.5.2. Environment Conservation Plan

The interaction of the resident population, natural environment, Manic River and the devotees
characterizes the socio-economic functions of Kataragama. This interaction demands
protection of the natural environment for a sustainable economic development of the area. In
order to achieve this objective following strategies have been identified.

1. Introduction of Environmental Conservation Zones

As has been seen previously, the Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Divisional area
accommodates the sanctuaries of Yala, Kataragama Hill Forest, and the Katagamuwa
sanctuary. These sanctuaries will be zoned as Environmental Conservation and Environmental
Sensitive Zones for further protection. Once these sanctuaries are zoned under the Zoning Plan
of the Development Plan of the UDA, the legal instruments provided under the said Law will
become enforceable by the UDA and empowers the Authority to control and manage all the
development activities that will be undertaken within those areas for protection of the
[Link] development activities that are permissible and not permissible will be listed
under the Development Regulations that will be provided for under this Development Plan,
which will legally empower the Authority to control all the incompatible activities in such
environmentally sensitive areas coming under the relevant zone. This zoning plan will also
identify the areas within such sensitive zones where certain developments can be permitted
without harming the sensitive environments. These areas will be defined as environment
friendly zones.

The green areas surrounding the sacred area too will be zoned under the environmental
sensitive Zones for their future protection and conservation purposes.

Urban Development Authority

121
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

2. Introduce environment conservation buffer for water bodies

The urban development in Kataragama impacts the natural water ways, rivers and the public
assets such as roads open areas etc. The Law of Land Development Act no 19 of 1935 which
is in force provided for controlling and management of such places had not been able to manage
such incompatible activities effectively in public reservations, as such it has been decided to
provide necessary legal provisions under the zoning plan.

Table 6.2. Demarcation of Reservations

Width of River (m) Reservation (m)

4.6> 20 m (On either side along the edge)

4.6 – 15.2 40 m ( On either side along the edge )
15.2< 60 m (On either side along the edge )

Source: Law of Land Development Act no 19 of 1935

3. Construction of retaining walls along the embankment of the Manik River for
protection from the erosion and landscaping the river banks.
⁻ Area surrounding the sacred area
⁻ Sella Kataragama

4. The paddy fields situated within the Kataragama Urban area, 468 Hectares in
extent, will be preserved to continue the current agricultural use under the
regulations that will be provided for within the zoning regulations

5. Implementation of a solid waste management system covering the areas of sacred

area and the urban area of kataragama. (The details of this proposal are provided
under the Paragraph no 6.3.5. under the solid waste management plan)

Urban Development Authority

122
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.11. Proposed Environmental Conservation Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
123
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.5.3. Landscape Management Plan

Kataragama current development has been evolved throughout the history on the basis of the
interaction between the most sacred places, Manik River and the Sanctuaries in the area
including the Wadihitikand. The sacred religious places in Kataragama drives the economic,
cultural and physical development characteristics and in this process the sanctity of the
religious places influences the cultural events in the area such as Esala Pageant and the
economic behaviors that has been shaped by the flower trading stalls concentrated within the
sacred area. This cultural and economic behavior of the Kataragama area characterizes the
landscape and the built environment of the town

In this backdrop, the protection and advancement of the sanctity of the sacred places needs to
be set out as one of the main objectives of the Development Plan-2030. As such the preparation
of the environment with a focus on creating a compatible landscape has become imperative. In
order to succeed this objective following strategies have been identified under the proposed
landscape management plan of Kataragama.

1. Landscaping the road reservation along the road from the Gam Udawa Clock Tower to
the Kataragama Town and with that purpose in mind this proposal has been included in
the Public Open Area and Recreational and Service Plan.
2. Landscaping the road reservation from the Public Bus Stand up to the Depot and to
implement this landscaping plan under the Public Open Area and Recreational and
Service Plan.
3. Landscaping the pedestrian walkways from Detagamuwa Urban Park connecting with
the Saddhathissa Road (Mawatha)

4. The built up hard landscape, which is historically significant prevalent in religious

places like Kiriwehera, Kataragama Devalaya (Temple), Sella Kataragama Ghana
Devalaya (Temple) and Wedahitikanda will be zone individualy for preparation of
plans and implementation of such plans.
5. The existing paddy cultivation lands in the urban area will be preserved as a strategy of
the landscape plan with an objective of supporting protection of the precious water
resources and to sustain its existance.

Urban Development Authority

124
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Map 6.12. Proposed Landscape Management Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
125
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.5.4. Public Open Space Plan

According to the standards accepted by the Urban Development Authority 1000 people should
be provided with 1 Hectare of open areas for leisure, recreational and entertainment facilities.
Kataragama Divisional Secretariat Division had a population of 19,335 in 2017; this population
has been forecast to be 23,108 by 2030. This population, according to the UDA accepted
standard, would need a minimum of 23 Hectares of open lands by 2030 for leisure, recreational
and entertainment purposes.

The activities of public open areas can be grouped under two main categories, namely active
and passive recreational facilities. The active facilities enable people to actively participate in
leisure activities which include swimming, running, walking and boating etc. The passive
facilities include libraries, cinema theatres, and viewing decks and so on. Kataragama has no
such organized recreational facility system to serve the resident and visiting population, even
the available such facilities are very limited and are not properly developed. Further
examination of this sector reveals that according to the population recorded in the year 2017
the required open area should have been, according to the UDA standard, 19.3 Hectares but in
fact what was available had been only 3.39 Hectares, which constitutes approximately sixth of
the total minimum requirement

Table 6.3. Existing public recreational and leisure facilities

No Location Extent (ha)

1. Ranjith Madduma Bandara Play Ground. 2.28

2. Mahinda Rajapaksha Play Ground 0.24
3. Clidren’s Park 0.87
Total 3.39

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

The strategies set out under the Public Leisure, entertainment and recreational facility plan,
which has been prepared with an objective of providing such facilities in Kataragama are
appended below.

Urban Development Authority

126
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

1. Redevelopment of all existing play grounds and development of new such facilities at
appropriately identified locations.
⁻ Rehabilitation of Madduma Bandara Play Ground.
⁻ Relocation of Kataragama Children’s Park at a location closer to the
Detagamuwa Tank.
⁻ Development of a new Play Ground at Sella Kataragama.
2. Development of new Parks.
⁻ Development of an Urban Park around the Detagamuwa Tank
⁻ Existing Children’s Park site to be developed as an urban park.
⁻ Development of green area located near the Second Bridge
⁻ Development of parks in the area surrounding the Detagamauwa Paddy Lands.
3. Initiation of boat services in identified tanks for recreational purpose.
⁻ Milagama Tamk
⁻ Detagamuwa Tank
⁻ Akkarawissa Tank
⁻ Kariwile Tank.
4. Controlling and managing of unauthorized constructions through enforcement of regulations
relating to open areas.

Urban Development Authority

127
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Table 6.4. Public Recreational and Leisure facility Spatial Plan

Service
Extent area-
Name of Play Ground Name of Park
in ha. Radius in
Km
1 2.28 Local park
Madduma Bandara Play Ground 0.4
2 0.24 Pocket park
Mahinda Rajapaksha Play Ground -
3 New Play Ground at Sella 0.5 Mini Park
0.2
Kataragama
Other
4 0.87 Mini Park
Kataragama Children’s Park 0.2
5 0.8 Mini Park
Detagamuwa Children’s Park 0.2

6 Linear Park from the Gam Udawa 11.0

Clock Tower to the Kataragama Linear park -
Town,
7 Linear Park from the Bus Stand up to 0.5
Linear park -
the Depot Road
8 Linear Park along either side of the 1.0
Linear park -
Saddhathissa Road
9 2.5
Tree plantation near the Second Local park
0.4
Bridge

10 0.8 Mini Park

Area around the Detagamuwa Tank 0.2

11 Rock Plain in Detagamuwa Paddy 0.5 Mini Park

0.2
Land
12 800 Outdoor recreational
Wadihitikanda Sanctuary
center
Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

128
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.13. Proposed Open Area Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
129
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.6. Cultural and Heritage Management Plan

The location of sacred places such as Kiriwehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Kataragama Temple
(Dewalaya), Wadihitikanda, Sithulpawwa and Sella Kataragama, which have a highest
archeological value gave birth to the most popular cultural event of Esala Pageant, which is
being held annually with a participation of large number of devotees represented by many
different religions and cultures, made Kataragama one of the most sacred towns in the Country.
This significant character has been further enhanced by the natural physical features such as
Manik Ganga (River) and the Yala Sanctuary that interact with the sacred area inducing the
visitors to enjoy them more frequently.

Realizing this significance of sacred places and natural environment of Kataragama, in 1961
the Government of Sri Lanka declared the Kataragama sacred places as a sacred area in 1961
with a long term view of preserving and protecting its sanctity and accordingly appropriate
measures were taken. However, the people, who were motivated by many economic
opportunities, engaged in unauthorized developments in the vicinity of the sacred area and in
the prime locations of the town in a haphazard manner owing to the weak law enforcement by
the authorities. This development process placed an adverse impact on the sanctity of the
religious places. This diminishing sanctity of the sacred places needs to be arrested in order to
preserve the sacredness of the religious places in Kataragama. With this objective in mind the
Cultural and Heritage Management Plan has been prepared with a particular focus on setting
out an appropriate built environment in the sacred area as well as in the urban area. This plan
identified the following strategies to preserve the sanctity of the sacred area in the long run.

1. Establishment of Sacred area zones from zoning plan.

Sacred Zones for each sacred place, namely Kataragama, Wadihitykanda and Sella
Kataragama, will be defined as sacred zones for development purposes with a view of
controlling and managing the future developments so as to prevent incompatible development
activities in such zones and to enhance the sanctity of each zone. The activities that will be
permitted in each zone will be decided with a view of giving priority for protecting the cultural
and religious values of each sacred zone without placing any adverse impact on the sacred
places. The three sacred zones, Kataragama, Wadihitykanda and Sella Kataragama will be
declared under the zoning plan with the purpose of protecting the cultural and religious values
of such places. The zoning plan will also include a set of regulations, which are enforceable in

Urban Development Authority

130
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

each zone and will enable the Authorities to control and manage all the development activities
in such zones; thereby the incompatible land uses will not be permitted.

2. Removal of unauthorized traders and unauthorized constructions to be assigned to a

joint committee with necessary powers.

The removal of unauthorized constructions and traders, that are in existence in Kataragama
Sacred Area, Sella kataragama and Wadahitikanda areas, need to be carried out as a joint
operation by the relevant authorities under the leadership of the Urban Development Authority.
Appointment of a joint committee is proposed consisting of Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha,
Divisional Secretary, Department of National Physical Planning, Road Development
Authority, Kataragama Police Station, public representatives and representatives of Trade
Association. This Joint Committee can identify the unauthorized traders and constructions
through a field survey. The establishments so identified need to be relocated at suitable
alternative locations decided by the joint Committee. This committee will also be entrusted
with power to decide what establishments need to be relocated and at what locations they need
to be relocated. Further this committee has to decide on suitable legal framework to prevent
future unauthorized developments being carried out in the sacred zones.

3. Facade improvement of of existing buildings in selected places by the UDA according

to urban designing standards.

The face up lifting of existing building in the following locations need to be reflective of the
sanctity of the sacred places, influencing the devotees to generate tranquilized, calm and
compassionate feelings in them, giving priority for the commercial uses that are providing
goods and services to meet the needs of the devotees to perform religious functions,

⁻ Access road to the Temple (Devalaya)

⁻ Gotimbara Road
⁻ Abhaya Road
⁻ Centre Road
⁻ Saddhathissa Road.

The buildings located along the above mentioned roads will be uplifted without verity of ad-
hoc designs, colours, and name boards which are in different incompatible shapes and colours.
The face of such buildings will be changed to be compatible with the design principles and
standards that will preserve the sacredness of the sacred places. The buildings will be color

Urban Development Authority

131
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

washed in white and the designs of the face of buildings will follow the designs of the building
to be constructed under the proposed Entrance Square Development Project.

Figure 6.14. Trade Stalls in Kataragama

Figure 6.15. Model of the Proposed Building in the
Entrance Square Project in
Kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Figure 6.16. identified zone for Facade improvement at Kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

132
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

4. Removal of incompatible uses in the urban area closer to the sacred area.
According to the investigations carried out by the planning team, many incompatible uses were
identified in the urban area closer to the sacred area. Among those uses, meat and fish selling
stalls, vehicle repairing Garages and hardware stores are the main incompatible uses carried
out in this area. These activities need to be removed from the sacred area and will be relocated
at appropriate locations according to the proposed land use plan. The public market will also
be relocated at Car Park no 02 premises.

1. Public Market Relocation Project

5. Sacred Area Development and Landscaping Project.

Under this project Kataragama Sacred Area, Sella Kataragama and Wadahitikanda will be
developed according to a plan which will also include proposals for landscaping the three
project areas with a view of providing more facilities for the devotees while enhancing the
sanctity of the sacred places. The projects identified accordingly are appended bellow.

I. Wadahitikanda Landscaping and development of a Centre to provided facilities for

the pilgrims
II. Landscaping of Kiriwehera with pedestrian walkways being provided.
III. Landscaping of the approach road to the Kataragama Temple (Devalaya)
IV. Development and landscaping of Approach road to the Sella Kataragama Sacred area.

6. Preparation of a new vehicular traffic circulation plan for the main sacred area of
kataragama.

The Kataragama Sacred Area Development Plan of 1961 envisaged preserving the values of
religion, cultural and heritage functions and creating an environment where such functions
could be carried out unhindered while removing all the other activities which had been
incompatible with such main functions of the sacred area. However, these original proposals
have not been enforced strictly and as a result many visitor vehicles are entering in to the sacred
area. Today this can be witnessed as a common practice in the sacred area. This practice needs
to be corrected with a view of minimizing the adverse impact placed by the irregular traffic
movements within the sacred area. With this objective in mind, a new traffic circulation plan
has been prepared under the Culture and Heritage Management Plan as a strategic measure
aiming at creating an environment where sanctity of the sacred area will be enhanced.

Urban Development Authority

133
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

I. Establishment of a transport system dedicated to serving the disabled devotees, senior

citizens and patients for their mobility within the sacred area. This proposed transport
system will be equipped with micro electric cars.

Urban Development Authority

134
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Map 6.14. Culture and Heritage Management Plan

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
135
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.7. Implementation Strategies

The Kataragama Development Plan 2021- 2030 set out strategies for implementation of project
proposals. The project proposals identified under each strategy will be implemented in a
manner selected through comparative analysis of methodology and the analysis of the social
and environmental impact of such project proposals.

6.7.1. Strategic Projects

Project Prioratization

No. Project Name

1 Rehabilitation and Development of Existing Drainage Network in the town

centre.
2 Development of Car Park at Wimalasena Mawatha (Road)
3 Kataragama Public Bus Stand Development
4 Car Park Development at a site closer to the Water Supply Board in Sella
Kataragama
5 Development of sanitary facilities in the sacred area and in the town area.
6 Construction of a new Water Purification Plant
7 Establishment of a new Water Intake at Kohomba Digana
8 Relocation of Public Market
9 Expansion of Solid Waste Recycling Centre at Galapitagalayaya
10 Road Development connecting Public Market.
11 Development of a Urban Park in the surrounding area of the Detagamuwa Tank
12 Weekly Fair Development project
13 Road Development Connecting Wadahitikanda with the Town Centre.
14 Landscaping and Development of Facility Centre for the Pilgrims at
Wadahitikanda
15 Sacred Area Landscaping Project
16 Mixed Development along the Wimasena Mawatha (Road) Project
18 Walking Track at Detagamuwa Tank area.
19 Expansion of the Kataragama Base Hospital with modern facilities.
20 Development of old Kiriwehera road to meet the Sithulpawwa Road

Urban Development Authority

136
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

22 Development of Road providing access through North gate to the Kiriwehera.

23 Development of pedestrian walk way from urban park at Detagamuwa up to the
access road to the Dewalaya (Temple) connecting the Saddhathissa Mawatha
(road)
24 Establishments of “Sewa Piyasa” in selected places in Kataragama to purchase
recyclable wastes.
25 Development of a pedestrian walkway from the Detagamuwa Urban Park to the
Dewalaya access road connecting the Gotimbara Road.
26 Establishment of a Sale Centre for Agro products
27 Kataragama New Circuit Bungalow Development Project
28 Landscaping the either side of the road from the Public Bus Stand up to the
Depot Road
29 Development of the Children’s Park premises for an Urban Park.
30 Landscaping and Walkways development in Kataragama Kiriwehera
31 Landscaping the either side of the approach road to the Dewalaya
32 Landscaping and development of approach road to the sacred area of Sella
Katarafgama
33 Development of Parks in areas around the Detagamuwa Paddy lands.
34 Proposed Vocational Training Centre Project
35 Development of a new road from Gam Udawa Approach Road connecting with
Sella Kataragama Raja Mawatha (Road)
36 Development of trade stalls in the land where the current public market is for
sale of goods and service required for the functions of the sacred area.
37 Proposed Commercial Complex development for sale of ornamental items.
38 Proposed Centre for Rice milling
39 Construction of retaining walls along the embankments of the Manik Rive to
prevent the embankments from erosion and landscaping either side of the Menik
river
40 Landscaping either side of the road from the Gam Udawa Clock Tower to the
Kataragama Town.
41 Landscaping the areas along the pedestrian’s walkways from the Detagamuwa
Urban Park up to the up to the Dewalaya approach road connecting the
Saddhathissa Mawatha (Road)

Urban Development Authority

137
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

42 Conversion of the Tree Park near the Second Bridge to be a public park.
43 Facade improvement of buildings in identified zones at Kataragama Town.
44 Establishment and promotion of Boat Services in selected Tanks with the
purpose of promoting entertainment facilities.

Urban Development Authority

138
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.7.2. Institutional Set Up

Responsiblilities
Sector-Plan and Responsible
Plan of Relevant
Implementation Plan Institutions
Institutions
Proposed Vocational Training ⁻ Divisional Release of Land
Centre Secreteriat Office Study of Feasibility
⁻ Department of
Implementation of
Technical
the project in line
Education and
with the project’s
Training
concepts
Services Plan ⁻ Urban
Development
Authority (UDA)
Expansion of the Kataragama Implementation of
Base Hospital with modern the project in line
facilities with the project’s
concepts

Development Release of Land

of a new road ⁻ Road Development Study of
Authority (RDA)
connecting Feasibility
⁻ Divisional
Gam Udawa Secreteriat Office Implementation of
Approach ⁻ UDA the project in line
Transport Road with with the project’s
Plan Alternative
Sella concepts
Roads
Kataragama
Development
Raj Mawatha
Development ⁻ Road Development Release of Land
of a road Authority (RDA) Study of
⁻ Divisional
connecting old Feasibility
Secreteriat Office
Kirirwehera ⁻ UDA Implementation of
Road with the project in line

Urban Development Authority

139
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Sithulpawwa with the project’s

Road. concepts

Development ⁻ Road Development Release of Land

of Road Authority (RDA)
Study of
⁻ Divisional
conneted with Feasibility
Secreteriat Office
North Gate of ⁻ UDA Implementation of
the the project in line
Kiriwehera. with the project’s
concepts
Development ⁻ Road Development Release of Land
of Road Authority (RDA) Study of
⁻ Divisional
Connecting Feasibility
Secreteriat Office
Wadahitikanda ⁻ UDA Implementation of
with the the project in line
Kataragama with the project’s
Town. concepts
Road ⁻ Road Development Implementation of
Development Authority (RDA) the project in line
⁻ Divisional
connecting with the project’s
Secreteriat Office
Public Market ⁻ UDA concepts
-UDA Release of Land
Detagamuwa -Pradesheeya Implementation of
Sabhaa (PS)
Tank walkway the project in line
with the project’s
concepts
Development
Development -UDA Release of Land
of Proposed
of a pedestrian -Pradesheeya
Implementation of
walkways
Walkway from Sabhaa (PS) the project in line
the with the project’s
Detagamuwa concepts
Urban Park up
to the

Urban Development Authority

140
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Devalaya
Approach
Road
connecting
Saddhathissa
Mawatha
Development -UDA Release of Land
of a Pedestrian -Pradesheeya
Implementation of
Walkway from Sabhaa (PS)
the project in line
Detagamuwa
with the project’s
Urban Park up
concepts
to the
Dewalaya
Approach
Road
connecting
Gatayimbara
Road.
Kataragama Car Park along -UDA Implementation of
Public Bus the -Pradesheeya the project in line
Stand Wimalasena Sabhaa (PS) with the project’s
Development Mawatha concepts
Project
Car Park at -UDA Release of Land
Sella -Pradesheeya
Sabhaa (PS) Implementation of
kataragama
the project in line
Closer to the ⁻ Divisional
Secreteriat Office with the project’s
Water Supply
concepts
Board’s
Officce
Kataragama Public Bus Stand -UDA Implementation of
Development Project -Pradesheeya the project in line
Sabhaa (PS)

Urban Development Authority

141
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

with the project’s

concepts

⁻ National Water Release of Land

Supply&Drainage
Construction of a new water
Board Implementation of
Purification Plant (NWS&DB)
⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha the project in line
⁻ Divisional with the project’s
Secreteriat Office
Water concepts

Supply Plan ⁻ NWS&DB Implementation of

⁻ Department of
Establishment of a New Water the project in line
Irrigation
at Intake Kohomba Digaana with the project’s
concepts

