Ratnapura District
Ratnapura District
රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம் | |
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Map of Sri Lanka with Ratnapura District highlighted | |
| Coordinates: 6°35′N 80°35′E / 6.583°N 80.583°E | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Sabaragamuwa Province |
| Largest City | Ratnapura |
| Government | |
| • District Secretary | Malani Lokupothagama |
| Area | |
• Total | 3,275 km2 (1,264 sq mi) |
| Population (2012) | |
• Total | 1,088,007 |
| • Density | 332.2/km2 (860/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka) |
| ISO 3166 code | LK-91 |
Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: இரத்தினபுரம் மாவட்டம்) is a district of Sri Lanka in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
This gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroadd between southern plains and the hill country to the east. Many of Sri Lanka's prominent gem dealers operate from this market city, which services most of the surrounding towns. There is a route to Sri Pada from the direction of Ratnapura. Local attractions include Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park. The surrounding area is popular with trekkers and bird watchers. The district is home to Kukulugala, the 18th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.