Geographical Situation and Climate
The district has a land area of 3072 square Kilo meters.
Inland water 190 square Kilo meters.
Coastal belt of 196 Kilo meters in length.
Length of the lagoon belt is 168 Kilo meters.
There are 2 climate zones wet and dry.
Annual Rain average 956.8 mm
Annual temperature 27.85 C
Historical Background of the district
It was “Thambapanni” in Puttalam district where the first Singhalese’s king Vijaya firstly set his foot. So this was the place of origin of Sinhalese lineage. Further it was also the dwelling place of “Queni” who helped the Vijaya to become a King. Later, Queni shifted her dwelling to “Thonigala” in Anamaduwa division as the king Vijaya had married the princess "Bhaddrakachchana" from India. It is here the longest stone inscription of Sri Lanka also found out. Some fossils of human who lived B.C 2000 have also been found out in the Ponparippu area at Wanathawilluwa D.S Division in Puttalam District. So the area got the historical significant too. The Munneswaram Temple, situates in Chilaw D.S. Division is the sacred place for both Hindus and Budhdhists. There was a saying that it was the temple called by the name “Munisoama” during the rule of Dambadeniya Kingdom. Some archeological articles have been excavated at the area belong to the “Veherabendhi kelaya ancient Rajamaha Vihara, situated adjacent to Deduru Oya within the Arachchikkattuwa D.S.Division. The St. Ant. Thalawila church, the sacred place of Catholics is also situated in Kalpity D.S division in the district of Puttalam.