Rehabilitation of the existing ⁻ NWS&DB Implementation of

⁻ Pradeshiya
Storm Water Drainage System within the the project in line
Sabha
and Waste Town Centre. with the project’s
Water concepts
Drainage
Development of a Drainage ⁻ NWS&DB Implementation of
Network ⁻ Pradeshiya
Network where such facilities the project in line
Plan Sabha
not provided. with the project’s
concepts

Expansion of ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Implementation of

⁻ Divisional
Solid Waste Galapitagalayaya Waste the project in line
Secreteriat Office
management Recycling Cantre. with the project’s
Plan Establishment of “Sewa concepts
Piyasa” in selected places to
purchase recycliable wastes
⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Release of Land
Development ⁻ Divisional
Development of existing
of Sanotory Secreteriat Office
Toilets and Sanitory Facilities ⁻ UDA
Facilities
in the Town and Sacred Area ⁻ NPPD

Urban Development Authority

142
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

New Toilets and Sanitory Implementation of

Facilities Development the project in line
with the project’s
concepts

Development of trade stalls ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Implementation of

⁻ UDA
dedicated for the Sacred area the project in line
at the the Public Market with the project’s
Premises concepts

Redevelopment of Public ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Implementation of

⁻ UDA
Market Complex the project in line
with the project’s
concepts

Mixed Development at the ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Implementation of

⁻ Divisional
Economic Wimalasena Mawatha (Road) the project in line
Secreteriat Office
Developmet ⁻ UDA with the project’s

Plan concepts

Agro Products Sale Centre ⁻ UDA Implementation of

⁻ Pradeshiya
the project in line
Sabha
⁻ Agrarian Service with the project’s
Centre
concepts

Proposed Rice Milling Centre ⁻ UDA Implementation of

⁻ Pradeshiya
the project in line
Sabha
⁻ Agrarian Service with the project’s
Centre
concepts

Landscaping either side of the ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha

⁻ Divisional
Manik River and protection of
Secreteriat Office
Environment enbankments from erosion ⁻ UDA
Conservation
Plan
⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Release of Land

Urban Development Authority

143
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Landscaping road ⁻ Divisional

the Implementation of
Secreteriat Office
reservation from the Gam the project in line
⁻ UDA
Udawa Clock Tower up to the ⁻ RDA with the project’s
Town concepts
Landscaping either side of the ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Release of Land
⁻ Divisional
road from the Bus Stand up to Implementation of
Secreteriat Office
Landscape the Depot Road. ⁻ UDA the project in line
⁻ RDA
Management with the project’s
Plan concepts
Landscaping the pedestrian ⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Release of Land
⁻ Divisional
walkway from Detagamuwa
Secreteriat Office Implementation of
Urban Park to the Dewalaya ⁻ UDA
the project in line
Entrance connecting the
with the project’s
Saddhathissa Road.
concepts

Landscaping the Sacred Areas ⁻ NPPD Implementation of

⁻ UDA
the project in line
with the project’s
concepts

Development ⁻ UDA Release of Land

⁻ Dpt. Of Irrigation
Development of an Urban
⁻ Pradeshiya Sabha Implementation of
New Public Park in the ⁻ Divisional
Secreteriat Office the project in line
Parks surroundings
with the project’s
of the
concepts
Detagamuwa
Tank
Development ⁻ Pradeshiya Implementation of
Public Open Sabha
of Children’s the project in line
Space Plan ⁻ Divisional
Park premises Secreteriat with the project’s
Office
as an Urban concepts
⁻ UDA
Park

Urban Development Authority

144
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development ⁻ Pradeshiya Implementation of

Sabha
of tree-planted the project in line
⁻ Divisional
area as a public Secreteriat with the project’s
Office
park concepts
⁻ UDA

Development of⁻ Pradeshiya Implementation of

Sabha
Parks in the the project in line
⁻ Divisional
surroundings of the Secreteriat with the project’s
Office
paddy lands in concepts
⁻ UDA
Detagamuwa.

Establishment of Boat ⁻ Pradeshiya

Sabha
services in selected tanks to
⁻ Divisional
promote entertainment Secreteriat
Office
facilities
⁻ UDA

Relocation of Public Market ⁻ Pradeshiya Implementation of

Sabha
the project in line
⁻ Divisional
Secreteriat with the project’s
Office
concepts
⁻ UDA

Weekly fair Development ⁻ Pradeshiya Release of Land

Sabha
⁻ Divisional Implementation of
Culture and
Secreteriat the project in line
Heritage Office
⁻ UDA with the project’s
Management
concepts
Plan
Development of a Pilgrim’s ⁻ UDA Implementation of
Resting Centre for the pilgrims the project in line
of Wadahitikanda and with the project’s
landscaping the area concepts
Development of walkways in ⁻ NPPD Implementation of
the Kataragama Kiriwehera the project in line
and landscaping the area

Urban Development Authority

145
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

with the project’s

concepts

Landscaping either side of the ⁻ Pradeshiya Implementation of

Sabha
Dewalaya entrance Road the project in line
⁻ Divisional
Secreteriat with the project’s
Office
concepts
⁻ UDA

Development and ⁻ UDA Implementation of

⁻ NPPD
Landscaping the entrance the project in line
Road to the Sella Kataragama with the project’s
Sacred Area concepts
Façade improvement Project ⁻ UDA Implementation of
the project in line
with the project’s
concepts

Urban Development Authority

146
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

6.8. Projects

Development of Detagamuwa Urban Park and Resting area

Project Identification
Project Name Development of Detagamuwa Urban Park and Resting area

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of Urban Park and Children’s Park

Project Location
Location Province Uva District Monaragala

Divisional Kataragama Local Kataragama PS

Secretariat Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site - - - -

Access Thissa-Kataragama Main Road

Proposed Land
Location Map

Urban Development Authority

147
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Surrounding
Land Use

Surrounding land use is commercial. According to the Zoning Plan of

kataragama this site is located within the mixed development zone

Project Justification

Nature of the New  Redevelop Expansio Land

Project ment n Development
Only

Project Type Conservati Commer Landsca Historical Housi Relocatio Other

on cial ping ng n

Project Environmental Economic Social 

Vision

Project • Provide entertainment and resting facilities to the pilgrims and the
Objectives residents.
• Creation of a pleasant urban environment

Project
Justification Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country as the location of
Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large number for religious and leaisure
purposes.

According to the UDA standards, the open area requirement of the people in
2017 was 19 Hectares but this requirement was not met. The leaisure areas and

Urban Development Authority

148
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

entertainment facilities available is insufficient to meet the needs of the visitors

and the residents posing many hardships on the public. In order to overcome this
shortcoming the Development Plan 2021-2030 made this proposal to develop
an urban Park and a Resting Centre for the visitors at the Detagamuwa area.

Details of Project Site

Current Land State

UDA Private 
Title Owned

Encumbrances If not
yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Currently Possessed by the Dpt. Of Irrigation.

Details of Survey Name of Date of

Plan No. Land Extent
Plan Surveyor Plan

A R P
- - -
2

Project Details

Duration Shrt-Term Mid -Term Long -Term 80

 TEC
(1-3 year:) (3< year) Mn
(1> year:)
Funding
UDA and Treasury
Source

Description
of project Planned to develop urban park, public resting centre and a children’s park at
Detagamuwa including landscaping the area.

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Electricity Existing Capacity

Infrastructure  
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes  No If not
management alternative
system Proposals

Urban Development Authority

149
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Zone Mixed Development Compatibility Yes  No

Zone

Current Situation

The proposed site falls within the Detagamuwa tank reservation. Currently this area is vacont. .

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mln. 80 Mn

Responsible Agencies

• Dpt. Of Irrigation
• UDA
• Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

Comply with planning
regulations of the UDA

Urban Development Authority

150
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexures

Urban Development Authority

151
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Wedasiti Kanda Pilgrims Facolity Center Developmet and Landscaping Project

Project Identification
Project Name Wedasiti Kanda Pilgrims Facolity Center Developmet and Landscaping
Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Construction of Pilgroms’ Rest and Landscaping

Project Location
Location Province Uva District Monaragala

Divisional Kataragama Local Kataragama PS

Secretariat Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site - - - -

Access Old Wedasitikanda Road and New Wedasiti Kanda Road

Location Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

152
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Proposed Land falls within a mixed development zone according to the

Kataragama Zoning Plan and situated in the vicinity of the environmental
conservation zone

Project Justification

Nature of the New  Redevelop Expansio Land

Project ment n Development
Only

Project Type Conservati Commer Landsca Historical Housi Relocatio Other

on cial ping ng n

 

Project Environmental Economic  Social 

Vision

Project
Objectives • Provision of qualitative commercial and infrastructure facilities to the
pilgrims of Wadahitikanda Sacred Area
• Creation of more economic opportunities for the benefit of the residents
and development of their skills.
• Development of Wadahitikanda approach area creating a pleasant and
picturesque environment.

Project
Justification The Wadahitikanda is one of the most sacred places in the Kataragama Town.
The pilgrims come to this town would rarely miss the visiting of Wadahitikanda,

Urban Development Authority

153
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

almost all the pilgrims make it a point to visit this sacred place, which results in
a large number of devotees visiting this sacred place throughout the years.
However irregular development in the area contributes towards the sanctity of
this place to diminish. The facilities currently available cannot meet the needs
of the pilgrims adequately.

As such this project envisages providing essential facilities such as sanitary

facilities, commercial facilities, car parking facilities and resting and
accommodation [Link] Development Plan of Kataragama 2021-2030
identified these issues and made this proposal to develop the Pilgrims” Rest and
landscaping the area to make it more attractive.

Details of Project Site

Current Land State

UDA  Private
Title Owned

Encumbrances If not
yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title This land belongs to the UDA

Details of Survey Name of Date of

Plan No. Land Extent
Plan Surveyor Plan

A R P
- - -
5

Project Details

Duration Shrt-Term Mid -Term Long -Term 200

 TEC
(1-3 year:) (3< year) Mn
(1>year:)
Funding
UDA and Treasury
Source

Description
of project

Urban Development Authority

154
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

This project, which includes Pilgrims’ Rest and the Landscaping of the area has
been planned to implement in two stages. The first stage includes
implementation of Trade Stalls, Sanitory Facilities. The second stage will
include development of Car Parks and the Pilgrims’ Rest and the landscaping of
the area.

Development of Urban Park, Childrens’ Park and the landscaping the area will
be implemented under the Detagamuwa Public Rest and the Detagamuwa Urban
Park Projedct.

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Electricity Existing Capacity

Infrastructure  
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes  No If not
management alternative
system Proposals

Zone Mixed Development Compatibility Yes  No

Zone

Current Situation

Happhazard development spread in most of the places which are incompatible with the religious
functions and conflict with the required peaceful and calm atmosphere of the sacred area. .

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 200 Mn

Urban Development Authority

155
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Responsible Agencies

• UDA
• Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

Comply with planning
regulations of the UDA

Urban Development Authority

156
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexures

Draft Lay-Out Plan of the Proposed Project

Urban Development Authority

157
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Kataragama Public Market Relocation Project

Project Identification

Project’s Name Kataragama Public Market Relocation Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Construction of new public market

Project Proposal
Proposed new road and car park development

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site

Access Thissa-Katargama Main Road

Location Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

158
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

This site falls within a mixed development zone according to the Zoning Plan.
The current land use in the surrounding area is commercial.

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelopme Expansio
New  Development
Project nt n
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical n Other
Project Type on cial ping ng

Project
Environmental Economic  Social 
Vision

• Removal of activities, which are incompatible with the religious functions,

from the areas in the urban area closer to the sacred area.
Project • Ensure sustainability of economic potentials creating more commercial
Objectives opportunities
• Setting up a pleasant and picturesque environment in the urban area of
Kataragama.

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country as the location of
Project Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Justification Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes.

Urban Development Authority

159
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The haphazard development of unauthorized buildings and structures for

commercial activities run in to conflict with the religious functions of the sacred
area. These uncontrolled developments are threatening the sanctity of the
religious places to diminish. This may be able to influence the devotees who are
more sensational towards the religious places to cut down their visits to
Kataragama in the long run affecting the economy of the planning area.

Therefore the Kataragama development plan 2021-2030 includes proposals to

remove such activities from the sensitive areas closer to the religious places
providing a long lasting protection for the religious environment. Accordingly
the public market functioning closer to the sacred area will be relocated suitably.

Details of Project’s Site

Current Land Title UDA  Private State Owned

If no
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposals

Details of title The proposed p[roject site belongs to the UDA

Land Extent Acres : 2 Roods : Perch :

Project’s Details

Medium- Long- Estimated

Term Term 300
Duration Short-Term  Cost in Rs.
(1>Year:) Mn
(1-3 Years) (3< Years) Mln.

Funding
Treasury and UDA funds
Source

This project is expected to implement in two stages

Description
of project Stage I

• Construction of new market building

• Car Park Development

Urban Development Authority

160
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Stage II

• Construction of the new road

• Implement landscaping

Capacity Required : Capacity Required :

Water Existing Capacity : Power Existing Capacity :

Infrastructure

Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposals

Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No


Development Zone

Current Situation

Proposed relocation site is owned by the UDA. It is currently encumbered by 26 numbers of

hopper-stalls, car park, unauthorized trade stalls and encroachments for residential use.

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 300 Mn

Work Items Estimated Cost Rs. Mln.

Stage I 150Mn

Stage II 150 Mn

Total Estimated Cost (TEC) 300Mn

Responsible Agencies

Responsible Agency Authorized Officer

UDA

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

161
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Regulations and Consultations Regulations Consultants

Proposed development
should comply with the
planning and development
regulations of the UDA

Urban Development Authority

162
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Kataragama Public Bus Stand Development

Project Identification

Project Name Kataragama Public Bus Stand Development

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of public bus stand with shops and sanitary facilities

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Location Divisional
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama Kataragama PS
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the
Project’s Site - - - -

Access Thissa-Katagama Main Road

Location map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

163
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Proposed site is the existing bus stand site and is falling within the Commercial
Zone

Project Justification
Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansio
 Development
Project New ment n
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
Project Type on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental  
Vision Economic Social

• Provide better transport facilities to the residents as well as the visitors.

Project
• Creation of commercial opportunities for residents while developing their
Objectives economic potentials.
• Creation of a pleasant and attractive built environment

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
Project of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Justification Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes.

Urban Development Authority

164
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

But the existing bus stand is incomple to meet the needs of the visitor population
as well as the residents. The condition of infrastructure availability has been
very poor for a long period of time. Therefore the Development Plan 2021-2030
identified the redevelopment of the Bus Stand as a vital project in view of the
fact that a large number of devotees are coming to Kataragama by public
transport.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title Private State Owned 

UDA
If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Proposed site is owned by the Kataragama PS

Details of Survey
Acres : 2 Roods : Perch :
Plan

Project’s Details
Long- Estimated
Medium- Term 200
Duration Short-Term Term  Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years) Mln.
Years)

Funding
Treasury Funds
Source

Description
of project Project will be implemented in two stages

Capacity Required : Capacity Required :

Infrastructure
Water Existing Capacity : Power Existing Capacity :
Facilities

Solid Waste Yes No If not

management  alternative
system proposal

Urban Development Authority

165
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No


Development Zone

Current Situation

Current Bus Stand site is one proposed for this project. It is a single storied buiding with 12
numbers of parking terminals. A Public Toilet Unit and a few number of unauthorized trade
stalls are in existence at the site.

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 300 Mn

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

UDA

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

166
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Car Park Development at Wimalasena Mawatha (Road) project

Project Identification

Project Name Wimalasena Mawatha Car Park Development Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of the Car Park

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Location Divisional
Local
Secretariat Kataragama
Authority Kataragama PS
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Access [Link] Mawatha (Road)

Location map

Urban Development Authority

167
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Surrounding
Land Use
Map

The proposed project site falls within the Commercial Zone

Project’s Justification
Nature of the Land
Redevelop Expansio
Project New  Development
ment n
Only

Project Type Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental Economic  Social 
Vision

• Provision of more facailities including car parks to the visiting population.

• Creation of a pleasant and pi9cturesque urban environment
Project
• Provide commercial opportunities to the residents to ear an additional
Objectives income during the festival season.
• Improvement of commercial potential of residents and providing them with
commercial opportunities.

Project Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
Justification of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and

Urban Development Authority

168
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are
insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles park disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer to
overcome this irregular parking practice, the Kataragama Development Plan
2021-2030 formulated this proposal

Details of Project’s Site

State
Current Land Title UDA Private 
Owned

If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Proposed land for the car park belongs to the UDA

Plan Name of
Date of Plan Land Extent
No. Surveyor
Details of Survey
Plan
- - - A: R: P:

Project’s Details
20
Medium- Long- Estimated
0
Duration Short-Term  Term Term Cost in Rs.
M
(1>Year) (1-3 Years) (3<Years) Mln.
n

Funding Source Treasury and UDA funds

The development of Resting Centre for the Devotees who come to

Wadahitikanda and landscaping the area will be implemented in two sateges.
Description of The Stage One includes the development of trade stalls and the Second Stage
project
will include the development of the Devotees’ Facility Centre, landscaping
and the Car Park.

Urban Development Authority

169
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Capacity Required : Capacity Required :

Water Existing Capacity : Power Existing Capacity :

Infrastructure
Facilities Solid Yes No If not
Waste alternative
managem  proposal
ent
system

Use Zone Mixed Compatibili Yes No

Development ty 
Zone

Current Situation

Currently the proposed project site is being used for the weekly fair to be held. Diring the other
days it remains as a vacant land.

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mln. 150 150 Mn

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

UDA

Kataragama PS

Regulations Regulations Consultants

and
Consultations Proposed development
should be undertaken in
conformity with the UDA
Planning and Development
Regulations.

Urban Development Authority

170
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Proposed Car Park Development Project in Sella kataragama near the Water
Supply Board’s Premises

Project Identification

Project Name Proposed Car Park Development Project in Sella kataragama near the
Water Supply Board’s Premises.
Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Construction of a New Car Park

Location of the Project

Province Uva District Monaragala

Location Divisional
Local
Secretariat Kataragama Katargama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site - - - -

Access Thissa-Kataragama Main Road

Location
Map

Surrounding
This site is situated, according to the Proposed kand Use Plan of Kataragama,
Land Use in the commercial zone closer to the sacred area.

Urban Development Authority

171
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project’s Justification
Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansio
New  Development
Project ment n
Only

Environme Econom Landscap Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
Project Type ntal ic ing ng n

Project
Environmental Economic Social 
Vision

Project • Provide more facilities to the devotees coming to Kataragama including

Objectives car parks.
• Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
Project
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
Justification
leaisure purposes

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are

Urban Development Authority

172
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles parked disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer
to overcome this irregular parking practice, the Kataragama Development Plan
2021-2030 formulated this proposal for implementation at a site closer to the
Water Supply Board’s premises.

Details of Project’s Site

State
Private
Current Land Title UDA Owned 

If not,
alternative
Encumbrances Yes  No
proposal

Details of title Project site is owned by the State.

Plan Name of
Date of Plan Land Extent
No. Surveyor
Details of Survey
Plan
- - - A R P

Project’s Details

Long- Estimated
Shrt-Term Medium- Term 200
Duration (1 >Year:)  Term Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1-3 Years) Mln.
Years)

Funding
Treasury and UDA Funds
Source

Description
Development of a Car park at Sella kataragama near the Water Supply Board’s
of project
Premises

Capacity Required: Power Capacity Required:

Infrastructure Water

Urban Development Authority

173
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Facilities

Existing Capacity: Existing Capacity:

Solid Waste Yes No If not

management alternative

system proposal

Zone Mixed Development Compatibility Yes No


Zone

Current Situation

Currently this site is vacant. It is beeblng used as a greenery.

Estimated Cost of Project 200 Mn

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

UDA

Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

comply with the UDA
Planning and Development
Regulations.

Urban Development Authority

174
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Car Park near the Ganagaramaya

Project Identification

Project Name Development of Car Park near the Ganagaramaya

Project Kataragama Town Development project

Project Proposal Development of a car park with necessary facilities.

Location of the Project

Province Uva District Kataragama

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site - - - -

Access Kiriwehera Access Raod.

Location
Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

175
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

This project falls within Mixed Development Zone according to the Proposed
Land Use Plan of kataragama.

Project’s Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansio
New  Development
Project ment n
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Historical Housi Relocatio

Other
Project Type on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental Economic  Social 
Vision

• Provide parking facilities for the visitors/devotees coming to

Kataragama
Project
• Developing local economy while creating more economic opportunities
Objectives for the residents while developing their skills.
• Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Project Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
Justification of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and

Urban Development Authority

176
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are
insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles parked disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer
to overcome this irregular parking practice, the Kataragama Development Plan
2021-2030 formulated this proposal for implementation at a site closer to the
Gangaramaya Premises.

Details of Project’s Site

Current Land State

UDA Private 
Title Owned

If not,
No
Encumbrances Yes  alternative
proposal

Details of title Proposed land is belongs to the UDA

Name of Date of
Plan No. Land Extent
Surveyor Plan
Details of Survey
Plan
- - - A R P

Project’s Details
Long- Estimated
Medium- Term 200
Duration Short-Term Term  Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1>Year :) (1-3 Years) Mln.
Years)

Funding
Treasury and UDA funds
Source

Urban Development Authority

177
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

This project includes construction of a car park with sanitary facilities and
Description
construction of trade stalls. It will be implemented in two stages, first stage will
of the project
include construction of trade stalls while the secand stage includes the
construction of the car park and the sanitary facilities.

