Akurana
Akurana, Kandy Sri Lanka,
Akurana
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Akurana ( Sinhala:අකූරණ, அக்குரணை' Tamil) is in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Akurana is hill country modern town in the Kandy district, 120 KM (70 Miles) from Colombo and 10 KM (6 Miles) from City of Kandy. Akurana lies between the main two towns Katugastota and Matale along the A9 high way. The traditional akurana town surrendered by Bulugohatenna,kasawatte, Telembughawatte, Hingrumudune, Neeralla, Malwanahinna,Kurugoda, Palliyakutuwa and Pangollamada villages. The traditional akurana town was converted in to Akurana Pradesiya Sabawa in late 1980s by merging the villages Alwathugoda, Duniwila, Malgamandeniya and Dippitiya.
Geographically, it is surrounded by hills and rivers. The Pinga Oya is the main river which cuts through the town. Majority of the population are ethnic Moors . Akurana belongs to the Harispattuwa Electorate. Akurana was represented in Parliament by one of the former Foreign Ministers Hon. Late. Alhaj. Dr. A C S Hameed, for more than 33 years without interruption.
History According to Sri Lankan history, this city was presented to early Saracen Moors (Arab-Persian Muslim settlers) by a Sinhalese kandyan King for Helping him to heal the skin rash that he had. Other traditions claim the Saracens helped the Kandyan Kings against invading Portuguese and Dutch forces.
The Moors arrived in Sri Lanka in their travels across the Arabian Sea, primarily for the purpose of trade.
Language: Majority of the people in the town speak Tamil, English and Singhale. Almost everyone can read Arabic (Quaranic Texts are in Arabic)and encouraged to learn Arabic to speak and understand. Sizable population speak Japanese as they have close tie with Japan. There are few speak German as well.
It has a relatively cool climate because of its location in the central hills. Average day time temperature is 25°C and the night is 19°C. In December the mercury drops to ave. 19°C with heavy mist covers during dawn.
Demographics
Akurana is a Moorish majority town. The Moors are all predominantly Muslim. There are sizeable communities belonging to other ethnic groups, such as Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamil living in peace. The Moorish community being inclusive based on religion has also assimilated many Sinhalese and Tamil converts to Islam over the centuries.
Education
Main article: List of schools in Sri Lanka
There are two national schools in Akurana namely, Azhar College and Akurana Zahira College. Akurana Muslim Balika College and Aql International Girls College are the only two Muslim girls colleges in Akurana. There are many other junior level in Akurana. Akurana is home to many English medium private schools and private vocational institute. 'Netherfield International School' is the first in Sri Lanka to form a private education system away from national curriculam. Akurana is well known for its famous poet and scholar called "Kasawatta Alim Pulawar". His arabutamil writing are considered as an excellent literature worked carried out by a Sri Lankan moors.
Economy
Akurana is an economically developed town compared to other towns in Kandy districts. There are many residential construction going inside Akurana town and many high rising buildings are coming up in the town.Many of the high rise buildings were after the 1990s. Most of Akuranites are well known in Sri Lanka for their traditional business. Akuranites are doing business all over the island and few in foreign countries such Japan, UK, Botswana and South Africa. Most of the oversea businesses are Automobile trading. A handful of Akuranites are involved in manufacturing business. There are lots professional living in Akurana and they are engaged in their professional careers such as Doctors, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Professors, Diplomats and Scientist.
The migrant population is another important factor, contributing to the economical development of Akurana. There are many individuals and families originally from Akurana living all over the world. An especially the high migrant population lives in Europe and GCC. The other major countries are North America, Japan, South Africa and Botswana.
Nowadays Akurana town is becoming a commercial hub in the Kandy district and is well known for its speciality in textiles, ceramic and automobile businesses.
Newspaper
NewsView is the regional newspaper issued Monthly. == Quazi for Akurana Current Quazi for Akurana
Bank
There four conventional banks and two interest-free banks are operating in the Akurana town.
Hospital
Zia Hospital is the only government hospital operating in Akurana providing free health care to the public which was opened by the late Pakistani President Hon. Zia Ul Haq in the regime of Late Sri Lankan President Hon. J.R.Jayawardane. There is one private Hospital called Royal Care Hospital in Akurana. There is another Consultation center called Channellig Center, Akurana
Environmental Issues
Pinga Oya the river that goes through the Akurana town is the most polluted in river in the Kandy district. This has caused the numerous environmental issues in the area.
Transport
Akurana has both public and private transport. Nearest Railway station is in Katugastota, 4.5 km away.
Major paving and refurbishment of Waragas Hinna Road (Gold Road) is currently going on with excellent collaboration of the residents.
Roads
A9 highway connects Akurana with Kandy & Matale cities.
