Moratuwa

History

Both Moratuwa and Lakshapathiya are mentioned in the 15th century poem Kokila Sandesha, written by a monk poet of Devundara to celebrate Prince Sapumal during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI. Lunawa, Uyana and Rawathawatte are mentioned in 16th century chronicles and church records of martyrs, the latter commemorates Revatha Thera, the chief incumbent of a temple built by King Vijayabahu I. Lakshapathiya, meaning commanding a hundred-thousand, was once the land awarded to Lak Vijaya Singu, a Commander of King Nissanka Malla. Subsequent to the Wijayaba Kollaya and the division of the Kotte Kingdom, the hamlet of Koralawella was created as part of Raigam Korale, which again became part of Moratuwa in 1735, however losing Ratmalana and parts of Borupane to Dehiwala. The name Moratuwa is derived from "Mura Atuwa" meaning sentry turret in Sinhalese which once existed at Kaldamulla.

Most-observed species

• House Crow

  Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817 · Aves
  11,232
• Rose-ringed Parakeet

  Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) · Aves
  10,488
• Red-vented Bulbul

  Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  10,070
• Spotted Dove

  Spilopelia chinensis (Scopoli, 1786) · Aves
  8,518
• Common Myna

  Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  8,442
• Asian Koel

  Eudynamys scolopaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  8,327
• Yellow-billed Babbler

  Turdoides affinis (Jerdon, 1845) · Aves
  8,272
• Common Tailorbird

  Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant, 1769) · Aves
  8,150