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Power Existing Capacity

Infrastructure
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposal

Mixed Development Compatibility Yes No

Zone 
Zone

Current Situation

This site is currently used as a car park. There area some trade stalls, 16 in number, serving the
devetees by selling them goods and flowers for the religious functions.

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 200 Mn

Urban Development Authority

178
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

UDA

Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

conform to the Planning and
Development Regulations
of the UDA

Urban Development Authority

179
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Kataragama No 03 Car Park Development Project

Project Identifciation

Project Name Kataragama No 03 Car Park Development Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of Car Park with commercial facilities

Project’s Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Location Divisional
Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site - - - -

Access Thissa-Kataragama Main Road

Location
Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

180
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

This project site falls within the commercial zone in the vicinity of the sacred
area

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansio
New  Development
Project ment n
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
Project Type on cial ping ng n

Project’s
Environmental Economic  Social 
Vision

Project • Provide parking facilities for the visitors/devotees coming to Kataragama

Objectives • Developing local economy while creating more economic opportunities for
the residents while developing their skills.
• Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Project’s
Justification Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes

Urban Development Authority

181
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are
insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles parked disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer
to overcome this irregular parking practice, the Kataragama Development Plan
2021-2030 formulated this proposal for implementation of a car park with
commercial facilities at No 03, Kataragama.

Details of Project Site

State
Current Land Title UDA Private 
Owned

If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Land is Owned by Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha

Plan Name of
Date of Plan Land Extent
No. Surveyor
Details of Survey
Plan
- - - A R P

Project Details
Long- Estimated
Medium- Term 200
Duration Shrt-Term Term  Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years) Mln.
Years)

Funding
Treasury and UDA funds
Source

Description
The existing car park will be redeveloped with necessary sanitary facilities and
of project
and commercial facilities.

Water Capacity Required : Power Capacity Required :

Infrastructure

Urban Development Authority

182
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Facilities Existing Capacity : පවතින ධාරිතාවය :

Solid Waste Yes No If not

management  alternative
system proposal

Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No


Development Zone

Current Situation

Currentlly this site is being used as a car park together with 21 commercial stalls, unauthorized
trade stalls 21 in number and 20 unauthorized housing units..

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. 200 Mn

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

Kataragama PS

UDA

Urban Development Authority

183
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Reservations of selected Roads within the Urban Area of Kataragama

for Vehicle parking purposes

Project Identification

Raod Reservation Dvelopment from Bus Depot to the Dutugamunu Pilgrims’

Project’s Name
Rest as a car park.

Project Kataragama Town Development

Project Proposal Car Parks Development

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Location Divisional
Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Access Thissa-Kataragama Main Road

Location
Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

184
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The proposed road reservations fall within the Commercial Zone according to
the Kataragama Proposed land Use Plan.

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansio
New  Development
Project ment n
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
Project Type on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental Economic Social 
Vision

Project
Objectives • Provide more vehicle parking facilities for the visitors
• Creating a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Project
Justification Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes

Urban Development Authority

185
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are
insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles parked disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer
to overcome this irregular parking practice, the Kataragama Development Plan
2021-2030 formulated this proposal under the transport development strategy
for implementation of a car park with commercial facilities at No 03,
Kataragama.

Details of Project’s Site

State
Current Land Title UDA Private 
Owned

If not,
Encumbrances Yes No alternative
proposal

Details of title
Road reservation owned by the Road Development Authority (RDA)
Plan Name of
Date of Plan Land Extent
No. Surveyor
Details of Survey
Plan
- - - A R P

Project’s Details
Long- Estimated
Medium- Term 200
Duration Short-Term Term  Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years) Mln
Years)

Funding
Treasury and UDA funds
Source

Description
Development of selected Road Reservations for Car Parks in Kataragama
of project

Urban Development Authority

186
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Capacity Required : Capacity Required :

Water Existing Capacity : Power Existing Capacity :

Infrastructure
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposal

Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes  No

Development Zone
Current Situation

The proposed road reservation is currently abandoned not made of for any use other than a
dilapidated drain network, which is unserviceable.

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. 200 Mn

Urban Development Authority

187
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of a New Road connecting Gam Udawa Access Roa with Sella Kataragama
Raja Mawatha

Project Identification

Development of a New Road connecting Gam Udawa Access Road with

Project Name
Sella Kataragama Raja Mawatha

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of a New Road

Project Location

Province Uva Monaragala

District
Location Divisional
Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site

Location map

Urban Development Authority

188
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Justification

Expansio Land
Nature of the Redevelop
New  n Development
Project ment
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
Project Type on cial ping ng n

Project Social
Environmental Economic 
Vision

• Provide more vehicle parking facilities for the visitors

Project
Objectives • Creating a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Kataragama is one of the most sacred cities in the Country owing to the location
of Kirivehera, Ashtaphala Bodhiya, Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya (Temple)
Wadahitikanda and Sella Kataragama and is an attractive multi religious and
cultural town being visited by pilgrims in large numbers for religious and
leaisure purposes

As a practice most of the long distance devotees and tourists are coming to the
Kataragama Sacred area by their own vehicles or by hired vehicles, which they
Project
Justification normally park in irregular places as the car parks already provided are
insufficient to meet the full need. This ad-hoc parking of vecles in the town area
and in the sacred area caused many issues to the devotees as some of such
vehicles parked disturbing the walk ways dedicated for the pedestrians. In orer
to overcome this mobility issues, the Kataragama Development Plan 2021-2030
formulated this proposal under the transport development strategy for
implementation of a new road from Gam Udawa Approach Road to the Sella
Kataragama Raja Mawatha

Urban Development Authority

189
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State Owned 

If not,
Encumbrances Yes No alternative
proposal

Road development Authority owns the road and its reservations on either
Details of title
side of the road.

Lenght of the
4 km
Reservation

Project Details

Long- Estimated
Medium- Term 50
Duration Shrt-Term Term  Cost in Rs.
(3< Mn
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years) Mln.
Years)

Funding
Treasury Funds
Source

Description Development of new alternative roads

of project

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Power Existing Capacity

Infrastructure
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposal

Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No


Development Zone

Estimated Cost of Project 50Mn

Urban Development Authority

190
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

RDA

Kataragama PS

Annexures

Urban Development Authority

191
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of a New Raod connecting Old Kiriwehera Road with Sithulpawwa

Road
Project Identification

Development of a New Raod connecting Old Kiriwehera Road with

Project Name
Sithulpawwa Road

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal New Roads Development

Project Location

District Monaragala District Monaragala District

Local Kataragama Kataragama

Local Authority Local Authority
Authority PS PS

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Location
Map

Urban Development Authority

192
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Justification

Nature of the Land

Redevelop Expansio
Project New  Development
ment n
Only

Project Type Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental Economic Social 
Vision

Project • Provide mobility facilities to the vistors coming to Kataragama

Objectives
• Ease the vehicular traffic conjesstion in the urba area and create
apleasant and picturesque built environment
Project
Justification During the festival seasons and week ends Kataragama Sacred area received a
large number of devotees and vistors. So do the passenger vehicles, which
caused severe traffic congestion in the urban area as well as the sacred area. This
situation creates a difficult time for the visitors and the devotees. With this issue
in mind the Kataragama Development Plan 2021-2030 made a proposal under
the transport Development Strategy to identify alternative roads for
development. Development of this new road was one of them identified under
that strategy for development connecting Kiriwehera Old Road with the
Sithulpwwa Raod.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State Owned 

If not,
Encumbrances Yes No alternative
proposal

Details of title Lands required for the proposed road are owned by the Kataragama PS

Length of the
7 km
proposed road

Urban Development Authority

193
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Details

Medium- Estimated
Short-Term Long-Term
Duration Term  Cost in Rs.
(1>Year:) (3< Years) Mln.
(1-3 Years)
Funding
Treasury Funds
Source
Description
of project Construction of a new alternative road
Capacity
Capacity Required
Required
Water Existing Capacity Power Existing
Infrastructure Capacity
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not alternative
management  proposal
system
Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes  No
Development Zone

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mln. 70

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer
RDA
Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

conform to the development
& planning regulations of
the

Urban Development Authority

194
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Roads from Wadahitikanda to the Kataragama Town

Identification of project

Project Name Development of Roads from Wadahitikanda to the Kataragama Town

Project Kataragama Town Development

Project Proposal Road Developments

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Project
Location

Urban Development Authority

195
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelopm Expansi
New  Developm
Project ent on
ent Only
Cons
Commercia Landsca Housi Relocatio
ervati Historical Other
Project Type l ping ng n
on


Project Vision Environmental Economic Social 

• Provide mobility facilities to the vistors coming to Kataragama

Project
Objectives • Ease the vehicular traffic conjesstion in the urba area and create
apleasant and picturesque built environment

During the festival seasons and week ends Kataragama Sacred area received a
large number of devotees and vistors. So do the passenger vehicles, which
caused severe traffic congestion in the urban area as well as the sacred area.
This situation creates a difficult time for the visitors and the devotees. With this
Project’s issue in mind the Kataragama Development Plan 2021-2030 made a proposal
Justification under the transport Development Strategy to identify alternative roads for
development. Development of this new road was one of them identified under
that strategy for development connecting Wadahitikanda with the Kataragama
Town.

Details of Project’s Site

Current Land
UDA Private State Owned 
Title
If not,
Encumbrances Yes No alternative
proposal
Details of title

Land Extent

Urban Development Authority

196
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Plan Name of Date of

A R P
No. Surveyor Plan
Details of Survey
Plan

Project’s Details

Medium- Long- Estimated

Shrt-Term Term Term
Duration  Cost in Rs. 80
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years) (3< Years) Mln.

Funding
Treasury Funds
Source
Description
of project Construction of new alternative roads
Capacity Capacity
Required Required
Water Existing Power Existing
Infrastructure Capacity Capacity
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not alternative
management  proposal
system
Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No

Development Zone
Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 80
Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer
RDA
Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

197
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Detagamuwa Tank Walk Way Development

Identification of the Project

Project Name
Dertagamuwa Tank Walk Way Development
Project Kataragama Town Development Project
Project Proposal Development of Walk ways

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Location Divisional Secretariat Local Kataragama
Kataragama
Division Authority PS

Boundaries of the North East South West

Project Site

Access -

Location Map

Urban Development Authority

198
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelopm Expansio
New  Developm
Project ent n
ent Only
Cons
Commerc Landsca Housi Oth
ervat Historical Relocation
Project Type ial ping ng er
ion

Environmenta
Project Vision Economic Social 
l

Project • Creation of a pedestrian-friendly environment within the urban

Objectives area.
• Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

During the festival seasons and week ends Kataragama Sacred area
received a large number of devotees and vistors. But such visitors do not
have have opportunity to enjoy visitor-friendly infrastructure facilities
Project
Justification within the town and the sacred area. The Katargama Development Plan
2021-2030 identified this issue and set out a proposal under the Transpor
Development Strategy to identify and develop pedestrian walkways. The
Detagamuwa Tank Walkway is one of them to be developed as a project.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State Owned 

If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha

Urban Development Authority

199
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Details

Long- Estimat
Short-Term Medium-Term Term ed Cost 12
Duration 
(1-3 Years) (3< in Rs. 0
(1>Year:)
Years) Mln.

Funding
Treasury Funds
Source
Description of
project Walkways Development
Capacity
Capacity Required
Required
Pow
Water Existing Capacity Existing
er
Capacity
Infrastructure
Facilities Solid Yes No If not alternative
Waste proposal
managem 
ent
system
Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes N
Development  o
Zone
Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mn. 120
Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer
RDA
Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

200
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Walkways in Kataragama Town

Project Identification

Project Name Development of Walkways in Kataragama Town

Project Kataragama Town development Project

i. Walkway development from Detagamuwa Urban Park to the Dewalaya

Approach road connecting Gotaimbara Mawatha.
Project Proposal
ii. Walkway Development from Detagamuwa Urban Park to Dewalaya
entrance road connecting Saddhathissa Mawatha.

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Location
Map

Urban Development Authority

201
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Justification

Nature of the Land

Redevelop Expansio
Project New  Development
ment n
Only

Project Type Conservati Commer Landsca Housi Relocatio

Historical Other
on cial ping ng n

Project
Environmental Economic Social 
Vision

Project
• Creation of people –friendly environment within the town
Objectives • Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

During the festival seasons and week ends Kataragama Sacred area received a
large number of devotees and vistors. But such visitors do not have opportunity
Project to enjoy visitor-friendly infrastructure facilities within the town and the sacred
Justification
area. The Katargama Development Plan 2021-2030 identified this issue and set
out a proposal under the Transpor Development Strategy to identify and develop
pedestrian walkways.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State Owned 

If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Lands are under the possession of Kataragama PS and the RDA

Urban Development Authority

202
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Details

Long- Estimat
Medium-
Term ed Cost 150
Duration Short-Term Term 
(1<Year)
(3< in Rs. Mn
(1-3 Years)
Years) Mn.

Funding
Treasury Funds
Source

Development of Pedestrians’ Walkways

1 Construction of a walkway from Detagamuwa 700m

Urban Park to Dewalaya approach road
connecting Gotaimbara Mawatha

Description
of project 2 Construction of a walkway from Detagamuwa 650m
Urban Park to Dewalaya approach road
connecting Saddhathissa Mawatha

Project’s activities • Development of a drainage

network along the walkways

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Power Existing Capacity

Infrastructure
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposal

Mixed Compatibility Yes No

Zone 
Development Zone

Urban Development Authority

203
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Current Situation

Estimated Cost of Project 150 Mn

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

RDA

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

204
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Walkways in Sella Kataragama

Project Identification

Project Name Development of Walkways in Sella Kataragama

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Development of Walkways

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site

Location Map

Urban Development Authority

205
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project’s Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelopmen Expansi
New  Development
Project t on
Only
Conser Commer Landsca Housin
Historical Relocation Other
Project Type vation cial ping g

Project Environmen
Economic Social 
Vision tal

Project • Creation of a people – friendly environment within the town

Objectives • Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

During the festival seasons and week ends Kataragama Sacred area received a
large number of devotees and vistors. But such visitors do not have opportunity to
enjoy visitor-friendly infrastructure facilities within the town and the sacred area.
Project
Justification The Katargama Development Plan 2021-2030 identified this issue and set out a
proposal under the Transpor Development Strategy to identify and develop
pedestrian walkways in Sella Kataragama

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State Owned 

If not,
Encumbrances Yes No alternative
proposal

Details of title Kataragama PS owns the lands required for the proposed walkway.

Urban Development Authority

206
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Project Details

Long- Estimated
Medium- Term
Duration Short-Term Term  Cost in 150Mn
(3<
( 1>Year:) (1-3 Years) Rs. Mn.
Years)

Funding
Treasury funds
Source

Description
of project Construction of walkways

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Water Existing Capacity Power Existing Capacity

Infrastructure
Facilities
Solid Waste Yes No If not
management  alternative
system proposal

Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No


Development Zone

Estimated Cost of Project 150 Mn

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

RDA

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

207
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Construction of a Drinking Water Purification Plant

Project Identification

Project’s Name Construction of a Drinking Water Purification Plant

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Construction of a water purificataion plant

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site

Access Dewalaya Entrance Road

Location Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

208
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The surrounding land use is commercial and the proposed site falls within the
commercial zone closer to the sacred area according to the Proposed Land Use
Zoning Plan.

Project Justification
Land
Nature of the Redevelopme Expansi
New  Development
Project nt on
Only
Cons
Commer Landsca Housin
ervati Historical Relocation Other
Project Type cial ping g
on

Project’s Environm
Economic Social 
Vision ental
Project
Objectives • Provide safe drinking water to the residents as well as the visitors.

The large crowd of devotees and visitors of Kataragama including the residents
cannot fulfill their water needs fully due to the limited capacity of existing
Project’s
Justification water purification plant in Kataragama. During the peak days of visitors and
the devotees the water need per day has been estimated to be 10000 cbm or
more, but the capacity of the purification plant is only 6500 cbm per day
demonstrating a water shortage of 4000 cbm of purified water during the peak

Urban Development Authority

209
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

days. As such the Kataragama Development Plan 2021-2030 proposes to

establish a new water purification plant in Kataragama with a capacity of
15,000 m3.

Details of Project Site

State
Current Land Title UDA Private 
Owned
If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal
Details of title State Owned- under the Divisional Secreteriat of kataragama
Pla Land Extent
Name of
n Date of Plan
Surveyor
Details of Survey No. A R P
Plan

Project Details

Long-
Medium- Estimated
Short-Term Term
Duration Term  Cost in 200Mn
(3< Rs. Mn.
(1<Year:) (1-3 Years)
Years)

Funding Source Treasury and UDA funds

Construction of a water intake and a water purification plant at Kohomba

Description of
Digana with the purification capacity of 15000 m3 per day
project

Capacity Required Capacity Required

Infrastructure
Water Existing Capacity Power Existing Capacity
Facilities

Urban Development Authority

210
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Solid Yes No If not

Waste alternative
managem  proposal
ent
system

Use Zone Commercial Compatibility Yes No

Zone near the 
sacred area

Current Situation
Proposed site is a part of the Tree Planted Green area and is free of encumbrances.

Estimated Cost of the Project Rs. Mn 200 Mn

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

NWS&DB

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

211
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Waste Recycling Plant Expansion Project

Project Identification

Project Name Galapitagalayaya Waste Recycling Plant Expansion Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Expansion of the existing waste recycling plant with facilities

Project location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project Divisional
Location Local
Secretariat Kataragama Kataragama PS
Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project
Site

Access Gam Udawa Acsess Road

Location Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

212
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Proposed Project site falls within the Mixed Development Zone

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelop Expansi
New  Development
Project ment on
Only
Com
Conser Landsca Hou Othe
merc Historical Relocation
Project Type vation ping sing r
ial

Environm
Project Vision Economic Social 
ental

Project • Establishment of an efficient solid waste recycling system

Objectives • Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment

Current solid waste management system has become inefficient due to it’s
under capacity and poor management efficiency. The solid waste
generation in the town is considerably high due to the arrival of a large
crowd as devotees and visitors in Kataragama. A large volume of wastes
Project
is generated in Kataragama sacred area, Sella Kataragama and
Justification
Wadahitikanda.

The current Galapitagala yaaya waste management centre is functioning

under capacity and cannot cope up with the volume of wastes coming in to
the cantre. As a result the management has been compelled to dispose the
waste in to open lands creating a health hazard within the locality. As such

Urban Development Authority

213
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

expansion of the centre with necessary facilities has become vital in the
present context of solid waste management system.

Details of Project Site

Current Land State

UDA Private 
Title Owned

If not,
Encumbrances Yes  No alternative
proposal

Details of title Kataragama PS owns the land where the current centre is located

Name of Date of
Plan No. Land Extent
Surveyor Plan
Details of Survey
Plan
A R P

Project Details

Short- Medium- Estimated

Long-Term
Duration Term Term  Cost in Rs. 100
(3< Years) Mln.
(1>Year:) (1-3 Years)
Funding
Treasury Funds
Source

Expansion of the Galapitagalayaaya Solid Wastes management Centre

Description includes following.
of project 1. Provide a Bob Cat Machine with sufficient capacity
2. Provide a Cuuter machine.
3. Filling yard with 5 parts.
Capacity Capacity
Required Required
Water Existing Power Existing
Infrastructure
Capacity Capacity
Facilities

Solid Yes No If not alternative


Waste proposal

Urban Development Authority

214
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

manageme
nt system
Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes No
Development 
Zone
Current Situation

Current Solid Waste management Centre at galapitagalayaaya

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mln.

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer
Kataragama PS

Regulations and Consultations Development should Consultants

conform to the
development &
planning regulations
of the

Urban Development Authority

215
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of “Sewa Piyasa” to purchase recyclable solid wastes

Project Identification

Project’s Name Construction of “Sewa Piyasa”

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Establishment of Sewa Piyasa to purchase recyclable wastes.

Project Proposal i) Kataragama Public Bus Stand Premises
ii) Sella Kataragama, at a site near the Community Centre.

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project’s
Location Divisional Secretariat Local Kataragama
Kataragama
Division Authority PS

Project Justification

Land
Nature of the Redevelopme Expansio
New  Developmen
Project nt n
t Only
Con
Comm Landsca Housin Othe
serv Historical Relocation
Project Type ercial ping g r
ation

Environ
Project Vision Economic Social 
mental

Project • Establishment of a sustainable wastes management system in

Objectives Kataragama
• Creation of a pleasant and picturesque urban environment.

Current solid waste management system has become inefficient due to it’s
Project under capacity and poor management efficiency. The solid waste
Justification
generation in the town is considerably high due to the arrival of a large
crowd as devotees and visitors in Kataragama. A large volume of wastes

Urban Development Authority

216
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

is generated in Kataragama sacred area, Sella Kataragama and

Wadahitikanda.

Current waste management system is functioning under capacity. The

waste generated in Kataragama includes a higher percentage of recyclasble
wastes. Therefore the Kataragama Development Plan identified a proposal
to purchase such wastes for reclycling purposes whci could supplement
the overall waste management system in Kataragama.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State


Owned

Encumbrances Yes  No If not,

alternative
proposal

Details of title Pradesheeya Sabha

Project Details

Medium- Long-
Term Term Estimated
Short-Term
Duration  Cost in Rs. 10
(1>Year:) (1-3 (3< Mn.
Years) Years)
Funding
Treasury funds
Source
Description Establishment of wastes purchasing centres
of project
Capacity Capacity
Required Required
Water Power
Infrastructure Existing Existing
Facilities Capacity Capacity
Solid Yes No If not alternative

Waste proposal

Urban Development Authority

217
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

manageme
nt system

Use Zone Mixed Compati Yes No


Development Zone bility
Current Situation

Estimated Cost of Project Rs. Mln.

