by Raja Waidyasekera
The historic Ussangoda in the
Welipatanwila village in the Ambalantota area, known as the ‘Kingdom of
Ravana’ and the ‘Horton Plains of Ruhuna’, is a heritage enriched with
fertile vegetation. This village is rich in natural resource and
beauty that attracts local sight-seers and foreign tourists from around
the globe.
A senior citizen of Welipatanwila says many are
the folk tales about his village. The sea that runs in close proximity
to the Ussangoda valley provides a livelihood to fisherfolk, while the
lush paddy fields are a boon to the farming community.
Welipatanwila’s
popularity and reputation flows from Ussangoda, a long valley spread
over an extent of 460 acres. It is a valley that has a history beyond
the 10th century. According to historians, the history of Ussangoda
dates back to the era of king Mahanaga, who ruled the province then.
Ussangoda
is a long plain, a rare sight on a beautiful mound by the sea. It has a
special kind of grass endemic to the land itself and red soil on which
nothing grows. There are many rare medicinal herbs such as
Vishnukranthi, Suriyakanthi and Chandrakanthi. It is a place where no
trees are found. According to the scientists, trees are not grown here
due to the presence of plumbago and a mixture of magnetic soil.
Ussangoda
is a haven for migratory birds and local sight- seers and tourists
throng during the season when migratory birds arrive. Delicious fruits
such as Hibatu, Uguressa, Karaba, Eraminiya and Debasra are aplenty and
are consumed by the migratory birds.
According to the
legend God Mangara was residing in Ussangoda valley and his vehicle was
a buffalo. He is said to have crossed the Walawa river leading a herd
of buffaloes. According to another legend, Hanumantha burnt the whole
area when king Ravana hid Princess Sita in a reservoir surrounded by a
jungle.
According to the historians, there had been plans to
set up the Hambantota kachcheri at Ussangoda by the then British
rulers. The Walawa river flows to the sea at the Welipatanwila estuary.
Ven. Deepankara thera who had his preliminary education in a school at
Welipatanwila and later mastered many languages was a friend of most
of the foreigners who were attracted by the sermons of the monk.
Foreigners
made many contributions. The Divelgama is a gift from the then English
Governor John Doyley. The great poetess of the era, Gajaman Nona was
from Welipatanwila, which is known as Nonagama today.
However,
visitors complain that Ussangoda lack even basic facilities ever
though scores of tourists do make a bee-line to this awe-inspiring
site. Ussangoda was declared a national park on September 30, 2010 by
the department of wildlife. It is situated in close proximity to the
Kalametiya sanctuary, which is reputed for endemic and migratory birds.
Although
sign boards have been displayed cautioning visitors not to harm the
natural beauty and the vegetation, there are elements who hunt wild
beasts and remove rare ayurvedic herbs from the area. Visitors also
complain that there is no separate area designated to park vehicles.
Asked
about future plans for Ussangoda as a key attraction for hundreds of
visitors, Prasanna Wimaladasa, Assistant Director of Wildlife in the
Southern region, said that moves are underway to develop the site.
He said that among the development activities lined up are a security post, vehicle park and other facilities for visitors.
Source: www.island.lk (26 February 2017)