Responsible Agencies
Agency Responsible Authorized Officer
Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

218
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Development of Agro Products Sale Centre

Project Identification

Project Name Development of Agro Products Sale Centre

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal Construction of a new Agro Product Sales Centre

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project
Location Divisional Kataragama Local Kataragama PS
Secretariat Authority
Division

Boundaries North East South West

of the Project
Site

Access Thissa-kataragama main Road

Location
Map

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

219
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The proposed project site comes within the mixed development zone according
to the proposed Land Use Plan of Kataragama and the surrounding land use is
commercial.

Project Justification

New P Redevelop Expansio Land

Nature of the
ment n Development
Project
Only

Conservati Commer Landsca Historical Housi Relocatio Other

Project Type
on cial ping ng n

Project Environmental Economic

 Social
Vision

Project
• Creation of more commercial opportunities to the residents while
Objectives strengthening the local economy

The economic activities of Kataragama are gradually focusing on commercial

activities relating to providing goods and services to the large crowd of devotees
Project and vidsitors flocking on in Kataragama to attend religious functions during the
Justification festive seasons and week ends. This process demonstrates a transformation of
the economic base of Kataragaama from an agricultural economy to a tourism
based economy. Most of these activities are dependednt on religious functions.

Urban Development Authority

220
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Details of Project Site

Current Land UDA Private State

Title Owned

Encumbrances Yes No If not,

 alternative
proposal

Details of title UDA

Details of Survey Plan No. Name of Date of

Land Extent
Plan Surveyor Plan

A R P

Project Details

Medium- Long- Estimated

10
Duration Short-Term Term Term Cost in Rs.
(1<Year) Mn
(1-3 Years) (3< Years) Mln.

Funding Source Treasury Funds

Description of
project Development of agro products sale centre

Water Capacity Required Power Capacity Required

Existing Capacity Existing Capacity

Infrastructure

Facilities Solid Yes No If not

Waste alternative
manag  proposal
ement
system

Mixed Compatibilit Yes No

Zone Development y 
Zone

Estimated Cost of Project 200 Mn

Urban Development Authority

221
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Responsible Agencies

Agency Responsible Authorized Officer

Kataragama PS

Urban Development Authority

222
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Mixed Development at the Wimalasena Mawatha (Road)

Identification of the Project

Project Name Wimalasena Mawatha Mixed Development Project

Project Kataragama Town Development Project

Project Proposal

Project Location

Province Uva District Monaragala

Project
Location Divisional Kataragama Local Kataragama PS
Secretariat Authority
Division

Boundaries of North East South West

the Project Site

Access [Link] Mawatha

Project
Location

Surrounding
Land Use

Urban Development Authority

223
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

The proposed site falls within the Commercial Zone according to the
proposed Zoning Plan and situated closer to the Mixed Development Zone as
well.

Project Justification
New Redevelop Expansio Land
Nature of the
ment n Development
Project
Only

Conserva Commer Landsca Historical Housi Relocatio Other

Project Type
tion cial ping ng n

Environmenta Economic
Project Vision  Social 
l

• Provide commercial and infrastructure facilities for the visitor

Project population
Objectives • Empower the local residents and offer them with more commercial
opportunities.
• Development of urban environment with beauty

Project
Justification Sustainable visitor population growth increases demand for many services and
facilities in Kataragama. The proposed mixed development project will help

Urban Development Authority

224
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

local residents strengthrning their living conditions through creation of more

commercial opportunities in the project.

Details of Project Site

Current Land Title UDA Private State

Owned

Encumbrances Yes No If not,

 alternative
proposal

Details of title Ownership - UDA

Acres: 1.5

R:
Land Extent
P:

Project Details
Duration Long -
Medium- Estimated
Term 200
Short-Term Term  Cost in
(1>Year:) (3< Mn
(1-3 Years) Rs. Mn
Years)

Funding
Treasury and UDA funds
Source

Description of Wimalasena Mawatha Mixed Development project will be implemented in two

project stages.
The first stage includes construction of sanitary facilities while the second stage
includes development of car parks, accommodation facilities and landscaping

Infrastructure Water Capacity Required Power Capacity Required

Facilities
Existing Capacity Existing Capacity

Urban Development Authority

225
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Solid Yes No If not

Waste alternative
managem  proposal
ent
system

Use Zone Mixed Compatibility Yes  No

Development
Zone

Current Situation

Vacant land

Estimated Cost of Project 300 Mn

Work Items Cost in Rs. Mln

Stage I 150 Mn

Satge II 150Mn

Total 300Mn

Urban Development Authority

226
KATARAGAMADEVELOPMENTPLAN
2021-
2030

PARTI
I

URBANDEVELOPMENTAUTHORI
TY
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 07

7. Development Zones and Zoning Guidelines

7.1. Introduction
The Development Zones were identified in a manner appropriate for approaching the vision of
2030, formed for Kataragama with a view of developing a destination, rich of greeneries and
socio-economic developments for the benefit of the pilgrims who shall be attracted by its
religious and emotional environment of the Most Sacred Town in the Kataragama.

In the process of identifying most appropriate zoning system for the entire planning area, the
assessment of development limitations of the area was analysed more accurately on
consideration of the following conditions.

• Sensitivity Analysis

Under this analysis the main attention was focused on the identification of the sensitive areas
where the development should be controlled. Such sensitive areas include water bodies, paddy
fields, forests, and wetlands as well as places of religious, archeologiclal and historically
significant. (Annexure 5.13)

• Bearing Capacity Analysis

The bearing capacity of each Gramasewa Division of Kataragama was assessed, which
included road network prevailing in the area, entertainment and leasure facilities, water
supply,and development potential of each division and their capacity to accomodate the future
population. (Annexure 5.14)

• Development Potential Analysis

Under this analysis the networks of providing basic needs of resident population such as
education, health and other necessities and their distribution within each division including the
area of service and their potentials were identified. (Annexure 5.15)

• Development pressure Analysis

The Development Pressure analysis has been focussed on identifying the road density of the
planning area, areas of building developed and their densities, population density, population

Urban Development Authority

228
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

growth rate and the land use pattern of the area including the development trend and its
progressive directions were identified.

According to the future development trends and potentials the development zoning was
implemented while focussing the attention on the densities and potential analysis of each
division.

In the process of zoning the areas, the attention was focussed on identifying areas where
environment, cultural and religious sensitivity is minimum and the development potential is
high and as well as the areas where the comparative bearing capacities are in the higher order.
This method helped assessing the values compartively and to assign values. The areas which
are having higher values were identified ads the areas of higher potential of development while
the areas secured lower values were identified as the low potential areas of developments.
Accordingly the areas of low values secured were defined as low density developemnt areas or
development limiting areas.

According to the said anlysis and its results 07 development zones were identified under the 4
main density categories.

1) Zones with development of high Density

a. Mixed Development Zone
b. Commercial Zone -I

2) Zones with general development Density

c. Residential Zone

3) Zones with low development Density

d Commercial Zone .– I

e. Agriculture Promotion Zone

4) Zone with no development

f. Environment Conservation and Sensitive Zone
g. Sacred area Zone

Urban Development Authority

229
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.2. Development Zones

Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha boundary was divided into 07 development zones as follows,

1) Zone No. 01 - Sacred Area Zone

2) Zone 02 - Commercial Zone - I
3) Zone 03 - Commercial Zone - II
4) Zone No. 04 - Mixed Development Zone
5) Zone No. 05 - Residential Zone
6) Zone No. 06 - Environmental Conservation and Sensitive Zone
7) Zone No. 07 - Agricultural Promotion Zone

All plots of land within the limits of Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha are reserved for any use
mentioned in the zoning plan and the zoning plan is as per map 7.2.1

Urban Development Authority

230
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.2.1. Proposed Zoning Plan 2021-2030

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

231
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.3. Computation of Zone Factor

7.3.1. Zone Facator

The Zone Factor helps regulating the land use through optimization of use of prevailing
infrastructure networks in reaching the vision of the development plan via objectives and the
goals within a zone. The zone factor is expected to maintain the development within the
bearing capacity of a zone or a [Link] computation of the zone factor following criteria
.should be taken in to consideration

• The prevailing sensitivity of environmental, religious and cultural conditions of the

locality
• Bearing Capacity of the infrastruxcture facilities of the area.
• Target population including resident, tourists and migratory population.
• Trend of changing land use pattern of the future .

[Link]. Zone Factor Calculation

Vision of the Kataragama Development Plan 2020 - 2030 is hoped to facilitate the pilgrims
/devotees through high economic and physical development to create the “The Great
Worshiped City in Ruhunupura” and to make it a destination full of quality of religious co-
existence. Accordingly, it is proposed to create a conducive environment for the security of the
people of Kataragama, to provide a properly developed infrastructure, to protect the natural
environment and to improve economic security.

Out of the seven zones prepared in accordance with the zoning plan, it is proposed to develop
the mixed development zone and commercial zone -II with high development intensity, the
residential zone is proposed to develop with normal development intensity, and the agricultural
Promotion zone and commercial zone - I are proposed to develop with Low development
intensity. And, development is restricted in the Sacred Area Zone and the Environmental
Conservation and Sensitive Zone.

In order to identify the zone factor for development according to the development intensities
mentioned above, the existing environmental and religious sensitivities, development
potentials and carring capacity in the each zone were identified. then identified the expected
residential and immigrant population (pilgrims and tourists) by 2030 in each of those zones.
After that the amount of space required to accommodate the residents and devotees / tourists

Urban Development Authority

232
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

in those areas was calculated. The assumptions made for zone factor calculation according to
the zones are as follows.

Assumptions used for the zone factor calculation

zone Assumptions
Zone without development intensity
- Permission for use in this area only for
permissible uses by the Sacred Planning
Committee, National Physical Planning
Sacred area Zone
Department and the Urban Development
Authority.
- Restricted other development activities.
- No development work should be done in the
Environment Conservation and
Environmental Conservation and Sensitive
Sensitive Zone
Zone
Low Development Intensity Zone
- Removal of incompatible uses in the urban
Commercial Zone - I area closer to the sacred area and restrict
Development in the Commercial Zone - I
- Restricted the Development
- Making the area as most suitable for agriculture
Agriculture Promotion Zone Development and Uses
- Transformed into region where the tourism
facilities related to agriculture exist
Average Development Intensity Zone
- Transform into a zone suitable for residential
Residential Zone
use.
High Development Intensity Zone
- Concentration on higher development to
Mixed Development Zone
facilitate pilgrims and residents.
Commercial Zone -II

Urban Development Authority

233
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Based on the above assumptions, the expected residential and migrant communities for each
zone are calculated. After that, the total land area required for the desired community was
calculated.

Computation of Zone Factor

Lands required to meet the needs of the future

resident and migratory population
Zone Factor =
Prevailing developable lands in the locality

According to the Zone Factor of the zones thus identified, there is a fair amount of
Developable space for development activities in each zones.

Determination of Permissible Floor area of Development Areas applicable to Kataragama

Development Plan in table [Link], [Link] and [Link] are accorded with Forms "A" "B" "E"
in Schedule 6 of Part IV of the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2235/54 dated Thursday
08th July 2021.

Urban Development Authority

234
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

[Link]. Zone Factor Distribution in Different Zones

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
236
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.3.2. Permissible floor area ratio for zones

[Link]. Form A - Permissible floor area ratio for zones

Zone factor = 0.50 - 0.74 Zone factor = 0.75-0.99 Zone factor = 1.00-1.24 Zone factor = 1.25-1.49 Zone factor = 1.50-1.74
Minimum Road Width Minimum Road Width Minimum Road Width Minimum Road Width Minimum Road Width
Land extent (Sq.M)
15m or 15m or 15m or 15m or 15m or
7m 9m 12m 7m 9m 12m 7m 9m 12m 7m 9m 12m 7m 9m 12m
above above above above above

150 less than 250 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.8
250 less than 375 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.8 2.0 1.8 2.2 2.4 2.7 2.2 2.7 3.0 3.3 2.6 3.2 3.6 4.0
375 less than 500 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.1 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8 2.3 2.8 3.2 3.4 2.7 3.3 3.8 4.2
500 less than 750 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.2 2.0 2.3 2.7 3.0 2.4 3.0 3.4 3.5 2.8 3.4 4.0 4.5
750 less than 1000 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.5 1.8 2.2 2.5 2.1 2.4 2.9 3.3 2.6 3.0 3.6 4.0 3.1 3.6 4.3 5.0
1000 less than 1500 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.8 1.6 1.9 2.3 2.7 2.2 2.5 3.0 3.6 2.7 3.1 3.8 4.5 3.2 3.8 4.6 5.5
1500 less than 2000 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.0 1.7 2.1 2.5 3.0 2.3 2.7 3.4 4.0 2.9 3.4 4.2 5.0 3.4 4.0 5.0 6.0
2000 less than 2500 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 1.8 2.3 2.7 3.1 2.4 2.8 3.5 4.2 3.0 3.5 4.4 5.4 3.5 4.2 5.2 6.5
2500 less than 3000 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 1.9 2.4 3.0 3.6 2.5 3.2 4.0 4.7 3.1 3.8 4.7 5.8 3.6 4.4 5.5 7.0
3000 less than 3500 1.3 1.7 2.1 2.5 2.0 2.5 3.1 3.7 2.6 3.4 4.2 5.0 3.2 4.0 5.0 6.2 3.7 4.6 6.0 7.5
3500 less than 4000 1.4 1.8 2.2 2.6 2.2 2.6 3.3 3.9 2.8 3.6 4.3 5.3 3.3 4.3 5.5 6.6 3.8 4.8 6.3 7.7
More than 4000 1.5 1.9 2.3 2.8 2.5 2.8 3.5 4.0 3.0 3.8 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 4.0 5.0 6.5 8.0
UL - Unlimited
Floor area allocated for parking facilities are not calculated for FAR
Above Floor Area Ratio shall not be applicable for the zones where number of floors or FAR indicated under the zoning regulations
Above Permissible FAR may be restricted under the development plan based on the slope of the land
Clearance shall be taken from National Building Reserach Organization for the lands having slope morethan 110
* FAR more than or equal to 10.0 shall be permitted only for the roads having minimum of 12m ( from road center)
Building Line, if not maximum FAR shall be limited to 9.0
**Minimum road width of 7m shall be considered for the roads identified as 7m wide road in the particular development Plan

Urban Development Authority

237
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

[Link]. Form B - Number of Floors for 3m & 4.5m wide Roads

Form B - Number of Floors for 3.0m & 4.5m wide Roads

Minimum Maximum Number of Floors

Minimum Plot
Site Zone Factor Zone Factor Zone Factor Zone Factor
Road Width Coverage*
Frontage 0.5 - 0.74 0.75 - 1.24 1.25 - 3.49 3.50 - 4.00

3.0m 6m 65% 1 (G) 2 (G+1) 3 (G+2) 3 (G+2)

4.5m 6m 65% 1 (G) 2 (G+1) 3 (G+2) 4 (G+3)

Number of floors are indicated including parking areas

Number of units allowed for each road shall not be changed
* Where no plot coverage specified under the zoning regulations

[Link]. Form C - Setbacks

Form C - Setbacks & Open Spaces

Plot Coverage* Rear Space (m) Side Space (m) Light Well for NLV
When
Minimum When When
Building no When no
Site NLV is NLV is
Height Non NLV is NLV is Minimum
Frontage Residential taking taking
(m) Residential taking taking width
(m) this this
this this end Minimum
end end
end Area
less than
6 80%** 2.3m 2.3m 2.3m 2.3m
7 65% - 5 Sq.m
7 less
6 3.0m 3.0m 3.0m 3.0m
than 15 65% 65% - 9 Sq.m
15 less 1.0m and
12
than 30 65% 65% 4.0m 4.0m 3.0m 4.0m 4.0m 16 Sq.m
30 less 3.0m
20 5.0m 5.0m 5.0m
than 50 65% 65% 4.0m both side 25 Sq.m
50 less 4.0m
30 5.0m 6.0m 6.0m 6.0m
than 75 50%*** 50%*** both side 36 Sq.m
75 and Above 5.0m
6.0m 6.0m 6.0m
above 40m 50%*** 50%*** 5.0m both side ****
NLV - Natural Light & Ventilation
Building Height - Height between access road level to roof top or roof level (Including parking floors)
* Where no Plot Coverage specified under the zoning regulations
** The entire development is for non-residential activities
*** 65% plot coverage can be allowed only for the podium level not exceeding 20% of
the tower height or 12 floors which ever is less
**** Minimum area shall be increased by 1 Sq.m for every additional 3m height

Urban Development Authority

238
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.4. Common Zoning Guidelines

This chapter describes the Common Guidelines applicable to each of the proposed Zoning
Plans, in addition to the permissible uses and Development Guidelines in each Zone set forth
in Chapter 8 .

7.4.1. These regulations apply to the entire area within the administrative limits of the
Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha area which has been declared as an Urban
Development Area in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 423/6 of 1986 and
Gazette Notification No. 1605/41 of 2009 under Section 3 of the Urban Development
Authority Act No. 41 of 1978.
7.4.2. In addition to the provisions of this zoning plan, the Planning and Development
Regulations applicable to any development work is regulated by the Gazette
Notification No2235/54 dated 08.07.2021. The said legalized Planning and
Development Regulations also apply to the Kataragama Pradesheeya Sabha planning
area.
7.4.3. In the event when a land or a property has been prescribed only for a particular use by
the Zoning Plan such property shall not be used for any other use other than the use so
prescribed in the Zoning Plan.
7.4.4. The Authority shall retain the authority to declare any area when it deems appropriate
as a special project area, redevelopment area, special development area, central
commercial area, environmental picturesque area or a conservation area in view of
achieving the objectives of this Development Plan.
7.4.5. Authority to use, restrict or prohibit the use of land for the construction of any particular
building in the areas referred to in 7.4.3 above, to impose the provisions of this Plan, to
relax the prohibitions or to impose other rules for the performance of functions
prescribed for the area Can be done by.

7.4.6. If there is any development work that is not covered by the regulations of the
Development Plan, it is up to the Urban Development Authority to decide on it.

7.4.7. Any permitted development activity being carried on the date of enforcement of these
regulations becomes incompatible with the uses permissible within the zone where such
land or property is situated the Authority shall not extend the validity period of such a
permit or shall not permit expansion of such development activity by way of increasing

Urban Development Authority

239
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

the performance capacities of permitted machineries of that development activity or by

amalgamating adjoining lands paving the way to initiate a new development activity
within the said premises. If continuation of such development activity is deemed to be
contrary to the objectives of the development plan, the Authority shall direct such a
development activity to suspend forthwith.
7.4.8. In the event when a land comes within the purview of two authority areas of local
authorities such land will be considered falling within the local authority area where
the access road of such land is located. If any land gains access through two roads
each belonging to two different local authority areas the local authority area where
the wider access road is located shall be considered as the local authority area of
such land and if such access roads are in equal widths the local authority area where
the major part of the land belonging to shall be considered as the local authority
area of such land.
7.4.9. In the event when a property or a building falls within the perview of two local
authority areas, the local authority area where the access road to such building or
property belongs to shall be considered the local authority of such property or
building.
[Link] the event when a property belongs to two or more local authority areas, such property
shall be considered having been falling within the perview of one of such local
authority areas which has the highest potential of achieving the objectives of the
Development Plan.
7.4.11. Use of a land or a building for a use other than the use permitted under a Development
Permit issued by the Authority shall be considered contravention of these regulations.

[Link] the event when a land or a homestead is not prescribed for a particular use, the
development of such land should be implemented in conformity with the uses
permissible within that zone.

[Link] buildings of archeological, architectural, and heritage significant should be

conserved in their original form; and redevelopment, refurbishment or rehabilitation of
such building should be planned preserving the archeological and architectural values
with the approval of the Department of Archeology or relevant Government Institution.

Urban Development Authority

240
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

[Link] a location or a property is not prescribed for a particular use uder the zoning plan,
such location or the property should not have any obstruction for use of it for the
permissible uses under the zone where such a location or a property is located
[Link] a person seeks approval for a particular construction, he should act in accordance
with the instructions given by the Urban Development Authority regarding its
appearance in order to protect the identity of each area.

[Link] Urban Development Authority may regulate the modification or modification of

the roof, color, hardware used and architecture of existing buildings and proposed
public structures within the proposed use in zoning plan

[Link] buildings of more than two units and more than 400 square meters must
submit a solid waste management plan when submitting commercial or other building
applications.

[Link] with high identities of clearly identifiable landscapes and biodiversity within the
boundaries of the Pradeshiya Sabha should be conserved and provisions which, in the
opinion of the Authority, are considered to be appropriate for the conservation of a
particular place or area if it is important in terms of aesthetics or landscape. May be
imposed by the Authority.
[Link] outdoor parks and recreational spaces that have already been identified and used
should only be used for such purposes.
[Link] Authority may direct the owner or developer to maintain the landscape of the
development site in a manner that is approved by the Authority.
[Link] construction of a cemetery building or the development of such building shall be
in accordance with the Cemeteries Ordinance No. 47 of 1946.
7.4.22. No refurbishments or internal alterations should be carried out whithin a conserved
building without prior approval of the Authority.
[Link] carrying out any construction in each of the zones designated by the zoning plan,
the maximum floor area that can be constructed should be as per the form number A, B
and C.

7.4.24. The Urban Development Authority has the final say in matters where problems arise
in determining the 'total floor area' to be approved for development activities.

Urban Development Authority

241
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

7.4.25. Building Limits applicable to all existing roads within the boundaries of the Pradeshiya
Sabha should be as per Annexure 9.1 and the proposed road width as per Annexure 9.2
7.4.26. In the absence of a proposed street line, development work will be considered if the
following requirements are met.
a) If the width of the road is 6 meters then there should be an access road not
less than 4.5 meters and if the width of the road is 9 meters then there should
be an access road not less than 6 meters.
b) Transferred by the developer to widen the road width as required (space up
to 6 and 9 m required) at no extra cost.
c) Road width should be physically opened before development begins.
7.4.27. The reservation of any land adjoining the Manik River or any other water way shall be
determined from the edge of the embankment of the water way in accordance with the
annexure 4.
7.4.28. The final decision on the allocation of reserve or barrier zones to protect and maintain
the environment in a particular location is made by the Urban Development Authority.

[Link] using any land for waste recycling centers, sanitary landfills or other related
activities or expanding an existing land, a 10 meter green fence should be maintained
around that boundary.

[Link] Authority shall permit uses other than the permissible uses defined under each zone
subject to conditions provided that the Authority is satisfied.

[Link] should be obtained from the institutions recommended by the Authority for
reclamation, construction and use of existing paddy lands and eco-sensitive areas in
areas where development is permitted which is not identified as low lying lands, paddy
lands and low lands. (Appendix 5.1 - Existing Paddy and Low Land Map)
[Link] zone factor shall not be enforced in conservation and special conservation areas,
but only the zoning regulations shall be enforced.

[Link] prior approval of the Central Environment Authority and the Urban Development
Authority should be secured for developments having potential to cause dangerious or
environment disasters.

Urban Development Authority

242
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

[Link] boundaries shown on the zoning map are often based on existing highways, byways
and waterways, and in the absence of such boundaries the zoning boundaries of the
development plan should be based on the x and y coordinates (latitude and longitude)
indicated in Google earth (Annexure No1).
[Link] the event of any dispute arises over the metes and bounds of zones the decision of
the Authority in that regard shall be the final.

Urban Development Authority

243
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 08

8. Zoning Guidelines
8.1. Development Guidelines in the Sacred Area Zone
Table 8.1. Development Guidelines in the Sacred Area Zone

Development
(a)
Zone Sacred Area Zone

Main Focus of The main objective of the zone is to preserve the religious and
^b&
the Zone cultural values of the area while promoting uses and
developments that will not harm such values of the area.

Metes and
The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the
^c& Bounds
boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.
(Coordinates)

^d& Zone Factor The zone factor does not apply to this zone.

Permissible The permisssible heights of buildings shall be decided by the

^e&
Heights Planning Committee depending on the needs to protect the
physical charecteristics of the zone.
Permissible
^f& -
Plot Coverage

i. Any development proposal within this Zone should

Common secure the prior approval of the Sacred Area Planning

regulations Committee, National Physical Planning Department

^g& and the Urban Development Authority.
enforced within
the Zone ii. No construction is permitted in the Environmental
Conservation and Sensitive Zone which belongs to the
Kataragama Main Sacred Area.

Urban Development Authority

244
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.1.1. Permissible Uses for Sacred Area

Table 8.2. Permissible Uses for Sacred Area

Permissible Uses Minimum extent

The uses compatible with the uses permissible in the

i.
zone and permitted by the National Physical Planning
Department and the Urban Development Authority

Subject to combined
ii. Sanitory Facilities
institutional approval
iii. Open Areas
iv. Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

245
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.2. Development Guidelines in Commercial Zone - I

Table 8.3. Development Guidelines in the Commercial Zone - I

Development
(a)
Zone Commercial Zone - I

The main objective of this zone is to provide commercial

facilities to meet the needs of the sacred area and the pilgrims
Main Focus of
^b& while discouraging the other uses and developments. The
the Zone
commercial activities permissable will be permitted subject to
conditions with a view of enhancing the sanctity of the sacred
area of Kataragama.

Metes and
The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the
^c& Bounds
boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.
(Coordinates)

^d& Zone Factor 0.5

Permissible
^e& -
Heights
Permissible Plot
^f&
Coverage 80%

i. The minimum site extent shall be 150 Square Meters

ii. Facade of any building seeking approval should be
Common designed in accordance with the instructions of the Urban
regulations Development Authority.
^g&
enforced within iii. In the event the Urban Development Authority directs the
the Zone owners of the existing developments it shall be the duty of
such owners to refurbish their existing developments
according to the architectural Guidelines included in such
directives.

Urban Development Authority

246
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

iv. The section from the Sella Kataragama road up to the

Thissa Kataragama road of the Sithulpawwa Road, which
provides access to the Dewalaya and has been identified
by the Urban Development Authority as a special
development zone for development it as a sacred town
shall not be opened for the vehicular traffic, instead it shall
be opened only for the pedestrians; and as such the
building line of 15 feet along this road section shall be
enforced from the centre of the said road.

8.2.1. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone - I

Table 8.4. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone - I

Minimum
site extent
Permissible Uses
^Square
Meters&
i. Institutions ATM Centres
ii Sector Trading Stalls (flower Shops, Frouit
Commercial 150
Shops…)
iii. Motor Vehicles Common Vehicle Parks
iv. Leisure and Open Areas
v Entertainment Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

247
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.3. Development Guidelines in Commercial Zone - II

Table 8.5. Development Guidelines in Commercial Zone - II

(a) Development
Commercial Zone - II
Zone
Development of Commercial and service activities for the
Main Focus of
^b& benifit of the resident population and the pilgrims is the main
the Zone
focus of this cevelopment zone.

Metes and
^c& Bounds The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the
(Coordinates) boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.

^d& Zone Factor 1.4

Permissible
^e& -
Heights
Permissible Plot
^f&
Coverage 80%

i. Minimum plot size should be 250 square Meters

ii. Advertising hoardings should comply with the guidelines
provided by the Authority in General regulations
iii. Any development seeking approval should secure the
planning clearences of the institutions recommended by
Common
the Authority
regulations
^g& iv. The Authority reserves the authority to determine the
enforced within
maximum height of a development
the Zone
v. Parking facilities should be provided within the site for
.which the development approval is sought
vi. The existing tanks, water chanels and paddy lands within
this zone should be preserved and should be maintained
.as they are

Urban Development Authority

248
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.3.1. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone -II

Table 8.6. Permissible Uses for Commercial Zone -II

Minimum site extent

Permissible Uses
^Square Meters&
Health
i. Private Hospitals 1000
ii. Medical Consultation Centres 250
iii. Laboratory Service Centres 150
iv. Pharmecies 10
v. Ayurveda Medical Centres 500
Education
i. Technical Colleges/Vocational Training Centres 1000
ii. Vocational Training Institutes 1000
iii. Education Centres of Tertiary Education 1000
iv. Private Tution Classes 500
Institutions
i. Government Offices 500
ii. Professional Offices 250
iii. Banks, Financial Institutions 250
iv. ATM Centers
Social Services
i. Day Care Centres with floor area not exceeding 50 500
square Meters
ii. Salons/Beauty Parlours 250
iii. Physical Fitness Centers 250
Commercial
i. Retail Shops 250
ii. Whole Sale Stores 500
iii. Super markets 1000
iv. FIsh Markets 250
v. Processed Meat Shops 250
Building Material Shops
vi. i. [Link], metals, cement, steel rods and pipes 500

ii. Other building materials 500

Urban Development Authority

249
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

vii. Warehouses/ Stores 500

ix. Bakeries 250
x. Petrol FIlling Stations 1000
xi. Gas filling and Electric vehicle charging stations 250
xii. Vehicle Spare Parts Shops 500
i. Body Parts
xiii. ii. Other Spare Part shops 500
xiv Furniture Shop 250
Tourism
i. Tourist Hotels 500
ii. Restaurant 250
iii. Holiday Homes 500
iv. Reception Hall 1000
v. City Hotels 500
vi. Motels 500
Motor Vehicles
i. Motor Vehicle Trading Centers 500
ii. Vehicle Repairing Garages 250
iii. Vehicle Service Stations / Vehicle Washing
500
Centers
iv. Common Vehicle Parks 500
Leisure and Entertainment
i. Children’s Parks
ii. Parks
iii. Open Areas
iv. Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

250
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.4. Development Guidelines in Mixed Development Zone

Table 8.7. Development Guidelines in Mixed Development Zone

(a)
Development
Mix Development Zone
Zone
The main focus of this zone is to provide activities to facilitate
Main Focus of the resident population and pilgrims subject to conditions while
^b&
the Zone promoting the activities that facilitate the population and the
pilgrims.

Metes and
The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the
^c& Bounds
boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.
(Coordinates)

^d& Zone Factor 1.2

Permissible
^e&
Heights -

Permissible Plot
^f& Residential - 65%
Coverage
Non - residential - 70%
i. Minimum Plot Size
• Residential - 250 sqm
ii. Any development seeking approval of the Authority
Common
should secure planning clearances from the Agencies
regulations
^g& recommended by the Authority.
enforced within
iii. The authority of determination of the maximum height of
the Zone
any building at any time is vested with the Urban
Development Authority.

Urban Development Authority

251
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.4.1. Permissible Uses for Mixed development Zone

Table 8.8. Permissible Uses for Mixed development Zone

Minimum site
Permissible Uses extent ^Square
Meters&

Residential
i. Residential Houses 250
ii. Attached Houses 250
iii. Hostels 250
iv. Housing Schemes 1000
Health
i. Government Hospitals 4000
ii. Private Hospitals 1000
iii. Medical Consultation Centers 500
iv. Laboratory Services 500
v. Pharmacies 500
vi. Ayurveda medical Centers 500

Education
i. Government and Semi-Government Schools 4000
ii. Semi-Government Schools 2000
iii. International Schools 4000
iv. Montessori Schools 500
v. Technical Colleges/Vocational Training Institutes 1000
vi. Vocational Training Institutes 1000

vii. Centers of Tertiary Education 1000

viii. Private Tuition Classes 500

Institutes
i. Government Offices 500
ii. Government Office Complexes 1000
iii. Professional Offices 250

Urban Development Authority

252
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

iv. Banks and Financial Institutes 250

v. ATM Centers
Social Services
i. Day Care Centers 500
ii. Salon/Beauty Parlors 250
iii. Indoor Sport Centers 1000
iv. Open Air Theatres 1000
v. Community Centers/Cultural Centers 500
vi. Libraries 250
vii. Elders’ Homes 1000
viii. Cinema Halls 500
ix. Physical Fitness Centers 250

Commercial
i. Retail Shops 250
ii. Whole Sale Stores 500
iii. Fish Markets 250

iv. Process Meat Shops 250

v. Building Material Shops

500
Sand, Metal, Cement, Steel rods and pipes.
vi. ii. Other Building Materials 375
vii. Warehouses/Stores 500
viii. Bakeries 500
ix. Petrol Filling Stations 1000
x. Gas filling and electric car charging stations 500

Motor Vehicle spare part shops with floor area not 500
xi. exceeding 25 Square Meters
i. Body Parts
ii. Other spare parts with floor area not exceeding 25 500
Square Meters
xii. Furniture Shops 500

Tourism
i. Tourist Hotels 500

Urban Development Authority

253
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

ii. Restaurant 500

iii. Holiday Homes 500

iv. Reception Halls 1000

v. City Hotels 1000
vi. Motels 500

Motor Vehicles
i. Motor Vehicle Trade Centers 500
ii. Motor Vehicle Repairing Garages
• Bicycle & Threewheelers 250

• Other Vehicle Repairing Garages 500

iii. Vehicle Service Centers $ Vehicle Washing Centers 500
iv. Common Vehicle Parks
Industries
i. 500
Non-Polluting Handicraft /cottage industries
ii. Brick Laying Industries 500

Leisure and Entertainment parks

i. Children’s Parks
ii. Parks
iii. Open areas
iv. Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

254
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.5. Development Guidelines in Residential Zone

Table 8.9. Development Guidelines in Residential Zone

(a) Development
Residential Zone
Zone
The main purpose of this zone is to promote development
Main Focus of
^b& activities which facilitate housing resident population and
the Zone
provide accommodation facilities for the pilgrims..

Metes and
The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the
^c& Bounds
boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.
(Coordinates)

^d& Zone Factor 0.9

Permissible
^e&
Heights -

Permissible Plot
^f& Residential - 65%
Coverage
Non residential - 70%

i. Minimum land area 250 square meters

ii. Any development seeking approval of the Authority
Common
should secure planning clearances from the Agencies
regulations
^g& recommended by the Authority.
enforced within
iii. The authority of determination of the maximum height of
the Zone
any building at any time is vested with the Urban
Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

255
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.5.1. Permissible Uses for Residential Zone

Table 8.10. Permissible Uses for Residential Zone

Minimum site extent

Permissible Uses
^Square Meters&
Residential
i. Residential Houses 250
ii. Hostels 500
iii. Housing Schemes 1000
Health
i. Private Hospitals 2000
ii. Medical Consultation Centers 1000
iii. Laboratory Services 250
iv. Pharmacies 250
v. Medical Centers 250
Education
i. Government or Semi-Government Schools 4000
ii. Semi-Government Schools 2000
iii. International Schools 4000
iv. Montessori Schools 500
v. Private Tuition Classes 500
Institutes
i. Professional Offices 250
ii. Banks and Financial Institutions 250
iii. ATM Centers
Social Services
i. Day Care Centers 500
ii. Salons/Beauty Parlors 250
iii. Indoor Sport Centers 1000
iv. Community Halls/ Cultural Centers 250
v. Libraries 250
vi. Elder’s Homes 1000
Commercial
i. Retail Shops 250
ii. Super Markests 1000
iii. Fish markets 250
iv. Processed Meat Shops 250

Urban Development Authority

256
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

v. Other Building Material Shops 500

vi. Bakeries 500
vii. Furniture Shops 500
Tourism
i. Tourist Hotels 1000
ii. Restaurants 500
iii. Holiday Homes 500
iv. Reception Halls 1000
v. Motels 500
Motor Vehicles
i. Motor Vehicle Repairing Garages 500
Industries
i. 500
Non-Polluting Handicraft/Cottage Industries
ii. Brick Laying Industries 500
Leisure and entertainment
i. Children’s Parks
ii. Parks
iii. Open Areas
iv. Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

257
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.6. Development Guidelines in Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone

Table 8.11. Development Guidelines in Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone

(a)
Development
Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone
Zone

In order to preserve the religious and cultural values prevailing

Main Focus of
^b& in Kataragama, the uses that are compatible and do not cause
the Zone
any harmful effect on such values shall be encouraged within
this zone.
Metes and
^c& Bounds The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the

(Coordinates) boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.

^d& Zone Factor The zone factor does not apply to this zone.

Permissible
^e& -
Heights
Permissible Plot
^f&
Coverage -
Common
i. No developments shall be permitted within this Zone
regulations
^g&
enforced within
the Zone

8.6.1. Permissible Uses for Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone

Table 8.12. Permissible Uses for Environment Sensitive and Conservation Zone

Minimum site extent

Permissible Uses
^Square Meters&
Herbal Gardens/Forest and related landscaping

Open Areas
Landscaped Areas
Parks

Urban Development Authority

258
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.7. Development Guidelines in Agricultural Promotion Zone

Table 8.13. Development Guidelines in Agricultural Promotion Zone

(a)
Development
Agricultural Promotion Zone
Zone

Main Focus of
^b& The main focus of this Zone is to achieve a sustainable
the Zone
economic development based on a steady growth of agriculture.

Metes and
^c& Bounds The latitude and longitude coordinates of Google Earth for the

(Coordinates) boundaries of this region are given in Annex 1.

^d& Zone Factor 0.5

Permissible
^e& -
Heights
Permissible Plot
^f&
Coverage 50%
i. Minimum land area 500 square meters

ii. Existing cultivable paddy lands and fallow paddy lands

and related areas such as Deniya Ovita can only be used
in accordance with the Agrarian Development Act.
Common
iii. Any development seeking approval of the Authority
regulations
^g& should secure planning clearances from the Agencies
enforced within
recommended by the Authority.
the Zone
iv. The authority of determination of the maximum height
of any building at any time is vested with the Urban
Development Authority

Urban Development Authority

259
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

8.7.1. Permissible Uses for Agricultural Promotion Zone

Table 8.14. Permissible Uses for Agricultural Promotion Zone

Minimum site extent

Permissible Uses
^Square Meters&
Residential
i. Residential Houses 250
Education
Agricultural Technical Schools / Agricultural
i. 1000
Vocational Training Institutes
ii. Tertiary education Institutions 1000

Commercial
i. Retail Shops 250
ii. Agriculture Sector Retail Shops 250
iii. Agriculture Sector Stores 1000
Tourism
i. Tourist Hotels 1000
ii. Holiday Resorts 500
iii. Guest houses 500

Industries
i. Non-Polluting Handicraft/ Cottage industries 250
Leisure and Entertainment
i. Parks
ii. Open Areas
iii. Landscaped Areas

Urban Development Authority

260
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Chapter 09

9. Proposed Road Width, Building Line and Reservations

In the development of the road network in the Kataragama Development Plan, the proposed
road width has been identified for the roads to be widened on a priority basis and building
limits have been introduced for other roads.

9.1. Proposed Road widths are in Operation

Table 9.1. Roads Operating on Proposed Road Widths

Proposed Road Building Limit

No. Road Grade
Width ( m) (m)
1 Weerawila – thissa Road B 30 20
2 Gamuda Entrance Road B 30 20
3 Kataragama – Situlpawwa Road B 18 15
4 Kiriwehera Road B 18 12
5 Galahitiya Road C 18 12
6 Old Wedasiti Kanda Road C 10 12
7 [Link] Road C 10 12
8 Labhiyawasabha Road C 9 7.5
9 Pussadewa Road C 9 7.5
10 Ranawiru Mawatha C 9 7.5
11 Nagahaweediya Road C 7 6.0
12 Gadolwadiya Road C 6 4.5
13 Rohala Pitupasa Road C 6 4.5
14 Dambe Road C 6 4.5
15 Kohombadigana Road C 6 4.5
16 Wallimathagama Road C 6 4.5
17 Peragirigama Road C 6 4.5
16 Passarayaya Road C 6 4.5
17 Karawile Road C 6 4.5
18 Kotugoda Dammawasa Road C 6 4.5

Urban Development Authority

261
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

9.1.1. Opening of the Proposed Street Line for Developments

1) If the owner of the land releases the plot of land for public use to the relevant Local
Government, Road Development Authority, Provincial Road Development Authority
as per the opportunity in the widening of the proposed road through a deed without
obtaining funds in the event that there is a proposed street line to the development land
at the time of issuing the development permit,The Authority intends to consider
development by substituting the width of the line as the physical width to be considered
for development.

2) In the development of a plot of land facing the proposed road width active roads,for the
space required to be at least 7 m wide, the relevant space from the center of the access
road should be set aside for the widening of the access road and physically prepared
with the assistance of the local authority or the relevant institution. The land should be
transferred to the Local Government Institution or the relevant institution at no extra
cost.

3) If it is desired to take advantage of the total area in relation to the width of the proposed
road, the portion of the development land in the middle of the road should be released
to the road and a gift deed should be presented to the relevant institutions.

n.b.

i. It is sufficient only to open the proposed street line to allow development

activities and legal assignments should be made before obtaining the Certificate
of Conformity.

ii. If there is no space for widening of the road on roads where the width of the
access road is more than 4.5 m, even if there is no proposed street line, that
width will be considered as the physical width of the access road and permission
will be considered for development activities.

Urban Development Authority

262
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

9.2. Roads Operating on Building Limits

In addition to the roads identified to be developed on a priority basis for the next 10 years
under the Kataragama Development Plan, building lines have been introduced considering
the future development needs of the existing roads. Accordingly, building restrictions will
apply to the following roads.

9.2.1. Building Limits on roads owned by the Road Development Authority,

Provincial Road Development Authority and the Pradeshiya Sabha

Table 9.2. Roads Operating on Building limits

Building Limite (from

Existing Road
No. Road Center line of the
Width (m)
road) (m)
1 Buttala -Kataragama Road 10 15
2 Sella Kataragama Road 10 12
3 Hospital Road 10 15
4 Deport Road 10 15
5 Abhaya Mawatha 10 12
6 Sadhdhathissa Mawatha 10 12
8 Sumana Mawatha 10 12
9 [Link] Mawatha 7 6.5
10 Gotaimbara Mawatha 7 6.5
11 T.R. Salaman Appuhami Mawatha 7 6.5
12 Bharana Mawatha 7 6.5
13 Wanaraja Place 6 6.5
15 Kandula Mawatha 4 3.5
17 Kachchadewa Mawatha 4 3.5
20 Aladin Silva Mawatha 7 3.5
21 Uda Niwasa Road 4 3.5
22 Dutugemunu Roa 4 3.5
24 Kandula Place 4 3.5
25 Ananda Rewatha Mawatha 6 3.5
26 Kawanthissa Mawatha 6 3.5
27 Ilanaga Place 6 3.5

Urban Development Authority

263
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

29 Thanamalwila Road 6 3.5

30 Old Buththala Road 6 3.5
31 Bhawana Madhyasthanaya Road 6 3.5
32 Dhamma Rakkhitha Road 6 3.5
33 Deewara Gammanaya Road 4.5 3.5
34 Boraluwala Road 4.5 3.5
35 Galwala Road 4.5 3.5
36 Madawwa Road 4.5 3.5
37 Manik Ganga Road 4.5 3.5
38 [Link] Mawatha 4.5 3.5
39 Valli Guhawa road 4 3.5
40 Kunuwala Road 4 3.5
41 Gerikatuwewa Road 4 3.5
42 Galapitagalayaya Road 4 3.5
43 Kukulkatuwa Wewa Road 4 3.5
44 Hansa Mawatha 4 3.5

9.2.2. Building Limits for other Roads

i. Roads maintained by Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha not mentioned in the table and
other public roads - Building Limit 4.5 m

ii. Private Road - 1.5 m from the building limit

Urban Development Authority

264
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

9.3. Reservations/Buildings Lines for Canals/Streams, Tanks, Rivers and

Reservoirs
Tabe 9.3. Water reservation for the river, streams

Top Width
River/stream limit of reservation (m)
^m&

1' Menik River 4.5 < 20 (On either side along the edge )

2' Hangunne Ara 4.5 – 15 40 (On either side along the edge )

15 > 60 (On either side along the edge )

Table 9.4. Canal Reservation

Feeding Canal (main Canal Towards the To the other Total Reserve
Canal) Width road (m) side (m) (Essential
(m) Minimum
Reserve - m)

1. Kuda Galamuna
Feeding Canal 8< 18 12 30
2. Hangunne Ara
Feeding Canal
3. Kochchipathana
Feeding Canal 8 - 12 20 12 32
4. Main canal
supplying water to
the lake
5. Main canal which 12 > 25 15 40
discharges water
from the tank

Source: Irrigation Department - Wellawaya

The reserves declared by the Irrigation Department, Central Environmental Authority,

Mahaweli Authority, Agrarian Services Department and Local Government Institutions in
respect of the above reserves shall be placed in the reserve of the said reserves in excess of the
reserves stated in this statement.

Urban Development Authority

265
KATARAGAMADEVELOPMENTPLAN
2021-
2030

PARTI
II

URBANDEVELOPMENTAUTHORI
TY
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 01 - Zonning Boundaries

Sacred area Zone

The metes and bounds of the zone have been defined in terms of GPS points in relation to the
99 Kandawela Axis on a map prepared to the scale of 1:10000 and published by Google Earth
following the methodology of Transverse Mercater.

Kataragama main Sacred area

No. Y X
1 6.41894 81.3352
2 6.41822 81.3357
3 6.41745 81.3362
4 6.4167 81.3367
5 6.41595 81.3372
6 6.41517 81.3373
7 6.41489 81.3365
8 6.41504 81.3356
9 6.41551 81.3349
10 6.41614 81.3343
11 6.41695 81.3338
12 6.41765 81.3333
13 6.41814 81.3325
14 6.41843 81.3317
15 6.41862 81.3308
16 6.41931 81.3307
17 6.41937 81.3316
18 6.42017 81.3315
19 6.42106 81.3314
20 6.42195 81.3312
21 6.42284 81.3311
22 6.42374 81.3311
23 6.4246 81.3312
24 6.42476 81.332
25 6.42463 81.3329
26 6.4238 81.3332
27 6.42291 81.3334
28 6.42202 81.3336
29 6.42114 81.3338
30 6.42025 81.3339
31 6.41957 81.3345
32 6.41895 81.3352

Urban Development Authority

267
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Zone 1 - Coordinate points of main sacred area of Kataragama

Source : Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

268
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Environmental Conservation and Sensitive Zone belonging to the Kataragama Main Sacred Area

No Y X No Y X
1 6.41934 81.3312 43 6.42645 81.3387
2 6.41931 81.3307 44 6.42635 81.3393
3 6.41886 81.3306 45 6.42624 81.3398
4 6.41865 81.3304 46 6.42587 81.34
5 6.41888 81.3298 47 6.42482 81.34
6 6.41918 81.329 48 6.42413 81.34
7 6.41937 81.3286 49 6.42356 81.34
8 6.41958 81.3282 50 6.42301 81.34
9 6.41994 81.3279 51 6.42252 81.34
10 6.42025 81.3275 52 6.42182 81.34
11 6.42066 81.3272 53 6.42133 81.3401
12 6.42114 81.3271 54 6.42074 81.3401
13 6.42248 81.3266 55 6.41993 81.3403
14 6.42299 81.3263 56 6.41969 81.3407
15 6.42338 81.3259 57 6.41946 81.3411
16 6.42372 81.3256 58 6.41903 81.3414
17 6.42433 81.3255 59 6.41863 81.3414
18 6.42472 81.3261 60 6.4182 81.3413
19 6.42495 81.3266 61 6.41773 81.3411
20 6.4252 81.327 62 6.4174 81.3407
21 6.42544 81.3274 63 6.41721 81.3402
22 6.42591 81.3282 64 6.41693 81.3397
23 6.42616 81.3287 65 6.41661 81.339
24 6.42639 81.3291 66 6.4164 81.3384
25 6.42675 81.3297 67 6.41616 81.338
26 6.42682 81.3302 68 6.41578 81.3376
27 6.42689 81.3307 69 6.41559 81.3374
28 6.42687 81.3311 70 6.416 81.3371
29 6.42681 81.3316 71 6.41644 81.3368
30 6.42666 81.3321 72 6.41694 81.3365
31 6.42659 81.3327 73 6.41749 81.3361
32 6.42653 81.3332 74 6.41801 81.3358
33 6.42649 81.3336 75 6.41857 81.3355
34 6.42639 81.3341 76 6.41895 81.3351
35 6.42623 81.3345 77 6.41939 81.3347
36 6.42607 81.335 78 6.41976 81.3343
37 6.42601 81.3355 79 6.42017 81.334
38 6.42613 81.3359 80 6.42067 81.3338
39 6.42626 81.3365 81 6.42127 81.3338
40 6.42639 81.3372 82 6.42186 81.3336
41 6.42644 81.3377 83 6.42238 81.3335
42 6.42646 81.3382 84 6.42283 81.3334

Urban Development Authority

269
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X
85 6.4233 81.3333
86 6.42381 81.3332
87 6.42467 81.3329
88 6.42476 81.3322
89 6.42475 81.3317
90 6.4246 81.3312
91 6.42409 81.3311
92 6.42358 81.3311
93 6.42294 81.3311
94 6.42247 81.3311
95 6.42185 81.3312
96 6.4213 81.3313
97 6.42085 81.3314
98 6.42035 81.3315
99 6.41983 81.3316
100 6.41936 81.3314

Urban Development Authority

270
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate points of Environmental Conservation and Sensitive Zone belonging to the Kataragama Main Sacred Area

Source : Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

271
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Wedasitikanda Sacred area

No Y X No Y X
1 6.39576 81.3321 1 6.38627 81.3356
2 6.39561 81.332 2 6.38639 81.3356
3 6.39547 81.3319 3 6.3865 81.3356
4 6.38667 81.3356
4 6.39532 81.3317
5 6.38686 81.3357
5 6.39517 81.3316
6 6.38701 81.3357
6 6.39502 81.3315
7 6.38716 81.3358
7 6.39501 81.3314
8 6.38734 81.3359
8 6.39506 81.3312 9 6.38737 81.336
9 6.39515 81.331 10 6.38732 81.3362
10 6.39524 81.3309 11 6.38714 81.3362
11 6.39532 81.3307 12 6.38696 81.3361
12 6.39541 81.3306 13 6.38677 81.3361
13 6.3955 81.3304 14 6.38659 81.3361
14 6.39563 81.3305 15 6.38641 81.336
15 6.39577 81.3306 16 6.38623 81.336
16 6.39587 81.3307 17 6.38624 81.3358
17 6.39577 81.3309
18 6.39573 81.331
19 6.39583 81.3312
20 6.396 81.3313
21 6.39616 81.3314
22 6.39632 81.3315
23 6.39647 81.3316
24 6.39662 81.3317
25 6.39657 81.3318
26 6.39648 81.332
27 6.39639 81.3321
28 6.39629 81.3323
29 6.39619 81.3324
30 6.39605 81.3323
31 6.3959 81.3322

Urban Development Authority

272
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate points of Wedasiti Kanda Sacred area

Coordinate points of Wedasiti Kanda Sacred area Part - II

Source : Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

273
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Sella Kataragama Sacred area

No Y X
1 6.43731 81.3041
2 6.43713 81.3045
3 6.4368 81.3047
4 6.43679 81.3052
5 6.4369 81.3056
6 6.43679 81.306
7 6.43671 81.3065
8 6.43643 81.3066
9 6.43599 81.3065
10 6.43583 81.3061
11 6.43552 81.3059
12 6.43557 81.3055
13 6.43575 81.3051
14 6.43579 81.3047
15 6.43583 81.3042
16 6.43587 81.3038
17 6.43578 81.3034
18 6.43539 81.3031
19 6.43511 81.3028
20 6.43486 81.3025
21 6.43452 81.3022
22 6.43441 81.3018
23 6.43469 81.3014
24 6.43511 81.3015
25 6.43548 81.3018
26 6.43581 81.3021
27 6.4362 81.3023
28 6.43659 81.3021
29 6.4369 81.3018
30 6.43715 81.3014
31 6.4374 81.301
32 6.43766 81.3007
33 6.43793 81.3004
34 6.43824 81.3007
35 6.43834 81.3011
36 6.43824 81.3016
37 6.43813 81.302
38 6.43805 81.3025
39 6.4379 81.3029
40 6.43774 81.3033
41 6.43755 81.3037

Urban Development Authority

274
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate points of Sacred area of Sella Kataragama

මුලාශ්‍රය : Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

275
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Commercial Zone - I (Kataragama Town)

,laIHh Y X ,laIHh y x
1 6.4186 81.3309 43 6.41619 81.3316
2 6.41851 81.3313 44 6.41634 81.3311
3 6.4184 81.3318 45 6.41648 81.3307
4 6.41827 81.3322 46 6.41659 81.3303
5 6.41808 81.3326 47 6.41669 81.3298
6 6.41784 81.333 48 6.41679 81.3294
7 6.4176 81.3334 49 6.41691 81.3289
8 6.41723 81.3336 50 6.41704 81.3285
9 6.41685 81.3339 51 6.41716 81.3281
10 6.41645 81.3341 52 6.41729 81.3276
11 6.41606 81.3343 53 6.41742 81.3272
12 6.41573 81.3346 54 6.41755 81.3268
13 6.41543 81.335 55 6.41767 81.3263
14 6.41515 81.3353 56 6.41789 81.3261
15 6.41501 81.3357 57 6.41834 81.3261
16 6.41492 81.3362 58 6.41879 81.3262
17 6.41488 81.3366 59 6.41924 81.3262
18 6.41492 81.3371 60 6.41969 81.3263
19 6.41512 81.3373 61 6.42013 81.3264
20 6.41469 81.3375 62 6.42057 81.3265
21 6.41426 81.3376 63 6.42097 81.3267
22 6.41382 81.3377 64 6.42136 81.3269
23 6.41343 81.3377 65 6.42119 81.327
24 6.41331 81.3373 66 6.42075 81.3271
25 6.41332 81.3368 67 6.42039 81.3274
26 6.41342 81.3364 68 6.42007 81.3277
27 6.41365 81.336 69 6.41978 81.3281
28 6.41388 81.3356 70 6.41948 81.3284
29 6.41405 81.3352 71 6.41929 81.3288
30 6.41416 81.3348 72 6.41911 81.3292
31 6.41413 81.3343 73 6.41895 81.3296
32 6.41404 81.3339 74 6.41879 81.33
33 6.41412 81.3335 75 6.41863 81.3304
34 6.41454 81.3334
35 6.41489 81.3333
36 6.41506 81.3337
37 6.41535 81.3333
38 6.41526 81.3329
39 6.41511 81.3325
40 6.41499 81.3321
41 6.41542 81.3319
42 6.41584 81.3318

Urban Development Authority

276
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate points of Commercial Zone - I (Kataragama Town)

Source : Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

277
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Commercial Zone - I (Sella Kataragama )

ලක්ෂ්‍යය Y X
1 6.43729 81.3041
2 6.43754 81.3037
3 6.43774 81.3033
4 6.43791 81.3029
5 6.43805 81.3024
6 6.43814 81.302
7 6.43825 81.3016
8 6.43834 81.3011
9 6.43843 81.301
10 6.43862 81.3014
11 6.43877 81.3018
12 6.4389 81.3023
13 6.43903 81.3027
14 6.43915 81.3031
15 6.43928 81.3036
16 6.43941 81.304
17 6.43954 81.3044
18 6.43926 81.3046
19 6.43882 81.3047
20 6.43837 81.3048
21 6.43793 81.3049
22 6.4377 81.3052
23 6.4376 81.3056
24 6.4375 81.3061
25 6.43739 81.3065
26 6.43703 81.3067
27 6.4367 81.3065
28 6.43678 81.3061
29 6.43688 81.3056
30 6.4368 81.3052
31 6.4368 81.3048
32 6.43709 81.3045

Urban Development Authority

278
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinates Points for Commercial Zone - I (Sella Kataragama)

Source: Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

279
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Commercial Zone -II

,laIHh Y X ,laIHh Y X
1 6.41501 81.3321 43 6.41165 81.3335
2 6.4151 81.3325 44 6.41169 81.333
3 6.41526 81.3329 45 6.41159 81.3326
4 6.41535 81.3333 46 6.41155 81.3321
5 6.41506 81.3337 47 6.41187 81.3319
6 6.41489 81.3333 48 6.4123 81.3318
7 6.41454 81.3334 49 6.41243 81.3314
8 6.41412 81.3335 50 6.41231 81.331
9 6.41405 81.3339 51 6.41218 81.3306
10 6.41413 81.3343 52 6.41206 81.3301
11 6.41416 81.3348 53 6.41194 81.3297
12 6.41405 81.3352 54 6.4117 81.3294
13 6.41388 81.3356 55 6.41202 81.3292
14 6.41365 81.336 56 6.41246 81.3291
15 6.41342 81.3364 57 6.41289 81.329
16 6.41332 81.3369 58 6.41334 81.3289
17 6.41331 81.3373 59 6.41379 81.3289
18 6.41343 81.3377 60 6.41424 81.3289
19 6.41361 81.3381 61 6.41469 81.3288
20 6.41376 81.3386 62 6.41514 81.3289
21 6.4138 81.339 63 6.41559 81.329
22 6.41381 81.3395 64 6.41603 81.3291
23 6.4137 81.3399 65 6.41647 81.3292
24 6.41326 81.3398 66 6.4168 81.3293
25 6.4128 81.3398 67 6.41671 81.3298
26 6.41236 81.3398 68 6.4166 81.3302
27 6.41198 81.3396 69 6.4165 81.3307
28 6.41178 81.3392 70 6.41635 81.3311
29 6.41168 81.3387 71 6.41621 81.3315
30 6.41161 81.3383 72 6.41588 81.3318
31 6.41159 81.3379 73 6.41545 81.3319
32 6.41162 81.3374
33 6.41169 81.337
34 6.41178 81.3365
35 6.41188 81.3361
36 6.41205 81.3357
37 6.41224 81.3353
38 6.41241 81.3348
39 6.41249 81.3344
40 6.41244 81.3339
41 6.41221 81.3336
42 6.4118 81.3337

Urban Development Authority

280
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate pont of Commercial Zone - II

Source: Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

281
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Mixed Development Zone

No Y X No Y X
1 6.42137 81.3269 43 6.41278 81.3398
2 6.42112 81.3268 44 6.41304 81.3398
3 6.42078 81.3265 45 6.41304 81.3398
4 6.42074 81.3265 46 6.41375 81.3398
5 6.42072 81.3265 47 6.41375 81.3398
6 6.41989 81.3263 48 6.41382 81.3394
7 6.41987 81.3263 49 6.41379 81.3387
8 6.41895 81.3262 50 6.4137 81.3384
9 6.41829 81.3261 51 6.41383 81.3377
10 6.41792 81.3261 52 6.41411 81.3376
11 6.41753 81.3268 53 6.41452 81.3375
12 6.41707 81.3284 54 6.41546 81.3375
13 6.41626 81.3291 55 6.4167 81.3392
14 6.41465 81.3288 56 6.41797 81.3411
15 6.41292 81.329 57 6.41883 81.3415
16 6.41285 81.329 58 6.4195 81.341
17 6.41185 81.3292 59 6.4196 81.3408
18 6.41174 81.3293 60 6.42053 81.3401
19 6.41207 81.3302 61 6.42122 81.3401
20 6.4121 81.3303 62 6.42132 81.3401
21 6.41211 81.3303 63 6.42227 81.34
22 6.41217 81.3305 64 6.42271 81.34
23 6.41223 81.3307 65 6.42287 81.34
24 6.41171 81.332 66 6.42447 81.34
25 6.41156 81.3324 67 6.42466 81.34
26 6.41156 81.3324 68 6.42608 81.3399
27 6.41171 81.3333 69 6.42623 81.3399
28 6.41173 81.3337 70 6.42644 81.3387
29 6.41215 81.3336 71 6.42647 81.3385
30 6.4124 81.3337 72 6.42647 81.3384
31 6.41249 81.3342 73 6.42644 81.3378
32 6.41249 81.3344 74 6.42633 81.3368
33 6.41248 81.3345 75 6.42615 81.3348
34 6.41188 81.3361 76 6.42621 81.3346
35 6.41188 81.3361 77 6.42642 81.334
36 6.41177 81.3366 78 6.42652 81.3333
37 6.41159 81.3382 79 6.42652 81.3332
38 6.41161 81.3383 80 6.42678 81.3299
39 6.4117 81.3389 81 6.42668 81.3296
40 6.41172 81.3389 82 6.42643 81.3291
41 6.41176 81.3391 83 6.42618 81.3287
42 6.41191 81.3395 84 6.42612 81.3286

Urban Development Authority

282
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
85 6.42605 81.3285 127 6.43551 81.3059
86 6.4259 81.3282 128 6.43581 81.306
87 6.42588 81.3282 129 6.43582 81.3061
88 6.42564 81.3278 130 6.43584 81.3062
89 6.42532 81.3272 131 6.43584 81.3063
90 6.4246 81.3259 132 6.43585 81.3064
91 6.42447 81.3257 133 6.43587 81.3064
92 6.42399 81.3255 134 6.4359 81.3064
93 6.42391 81.3255 135 6.43593 81.3065
94 6.42381 81.3256 136 6.43594 81.3065
95 6.42353 81.3258 137 6.43612 81.3065
96 6.42335 81.326 138 6.43637 81.3066
97 6.42332 81.326 139 6.43645 81.3066
98 6.42307 81.3262 140 6.43651 81.3066
99 6.42246 81.3266 141 6.43667 81.3067
100 6.42173 81.327 142 6.43686 81.3067
101 6.43442 81.3019 143 6.43707 81.3067
102 6.4346 81.3023 144 6.43711 81.3067
103 6.4347 81.3024 145 6.43735 81.3066
104 6.43472 81.3024 146 6.43738 81.3065
105 6.4349 81.3025 147 6.43747 81.3062
106 6.43513 81.3028 148 6.4375 81.3061
107 6.43517 81.3029 149 6.43751 81.306
108 6.43529 81.303 150 6.43753 81.3059
109 6.43545 81.3032 151 6.43758 81.3057
110 6.43564 81.3033 152 6.43764 81.3054
111 6.43589 81.3035 153 6.43767 81.3053
112 6.43585 81.3039 154 6.43769 81.3052
113 6.43584 81.304 155 6.4377 81.3051
114 6.43583 81.3042 156 6.4377 81.3051
115 6.4358 81.3046 157 6.43789 81.3049
116 6.43579 81.3046 158 6.43798 81.3049
117 6.43578 81.3047 159 6.43811 81.3049
118 6.43578 81.3047 160 6.43816 81.3048
119 6.43576 81.305 161 6.43875 81.3047
120 6.43575 81.305 162 6.43902 81.3047
121 6.43575 81.3051 163 6.43957 81.3045
122 6.43557 81.3055 164 6.43956 81.3045
123 6.43557 81.3055 165 6.43955 81.3045
124 6.43554 81.3056 166 6.43946 81.3042
125 6.43552 81.3057 167 6.43942 81.304
126 6.43543 81.3059 168 6.43937 81.3039

Urban Development Authority

283
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
169 6.43933 81.3037 212 6.42944 81.3414
170 6.43924 81.3034 213 6.42885 81.3413
171 6.43923 81.3034 214 6.42527 81.3443
172 6.43923 81.3034 215 6.42084 81.3468
173 6.43921 81.3033 216 6.41884 81.3429
174 6.43916 81.3031 217 6.41486 81.344
175 6.43901 81.3026 218 6.41195 81.3438
176 6.43891 81.3023 219 6.41072 81.344
177 6.43879 81.3019 220 6.41007 81.3457
178 6.4387 81.3016 221 6.40774 81.3442
179 6.43866 81.3015 222 6.40388 81.3371
180 6.43865 81.3015 223 6.40295 81.337
181 6.43856 81.3012 224 6.40291 81.337
182 6.43854 81.3012 225 6.39928 81.336
183 6.43854 81.3011 226 6.39744 81.3343
184 6.43835 81.3008 227 6.39664 81.3317
185 6.43828 81.3008 228 6.39576 81.3306
186 6.43808 81.3005 229 6.39565 81.3263
187 6.43761 81.3008 230 6.39474 81.3249
188 6.4373 81.3012 231 6.39064 81.3212
189 6.4368 81.3019 232 6.3794 81.3152
190 6.43659 81.3021 233 6.37778 81.3143
191 6.43612 81.3023 234 6.37779 81.3143
192 6.43593 81.3022 235 6.37839 81.314
193 6.43579 81.3021 236 6.3809 81.3124
194 6.43536 81.3017 237 6.37906 81.3086
195 6.43492 81.3015 238 6.37901 81.3085
196 6.43453 81.3015 239 6.37872 81.3081
197 6.43443 81.3016 240 6.37562 81.3007
198 6.443 81.3163 241 6.37482 81.299
199 6.4415 81.3175 242 6.37612 81.2979
200 6.43944 81.3189 243 6.37864 81.3003
201 6.43927 81.3198 244 6.38027 81.3009
202 6.43977 81.3204 245 6.38047 81.3009
203 6.44035 81.3212 246 6.38072 81.301
204 6.44205 81.3225 247 6.38133 81.3011
205 6.44476 81.3232 248 6.38242 81.3046
206 6.44473 81.3248 249 6.38613 81.3065
207 6.44478 81.3253 250 6.3877 81.3076
208 6.44349 81.3266 251 6.3878 81.3077
209 6.44056 81.3275 252 6.39002 81.3091
210 6.43496 81.3317 253 6.39375 81.3111
211 6.42958 81.3402 254 6.39476 81.3115

Urban Development Authority

284
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
255 6.39521 81.3117 297 6.4515 81.3099
256 6.39603 81.3118 298 6.42711 81.3069
257 6.40326 81.3165 299 6.42392 81.3055
258 6.40541 81.3171 300 6.42452 81.3055
259 6.40611 81.317 301 6.4256 81.3064
260 6.41589 81.3233 302 6.42993 81.2987
261 6.41832 81.3148 303 6.43348 81.2966
262 6.41855 81.3122 304 6.42932 81.3015
263 6.41557 81.3115 305 6.42954 81.3001
264 6.41512 81.3112 306 6.42817 81.3054
265 6.41465 81.311 307 6.41894 81.2985
266 6.41384 81.3106 308 6.41921 81.2975
267 6.4125 81.3095 309 6.41974 81.2969
268 6.41209 81.3092 310 6.41932 81.2962
269 6.41169 81.3075 311 6.41799 81.2952
270 6.41339 81.3074 312 6.41736 81.2943
271 6.41444 81.307 313 6.41708 81.2926
272 6.41491 81.3036 314 6.41734 81.2919
273 6.41543 81.3033 315 6.41771 81.2913
274 6.41233 81.2954 316 6.41774 81.2908
275 6.41267 81.2942 317 6.41787 81.2894
276 6.41882 81.3004 318 6.41727 81.2881
277 6.42087 81.302 319 6.41709 81.2888
278 6.42132 81.3036 320 6.41547 81.2894
279 6.42917 81.3037 321 6.41396 81.2907
280 6.43096 81.2981 322 6.41336 81.2923
281 6.43392 81.2953 323 6.41284 81.2931
282 6.43542 81.2945 324 6.4134 81.2966
283 6.43554 81.2924 325 6.41419 81.2974
284 6.4398 81.2913 326 6.41511 81.2976
285 6.44187 81.2911 327 6.41494 81.2983
286 6.44674 81.2902 328 6.41507 81.2998
287 6.44696 81.2907 329 6.41493 81.3015
288 6.44045 81.298 330 6.41489 81.3023
289 6.44343 81.3001 331 6.4165 81.3115
290 6.44438 81.3001 332 6.41745 81.3111
291 6.44615 81.3005 333 6.41809 81.3112
292 6.44675 81.3021 334 6.41762 81.3161
293 6.4465 81.3031 335 6.41835 81.317
294 6.44635 81.3037 336 6.41814 81.3184
295 6.44808 81.3072 337 6.41759 81.3203
296 6.44938 81.3077 338 6.41698 81.3218

Urban Development Authority

285
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
339 6.41482 81.3225 381 6.42329 81.3487
340 6.4131 81.3216 382 6.42691 81.3407
341 6.41165 81.3209 383 6.42444 81.3462
342 6.41042 81.3203 384 6.42598 81.3428
343 6.41078 81.3193 385 6.42968 81.3389
344 6.40981 81.3189 386 6.42965 81.3378
345 6.40956 81.3199 387 6.42993 81.3366
346 6.40791 81.319 388 6.43016 81.3357
347 6.40587 81.3179 389 6.43137 81.3359
348 6.40514 81.3176 390 6.4318 81.3348
349 6.40135 81.3153 391 6.4325 81.3337
350 6.40065 81.3148 392 6.43311 81.3339
351 6.40143 81.313 393 6.43538 81.3299
352 6.40002 81.3118 394 6.43402 81.3276
353 6.39951 81.3125 395 6.43712 81.3276
354 6.3985 81.3125 396 6.44506 81.3159
355 6.39784 81.3128 397 6.44708 81.3158
356 6.39692 81.3123 398 6.44926 81.3154
357 6.3964 81.3113 399 6.45057 81.3153
358 6.38218 81.3017 400 6.45121 81.3124
359 6.38283 81.3055 401 6.45182 81.3082
360 6.38383 81.3059 402 6.44329 81.293
361 6.38492 81.3057 403 6.4447 81.2917
362 6.37824 81.2973 404 6.44693 81.2886
363 6.37684 81.3043 405 6.44636 81.2868
364 6.37681 81.3154 406 6.44455 81.2867
365 6.38004 81.3158 407 6.44357 81.288
366 6.38236 81.3172 408 6.44372 81.2899
367 6.3861 81.3191 409 6.44082 81.2959
368 6.38885 81.3203 410 6.43749 81.2921
369 6.3929 81.3232 411 6.4471 81.3057
370 6.39941 81.3373 412 6.44607 81.3048
371 6.40548 81.3373 413 6.44647 81.3044
372 6.40531 81.34 414 6.44709 81.3008
373 6.40539 81.3424 415 6.44136 81.2999
374 6.40562 81.3436 416 6.44227 81.2938
375 6.40783 81.3465
376 6.41031 81.3471
377 6.41998 81.3424
378 6.42078 81.3446
379 6.42145 81.3484
380 6.4223 81.349

Urban Development Authority

286
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate points of Mixed Dvelopment Zone

Source: Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

287
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Residrntial Zone - Part I

No Y X No Y X
1 6.40888 81.3599 43 6.39894 81.3661
2 6.40939 81.3615 44 6.39926 81.3657
3 6.4096 81.3643 45 6.39987 81.3642
4 6.40951 81.3648 46 6.40108 81.3597
5 6.40937 81.3658 47 6.40079 81.357
6 6.40901 81.3686 48 6.40109 81.3564
7 6.40966 81.3698 49 6.40027 81.3562
8 6.40972 81.3707 50 6.39949 81.3562
9 6.40937 81.3712 51 6.39864 81.3562
10 6.40792 81.3734 52 6.39815 81.3562
11 6.40699 81.3748 53 6.39998 81.3536
12 6.40659 81.3755 54 6.40021 81.3529
13 6.40631 81.3759 55 6.40063 81.3526
14 6.40601 81.3763 56 6.40253 81.3519
15 6.40513 81.3777 57 6.40327 81.3522
16 6.40292 81.3802 58 6.40372 81.3514
17 6.40228 81.381 59 6.40416 81.3511
18 6.40123 81.3826 60 6.40515 81.3517
19 6.40045 81.3844 61 6.40583 81.351
20 6.40008 81.3844 62 6.40632 81.3502
21 6.39937 81.3839 63 6.40625 81.3497
22 6.39897 81.3837 64 6.40331 81.3482
23 6.39772 81.3828 65 6.40258 81.3471
24 6.39733 81.3825 66 6.40252 81.3458
25 6.39703 81.3816 67 6.40213 81.3448
26 6.39707 81.3811 68 6.40192 81.3443
27 6.39712 81.3801 69 6.40156 81.3438
28 6.39715 81.3795 70 6.40149 81.343
29 6.39716 81.3789 71 6.40075 81.3416
30 6.39734 81.3778 72 6.40056 81.3411
31 6.39801 81.3745 73 6.40015 81.34
32 6.39813 81.3738 74 6.40019 81.339
33 6.39778 81.3721 75 6.4002 81.3384
34 6.39595 81.37 76 6.39956 81.3375
35 6.39509 81.3695 77 6.40034 81.3373
36 6.39406 81.369 78 6.40111 81.3372
37 6.39272 81.3686 79 6.40179 81.337
38 6.3938 81.3677 80 6.40342 81.3371
39 6.39681 81.3671 81 6.40537 81.3371
40 6.39752 81.3668
41 6.398 81.3669
42 6.39834 81.3667

Urban Development Authority

288
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X
82 6.40553 81.3387
83 6.40547 81.3393
84 6.40528 81.3409
85 6.40538 81.3422
86 6.40542 81.3427
87 6.40558 81.3433
88 6.40634 81.3436
89 6.40683 81.3436
90 6.40775 81.344
91 6.40771 81.3454
92 6.40781 81.3465
93 6.40797 81.3469
94 6.40907 81.3468
95 6.40985 81.347
96 6.41013 81.3481
97 6.40996 81.3487
98 6.40932 81.3508
99 6.41041 81.3533
100 6.41054 81.3551
101 6.39145 81.3676
102 6.39781 81.3557
103 6.39912 81.3547
104 6.39538 81.3676
105 6.4099 81.3581
106 6.41093 81.3542
107 6.40363 81.38
108 6.40864 81.3663
109 6.40158 81.3511
110 6.40065 81.3624

Urban Development Authority

289
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Residential Zone Part - I

Source: Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

290
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Residential Zone- Part II

No Y X No Y X
1 6.44317 81.3163 43 6.44199 81.3372
2 6.44374 81.3167 44 6.44146 81.3373
3 6.44462 81.3162 45 6.44056 81.3373
4 6.44506 81.3159 46 6.43955 81.3374
5 6.44576 81.3158 47 6.43898 81.3374
6 6.44633 81.3158 48 6.43839 81.338
7 6.44742 81.3157 49 6.43731 81.3391
8 6.44792 81.3155 50 6.43684 81.3395
9 6.44918 81.3154 51 6.43617 81.3402
10 6.44998 81.3154 52 6.43577 81.3406
11 6.45094 81.3154 53 6.43492 81.3414
12 6.45076 81.3169 54 6.43261 81.342
13 6.45066 81.3177 55 6.4318 81.3419
14 6.45045 81.3195 56 6.43115 81.3419
15 6.45036 81.32 57 6.42981 81.3416
16 6.45022 81.3209 58 6.42958 81.3404
17 6.45014 81.3215 59 6.42958 81.3399
18 6.45004 81.3222 60 6.42977 81.3373
19 6.44979 81.3238 61 6.42999 81.3364
20 6.44971 81.3244 62 6.43067 81.3358
21 6.44955 81.3249 63 6.43119 81.3358
22 6.4492 81.3253 64 6.43159 81.3353
23 6.44859 81.326 65 6.43196 81.3346
24 6.44734 81.3275 66 6.43276 81.3336
25 6.4461 81.329 67 6.43334 81.3336
26 6.44656 81.3296 68 6.43461 81.3325
27 6.44718 81.3303 69 6.43487 81.332
28 6.44756 81.3307 70 6.43497 81.3315
29 6.44822 81.3315 71 6.43551 81.3307
30 6.44879 81.3322 72 6.43531 81.3298
31 6.44923 81.3327 73 6.43483 81.3289
32 6.44931 81.3332 74 6.4344 81.3282
33 6.44927 81.3338 75 6.4341 81.3277
34 6.44861 81.3362 76 6.43436 81.3276
35 6.44809 81.3365 77 6.43517 81.3276
36 6.44757 81.3368 78 6.43609 81.3276
37 6.44714 81.3371 79 6.43764 81.3276
38 6.44673 81.3374 80 6.43832 81.3276
39 6.44599 81.3379 81 6.43913 81.3277
40 6.44513 81.3385 82 6.43971 81.3277
41 6.44442 81.3389 83 6.44136 81.3272
42 6.44258 81.3372 84 6.4439 81.3264

Urban Development Authority

291
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X
85 6.44474 81.3257
86 6.44476 81.325
87 6.44476 81.3232
88 6.44451 81.3225
89 6.44406 81.3224
90 6.44345 81.3223
91 6.44266 81.3225
92 6.44178 81.3224
93 6.44101 81.322
94 6.43979 81.3204
95 6.43923 81.3197
96 6.4387 81.3189
97 6.4401 81.3188
98 6.4407 81.3186
99 6.44142 81.3176
100 6.44292 81.3165
101 6.4442 81.3391
102 6.44344 81.3381
103 6.44912 81.3358

Urban Development Authority

292
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Residential Zone - Part II

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

293
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Residential Zone Part - III

No Y X No Y X
1 6.45601 81.2809 43 6.45178 81.3082
2 6.45587 81.2822 44 6.45045 81.3078
3 6.45576 81.2832 45 6.4494 81.3077
4 6.45568 81.2836 46 6.44897 81.3075
5 6.45557 81.2843 47 6.44812 81.3072
6 6.45549 81.2848 48 6.44764 81.307
7 6.4553 81.286 49 6.44708 81.3066
8 6.45521 81.2865 50 6.44665 81.3063
9 6.45507 81.2874 51 6.447 81.3058
10 6.45499 81.2878 52 6.44681 81.3054
11 6.45478 81.289 53 6.44619 81.3047
12 6.45466 81.2897 54 6.44643 81.3044
13 6.45453 81.2904 55 6.4463 81.3039
14 6.45446 81.2909 56 6.44661 81.3027
15 6.4542 81.2918 57 6.44698 81.3012
16 6.45321 81.2927 58 6.44572 81.3003
17 6.45289 81.2935 59 6.445 81.3002
18 6.45305 81.2942 60 6.44449 81.3001
19 6.45309 81.295 61 6.44374 81.3001
20 6.45304 81.2958 62 6.44291 81.3002
21 6.45259 81.2969 63 6.44169 81.2999
22 6.45268 81.2975 64 6.44108 81.2996
23 6.45343 81.2981 65 6.44079 81.2991
24 6.45331 81.299 66 6.44043 81.2979
25 6.45321 81.2996 67 6.44067 81.2966
26 6.45307 81.3005 68 6.44093 81.2955
27 6.45299 81.301 69 6.44113 81.2951
28 6.45286 81.3015 70 6.44141 81.2947
29 6.45215 81.3015 71 6.44197 81.2941
30 6.45111 81.3016 72 6.44238 81.2938
31 6.45034 81.3018 73 6.4434 81.2929
32 6.44958 81.3022 74 6.44385 81.2924
33 6.44945 81.3024 75 6.44432 81.2919
34 6.45059 81.3028 76 6.4456 81.2916
35 6.45141 81.3032 77 6.44614 81.2914
36 6.45255 81.3038 78 6.44661 81.2913
37 6.45246 81.3044 79 6.44697 81.2908
38 6.45238 81.3048 80 6.44673 81.2903
39 6.45227 81.3054 81 6.4468 81.2896
40 6.45215 81.3059 82 6.44686 81.2892
41 6.45213 81.3066 83 6.44683 81.2881
42 6.452 81.3073 84 6.44671 81.2875

Urban Development Authority

294
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X
85 6.44671 81.2869
86 6.44852 81.287
87 6.44909 81.2871
88 6.44975 81.2874
89 6.45023 81.2877
90 6.45094 81.2878
91 6.4517 81.2866
92 6.45211 81.2861
93 6.45262 81.2857
94 6.45335 81.2852
95 6.45412 81.2839
96 6.45435 81.2834
97 6.45477 81.2826
98 6.45523 81.2821
99 6.45557 81.2817
100 6.45582 81.2813

Urban Development Authority

295
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Residential zone - Part III

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

296
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Agriculture Promotion Zone

No Y X No Y X
1 6.47029 81.2669 43 6.42809 81.3055
2 6.46913 81.2668 44 6.42735 81.3065
3 6.46746 81.2667 45 6.42666 81.3068
4 6.46659 81.2671 46 6.42564 81.3064
5 6.46539 81.2687 47 6.4247 81.3057
6 6.46427 81.2709 48 6.42274 81.3047
7 6.46278 81.2717 49 6.42174 81.3042
8 6.46243 81.2725 50 6.42119 81.3025
9 6.46142 81.2732 51 6.42068 81.3017
10 6.46055 81.2737 52 6.41981 81.3012
11 6.4606 81.2748 53 6.41895 81.3009
12 6.46092 81.2767 54 6.41902 81.2982
13 6.45757 81.2794 55 6.41939 81.2973
14 6.45643 81.2804 56 6.41889 81.2958
15 6.45563 81.2816 57 6.41779 81.295
16 6.45455 81.2829 58 6.41734 81.2942
17 6.45401 81.2841 59 6.41725 81.2931
18 6.45353 81.285 60 6.4176 81.2916
19 6.45216 81.2861 61 6.41797 81.29
20 6.45124 81.2876 62 6.41774 81.2891
21 6.45041 81.2878 63 6.41688 81.2874
22 6.44959 81.2873 64 6.41653 81.2865
23 6.44843 81.287 65 6.41795 81.2834
24 6.44721 81.287 66 6.41865 81.2817
25 6.44575 81.2867 67 6.41929 81.2803
26 6.4437 81.2875 68 6.4214 81.2781
27 6.44385 81.2895 69 6.42236 81.2772
28 6.44234 81.2909 70 6.42332 81.2763
29 6.44098 81.2911 71 6.42483 81.2748
30 6.43836 81.2918 72 6.4266 81.2732
31 6.43716 81.2921 73 6.43052 81.2727
32 6.4356 81.2924 74 6.43074 81.2718
33 6.4355 81.2937 75 6.43099 81.2708
34 6.43523 81.2947 76 6.43134 81.2699
35 6.4339 81.2953 77 6.43198 81.2689
36 6.43216 81.2973 78 6.43323 81.2686
37 6.43137 81.2978 79 6.43491 81.2673
38 6.42985 81.2989 80 6.43591 81.2667
39 6.42956 81.3 81 6.43925 81.2664
40 6.42937 81.3012 82 6.44067 81.2663
41 6.42924 81.3033 83 6.44172 81.2663
42 6.42869 81.3047 84 6.44281 81.2664

Urban Development Authority

297
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
85 6.4453 81.2669 124 6.46828 81.2667
86 6.44667 81.2672 125 6.46109 81.2759
87 6.44868 81.2676 126 6.46114 81.2642
88 6.45151 81.2683 127 6.45841 81.2787
89 6.45301 81.2679 128 6.45932 81.2783
90 6.45422 81.2673 129 6.45991 81.2773
91 6.45561 81.2666
92 6.45713 81.2658
93 6.45864 81.265
94 6.46018 81.2643
95 6.4624 81.2643
96 6.46478 81.2641
97 6.46725 81.264
98 6.46816 81.264
99 6.46938 81.2641
100 6.47248 81.2653
101 6.42841 81.2721
102 6.42929 81.2729
103 6.43348 81.2966
104 6.44486 81.2867
105 6.4161 81.287
106 6.4174 81.2853
107 6.42014 81.2793
108 6.41916 81.2993
109 6.42711 81.3069
110 6.47231 81.266
111 6.47254 81.2659
112 6.47262 81.2658
113 6.47221 81.2648
114 6.47134 81.2642
115 6.47033 81.2642
116 6.47068 81.2669
117 6.47176 81.2668
118 6.47219 81.2665
119 6.4723 81.2651
120 6.47169 81.2645
121 6.46812 81.2665
122 6.46789 81.2666
123 6.46774 81.2666

Urban Development Authority

298
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Agriculture Promotion Zone

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

299
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Environment Sensitive & Conservation Zone - Part I

No Y X No Y X
1 6.48931 81.2462 43 6.41069 81.3205
2 6.48793 81.2491 44 6.41066 81.3197
3 6.48589 81.2549 45 6.40758 81.3188
4 6.48455 81.2557 46 6.40125 81.3126
5 6.48341 81.2568 47 6.40002 81.3118
6 6.48286 81.2579 48 6.39819 81.3126
7 6.48242 81.2589 49 6.39695 81.3123
8 6.47854 81.2611 50 6.3966 81.3115
9 6.47733 81.2622 51 6.39596 81.3119
10 6.47354 81.265 52 6.38889 81.3084
11 6.4723 81.2651 53 6.38738 81.3074
12 6.46756 81.264 54 6.38495 81.3057
13 6.46549 81.2641 55 6.38358 81.3059
14 6.4623 81.2642 56 6.3825 81.3048
15 6.4584 81.2651 57 6.38215 81.3018
16 6.45704 81.2658 58 6.3817 81.3012
17 6.45555 81.2666 59 6.37826 81.2975
18 6.45309 81.2679 60 6.37228 81.2866
19 6.45067 81.2681 61 6.37151 81.2841
20 6.44487 81.2668 62 6.371 81.2819
21 6.44346 81.2665 63 6.37049 81.28
22 6.43307 81.2687 64 6.37044 81.2764
23 6.43 81.2728 65 6.37542 81.2772
24 6.42136 81.2781 66 6.38049 81.2737
25 6.42021 81.2793 67 6.38194 81.2728
26 6.41933 81.2803 68 6.38337 81.272
27 6.41759 81.2847 69 6.38767 81.2692
28 6.41619 81.2871 70 6.39299 81.2662
29 6.41692 81.2889 71 6.39434 81.2652
30 6.41381 81.291 72 6.39751 81.2636
31 6.41285 81.2934 73 6.39842 81.2633
32 6.41521 81.2979 74 6.40835 81.2622
33 6.41496 81.2987 75 6.41002 81.2624
34 6.41505 81.3001 76 6.41303 81.2627
35 6.41557 81.303 77 6.41538 81.2627
36 6.41198 81.3089 78 6.41934 81.2597
37 6.41378 81.3105 79 6.42027 81.2587
38 6.41635 81.3115 80 6.42241 81.2566
39 6.41814 81.3155 81 6.43045 81.248
40 6.41729 81.3211 82 6.4411 81.2377
41 6.41354 81.3218 83 6.44469 81.2338
42 6.41237 81.3213 84 6.44625 81.2322

Urban Development Authority

300
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X
85 6.44799 81.2306
86 6.45366 81.2251
87 6.45805 81.2213
88 6.45985 81.2198
89 6.46791 81.2163
90 6.46887 81.2152
91 6.46979 81.2145
92 6.47065 81.2142
93 6.47401 81.2138
94 6.475 81.2151
95 6.47911 81.2192
96 6.48253 81.2225
97 6.48563 81.2267
98 6.49343 81.2287
99 6.49429 81.2335
100 6.49354 81.2362
101 6.41619 81.3234
102 6.41814 81.3184
103 6.41809 81.3112
104 6.42841 81.2721
105 6.43696 81.2667
106 6.43953 81.2664
107 6.41258 81.2961
108 6.37524 81.2983
109 6.37289 81.2947
110 6.37332 81.2911
111 6.40175 81.2621
112 6.40484 81.2621
113 6.42693 81.2516
114 6.43586 81.2432
115 6.45145 81.2273
116 6.49145 81.2462
117 6.49016 81.2419
118 6.48979 81.2286
119 6.46394 81.2179

Urban Development Authority

301
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Environment Sensitive & Consrvation Zone - Part I

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

302
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Environment Sensitive & Conservation Zone - Part II

No Y X No Y X
1 6.37676 81.3156 43 6.38659 81.3356
2 6.37684 81.3166 44 6.38673 81.3361
3 6.3774 81.3179 45 6.38681 81.3475
4 6.37788 81.3153 46 6.38701 81.3357
5 6.37851 81.3153 47 6.3871 81.3195
6 6.37873 81.3197 48 6.38718 81.3362
7 6.37918 81.3205 49 6.38739 81.3359
8 6.3797 81.3214 50 6.38739 81.3359
9 6.37986 81.3152 51 6.3879 81.3199
10 6.37998 81.322 52 6.38833 81.349
11 6.38004 81.3158 53 6.38848 81.3202
12 6.38006 81.3322 54 6.38951 81.3501
13 6.38009 81.3328 55 6.39051 81.3211
14 6.38022 81.3308 56 6.39059 81.3657
15 6.38045 81.3338 57 6.3906 81.3646
16 6.38063 81.3343 58 6.39062 81.3585
17 6.38076 81.3233 59 6.39069 81.3526
18 6.38082 81.335 60 6.3907 81.3556
19 6.38085 81.3296 61 6.3908 81.3634
20 6.38093 81.3355 62 6.3908 81.3533
21 6.38099 81.3364 63 6.39088 81.3606
22 6.38105 81.3374 64 6.39109 81.3625
23 6.38117 81.3385 65 6.39119 81.3673
24 6.38118 81.3165 66 6.39169 81.322
25 6.38145 81.34 67 6.39215 81.3676
26 6.38155 81.3246 68 6.39216 81.3224
27 6.38157 81.3167 69 6.39247 81.3227
28 6.38165 81.3286 70 6.3928 81.3231
29 6.38225 81.3271 71 6.39292 81.3677
30 6.38238 81.3261 72 6.39343 81.3677
31 6.38251 81.3173 73 6.39439 81.3676
32 6.38295 81.3423 74 6.39443 81.3247
33 6.38354 81.3179 75 6.39498 81.3315
34 6.38444 81.3441 76 6.39499 81.3676
35 6.38456 81.3184 77 6.39525 81.3258
36 6.38556 81.3458 78 6.39531 81.3252
37 6.38572 81.3189 79 6.39541 81.3306
38 6.38592 81.3463 80 6.39549 81.3319
39 6.38629 81.336 81 6.39554 81.3262
40 6.3863 81.3357 82 6.39583 81.3288
41 6.38636 81.3192 83 6.39592 81.3277
42 6.3864 81.3469 84 6.39601 81.3282

Urban Development Authority

303
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
85 6.39607 81.3673 123 6.40333 81.3483
86 6.39623 81.3324 124 6.4045 81.3485
87 6.39672 81.3328 125 6.40479 81.3515
88 6.39677 81.3671 126 6.40515 81.3491
89 6.39743 81.334 127 6.40552 81.3513
90 6.39749 81.3668 128 6.40553 81.3488
91 6.39781 81.3557 129 6.40596 81.3508
92 6.39801 81.3351 130 6.40634 81.35
93 6.39814 81.3562
94 6.39869 81.3663
95 6.3987 81.3356
96 6.3993 81.3656
97 6.39931 81.336
98 6.3995 81.3651
99 6.39953 81.3365
100 6.39955 81.3562
101 6.39976 81.3542
102 6.39978 81.3644
103 6.40008 81.3637
104 6.40015 81.3383
105 6.40015 81.34
106 6.40017 81.3395
107 6.40018 81.3404
108 6.40046 81.3409
109 6.40051 81.3577
110 6.40058 81.3562
111 6.40065 81.3526
112 6.40082 81.3417
113 6.40083 81.3613
114 6.40109 81.3598
115 6.40112 81.3563
116 6.40114 81.3523
117 6.40155 81.3438
118 6.40158 81.3511
119 6.40235 81.3453
120 6.40255 81.3459
121 6.40294 81.3522
122 6.40329 81.3521

Urban Development Authority

304
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Environment Sensitive & Conservation Zone - Part II

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

305
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Environment Sensitive & Conservation Zone - Part III

No Y X No Y X
1 6.61534 81.5186 43 6.41403 81.4622
2 6.60825 81.5251 44 6.41421 81.4609
3 6.60915 81.5333 45 6.41468 81.4528
4 6.61234 81.5626 46 6.4172 81.4359
5 6.6122 81.5818 47 6.41893 81.4289
6 6.61196 81.5846 48 6.41127 81.4195
7 6.60526 81.5924 49 6.41023 81.4169
8 6.60041 81.5973 50 6.40969 81.4103
9 6.58534 81.6029 51 6.41582 81.3957
10 6.57981 81.6075 52 6.40223 81.3857
11 6.57544 81.6065 53 6.40531 81.3774
12 6.57363 81.6062 54 6.40907 81.3717
13 6.56602 81.6022 55 6.40949 81.3592
14 6.56085 81.5973 56 6.41004 81.3522
15 6.56173 81.5953 57 6.41072 81.344
16 6.55096 81.5778 58 6.41387 81.3441
17 6.55404 81.5685 59 6.4208 81.3452
18 6.53696 81.5452 60 6.44525 81.3384
19 6.53867 81.537 61 6.44845 81.3363
20 6.53738 81.5342 62 6.44917 81.3351
21 6.52818 81.5275 63 6.44775 81.331
22 6.52182 81.5248 64 6.45084 81.3162
23 6.5173 81.5166 65 6.47326 81.2844
24 6.51369 81.507 66 6.47438 81.285
25 6.51333 81.5059 67 6.48233 81.29
26 6.51297 81.5046 68 6.48507 81.285
27 6.50403 81.4913 69 6.49223 81.2788
28 6.50211 81.4894 70 6.50245 81.2786
29 6.49764 81.4849 71 6.50618 81.2819
30 6.49651 81.4835 72 6.50663 81.2862
31 6.49543 81.4819 73 6.51028 81.2902
32 6.49088 81.4799 74 6.5171 81.2888
33 6.4776 81.4808 75 6.52692 81.2878
34 6.46747 81.4828 76 6.53433 81.2925
35 6.46041 81.4856 77 6.53659 81.298
36 6.45246 81.479 78 6.54053 81.3112
37 6.45163 81.4783 79 6.54162 81.3149
38 6.42815 81.4774 80 6.54624 81.3297
39 6.41637 81.4782 81 6.54948 81.3366
40 6.40985 81.4751 82 6.55659 81.3567
41 6.408 81.468 83 6.55847 81.3635
42 6.40984 81.4652 84 6.56465 81.3774

Urban Development Authority

306
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

No Y X No Y X
85 6.5648 81.3822 127 6.45998 81.2772
86 6.56733 81.39 128 6.46148 81.2767
87 6.57224 81.4032 129 6.46373 81.2778
88 6.57433 81.4097 130 6.46676 81.2797
89 6.57978 81.427 131 6.46828 81.281
90 6.58303 81.4354 132 6.47939 81.2884
91 6.58443 81.4394 133 6.54057 81.3031
92 6.587 81.4464 134 6.54614 81.5561
93 6.59211 81.4634 135 6.60868 81.543
94 6.59234 81.465 136 6.61107 81.5512
95 6.59563 81.4696 137 6.61041 81.5715
96 6.59628 81.4719 138 6.60439 81.479
97 6.60751 81.4859 139 6.55574 81.587
98 6.61223 81.5035 140 6.4106 81.389
99 6.61924 81.5099 141 6.4148 81.3995
100 6.6155 81.5167 142 6.41 81.3997
101 6.42126 81.3478 143 6.40847 81.4027
102 6.42224 81.349 144 6.40038 81.3846
103 6.42386 81.3475 145 6.40307 81.3801
104 6.42486 81.3452 146 6.40646 81.3874
105 6.42691 81.3407 147 6.41542 81.4249
106 6.4297 81.3416
107 6.43338 81.3421
108 6.43523 81.3412
109 6.43794 81.3384
110 6.44154 81.3373
111 6.4442 81.3391
112 6.44607 81.329
113 6.44965 81.3248
114 6.4505 81.3191
115 6.45183 81.3082
116 6.45253 81.304
117 6.44932 81.3024
118 6.45291 81.3015
119 6.45349 81.2977
120 6.45307 81.2957
121 6.45287 81.2931
122 6.45436 81.2917
123 6.45519 81.2866
124 6.45581 81.2827
125 6.45674 81.2802
126 6.45841 81.2787

Urban Development Authority

307
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Coordinate Points of Environment Sensitive & Conservation Zone - Part III

Source:Google Earth, 2021

Urban Development Authority

308
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 02 - Zoning matrix

Conservation and

Agriculture Zone
Residential Zone

Sensitive Zone
Development

Environment
Commercial

Commercial
Sacred Area

Zone - II
Zone - I
Zone

Zone
Mix
Use

Residential
✓ ✓ ✓
Houses
Residential

Storied Houses ✓ ✓
Attached Houses ✓ ✓
Hostels ✓ ✓
Housing Schemes ✓ ✓
Government ✓
Hospitals ✓
Private Hospitals ✓ ✓ ✓
Medical ✓ ✓
Consultation ✓
Health

Centres
Laboratory ✓ ✓
✓
Services
Pharmacies ✓ ✓ ✓
Ayurveda Medical ✓ ✓
✓
Centres
Massage Parlors
Government/Se ✓ ✓
mi-Government
Schools
Semi- ✓ ✓
Government
Schools
International ✓ ✓
Schools
Government/Priva
Education

te Universities
Technical ✓ ✓
Colleges/Vocation
✓
al Training
Institutes
Vocational ✓ ✓
✓
Training Institutes
Montessori ✓ ✓
Schools
Institutes of
✓ ✓ ✓
Tertiary Education

Urban Development Authority

309
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Conservation and

Agriculture Zone
Residential Zone

Sensitive Zone
Development

Environment
Commercial

Commercial
Sacred Area

Zone - II
Zone - I
Zone

Zone
Mix
Use

Private Tuition ✓
✓ ✓ ✓
Classes
Government ✓ ✓
✓
Offices
Government ✓
Office Complexes
Institues

Professional ✓ ✓
✓
Offices
Banks and ✓
FInancial ✓ ✓
Institutes
ATM Centers ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Indoor Sport ✓ ✓
Centres
Open Air Theatres ✓
Community ✓ ✓
Halls/Cultural
Social Services

Centres
Libraries ✓ ✓
Day Care Centres ✓ ✓ ✓
Elders’ Homes ✓ ✓
Slons/Beauty ✓
✓ ✓
Parlors
Cinema Halls ✓
Physical Fitness ✓
✓
Centres
Retail Shops ✓ ✓ ✓
✓
Whole Sale shops ✓ ✓
Sector retail shops
Commercial

for flowers,
galents,
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
ornamental goods,
and sweet foods
etc.
FIsh markets ✓ ✓ ✓
Processed meat
✓ ✓ ✓
shops

Urban Development Authority

310
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Conservation and

Agriculture Zone
Residential Zone

Sensitive Zone
Development

Environment
Commercial

Commercial
Sacred Area

Zone - II
Zone - I
Zone

Zone
Mix
Use

Building material
shops
[Link], Metal, ✓ ✓
steel rods, pipes
etc.
ii. Other building
✓ ✓ ✓
materials
Liquor shops
Warehouses/Store
✓ ✓ ✓
s
Bakeries ✓ ✓ ✓
Petrol FIlling
✓ ✓
Stations
Gas filling and
electric car ✓ ✓
charging centres
Motor Vehicle ✓ ✓
Spare part shops
i. Body Parts
ii. Other spare ✓ ✓
parts
Furniture shops ✓ ✓ ✓
Tourist Hotels ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Restaurants ✓ ✓ ✓
Tourism

Holiday Homes ✓ ✓ ✓
Reception Halls ✓ ✓ ✓
City Hotels ✓ ✓
Motels ✓ ✓ ✓

Motor Vehicle
✓ ✓
shops
/Motor Vehicles

Motort Vehicle
✓ ✓ ✓
Repairing Garages
Vehicle service
✓ ✓
stations
Vehicle washing
✓ ✓
centres

Urban Development Authority

311
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Conservation and

Agriculture Zone
Residential Zone

Sensitive Zone
Development

Environment
Commercial

Commercial
Sacred Area

Zone - II
Zone - I
Zone

Zone
Mix
Use

Common Vehicle
✓ ✓ ✓
Parks
✓
Non-Polluting
Industries

✓ ✓
Handcraft/Cottege
Industries
Brick Laying ✓
✓
Industries
Children’s parks ✓ ✓ ✓
Parks ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓ ✓
Leisure and Entertainment

Open Areas ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓

Landscaped areas ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Urban Development Authority

312
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 03 - Computation of Zone Factor

Zone Facator

The Zone Factor helps regulating the land use through optimization of use of prevailing
infrastructure networks in reaching the vision of the development plan via objectives and the
goals within a zone. The zone factor is expected to maintain the development within the
bearing capacity of a zone or a [Link] computation of the zone factor following criteria
.should be taken in to consideration

• The prevailing sensitivity of environmental, religious and cultural conditions of the

locality
• Bearing Capacity of the infrastruxcture facilities of the area.
• Target population including resident, tourists and migratory population.
• Trend of changing land use pattern of the future .

Methodology of computation of Zone Factor

Change of present land use and computation of lands required for

development

Forecast the future land use change on the basis of the assumptions and
criteria arising as a result of reaching the vision formed by the
development plan through the change of human activities

1. The abanded paddy lands, shrub jungles and the lands under the
chena cultivations were assumed as the the lands available for
developments.
2. The lands which are culturaly, environmentally and religiously
sensitive were assumed as lands not available for future
developments.
3. Estimate changing pattern of land use by zone.

Urban Development Authority

313
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Identification of developable lands by above mentioned criteria

Forecaste the resident population of each zone within the planning

period

Forecaste the migratory population (including pilgrims) by each zone

seperately

Estimate the lands required to meet the needs of the future resident and
migratory population

Estimate the per capita land requirements according to the permissible

.uses of each zone with the help of the historical literature surveys
Engineering Tool Box , (2001).(online) Available at,
[Link] tool [Link]
Per Capita Activity Space Standards for City of London

Computation of zone factor according to the formula which represents

the ratio of total land required for the futuer development by each zone
against the lands actually available for such a development in each
.zone in the the future

Urban Development Authority

314
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 04 - Interpretations

'Access' includes a street that is used as an access road to the building or other places, whether
or not the road is open to the public.

'Authority' refers to the Urban Development Authority established under the Urban
Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978 of the National State Assembly.

'Residential building' refers to a unit or multiple units of exclusively residential premises.

‘Building line’ refers to the line that allows a building to expand to a certain extent.

'Residential home' or 'residential unit' refers to a building or part of a building containing a

fully equipped unit for living, with separate sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities.

'Chairman' means the Chairman of the Authority.

‘Development work’ has the same meaning as the Act.

‘Existing land share’ refers to a piece of land that existed before the Act came into force.

Domestic Industries - Industries with less than 10 domestic workers

'Floor size' refers to the horizontal area of a building that is measured horizontally from the
exterior walls of a building or from the center line of a common wall when two buildings are
separated by a common wall, with a floor width of more than 1.0 m. It includes all evictions
and terraces as well as all areas that have a roof and can be covered.

'Gross floor area' refers to the total floor area of all floors in a building.

The 'floor area ratio' refers to the ratio of the gross floor area of all buildings in a plot of land
divided by the area of the plot.

'Floor space' refers to the amount of horizontal squares obtained by measuring the interior of
a room or space surrounding a building.

Urban Development Authority

315
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

'Housing complex' refers to a group of units for living in a permanent public area, which
includes a block of flats.

‘Act’ refers to the Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978 of the National State
Assembly.

‘Local authorities’ have the same meaning as the Act.

‘The Planning Committee’ refers to the Committee appointed under Section 8A of the Act.

A 'public building' is a building used for public worship, counseling, recreation, or meetings,
a medical facility, a nursing home, or a government building.

A 'public street' refers to a street that the public has the right of way to, and is assigned to a
certain authority by law enforcement, and includes a drain or footpath connected to such a
street.

'Street' includes any road, footpath, or narrow lane that is used or intended to be used as an
access road to two or more residential units, whether or not the public owns the road subject to
that street subject It also includes sidewalls, drains, sidewalks, and reserved areas.

A 'street line' refers to a line or line defined on one side or both sides of a street to indicate the
width of a street that exists at that time, or to indicate the width of a future street as determined
by the authority.

Proposed road width - Minimum width of road expected to be developed

Urban Development Authority

316
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 05 - Other Annexures

Annexure 5.1. Existing low lands and Paddy Lands in Kataragama DS area

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
318
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.2. Topography of Kataragama Divisional Secratariat Division

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority

319
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 5.3. Population Distribution of Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division- 2012

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
320
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.4. Population Density in Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division- 2012

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
321
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.5.. Housing Distribution in Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division -2012

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
322
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 5.6. Distribution of housing in Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division

Distribution of housing in Kataragama Divisional

Secreteriat Division
.
Sahnties
5% Not categorized
2%

Semi-permanant
18%

Permanant
75%

Permamant Semi- Permanent

Shanties Not Categorized

Source : Resource Profile - 2016, Divisional Secratariat Division - Kataragama

Urban Development Authority

323
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 5.7. Landuse Pattern in Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
324
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2018

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
325
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Time-Bound Changes of Land Use Pattern in the Kataragama Area can be identified as follows.
Annexure 5.8. Changes in the Land Use Pattern of Kataragama

Land Use Land Extent Land Extent Land Extent

(Hectares) as a (Hectares) as a % of 1914
% of 1954 land % of 1984 land land use
use use
Built up area 0.04 1.1 2.2
Homestead 0.08 0.7 5.2
Paddy cultivated 0.12 0.5 2
Chena Cultivated 1.22 21 6
Forests 93 62 65
Shrub Jungles 0.9 4.5 11
Pasture Lands 5 0.8 3
Water sources 0.15 7.9 6.0

Land Use Pattern of Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division

60000

50000
Extent (Hectares)

40000

30000 1954
1984
20000
2014

10000

0
Build up Gardens Paddy Chena Forest Scrub Grass land Water
area Surfaces

Source: LUPPD - Moneragala, 2016

• The graph demonstrates that the built up area and the residential areas grew over the
time while the areas of chena cultivation, paddy cultivation and the forests being
reduced notably.

Urban Development Authority

327
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.9. Water Sources in Kataragama Divisional Secreteriat Division

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
328
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.10. Distribution of Educational Services in Kataragama

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
329
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.11. Health Services Distribution in Kataragama area.- 2017

(2021 -2030)

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
330
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Annexure 5.12. Kataragama Drinking Water Supply network

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
331
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.13. Environment and Cultural Sensitivity at Kataragama Urban area

(2021 -2030)

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
332
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.14. Carring Capasity analysis at Kataragama Urban area

(2021 -2030)

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
333
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)
Annexure 5.15. Development Potential Analysis at Kataragama Urban area

Source: District Office - Moneragala, Urban Development Authority, 2021

Urban Development Authority
334
 Kataragama Development Plan (2021 – 2030)

Urban Development Authority

335