Divisional Secretariat - Ambangangakorale

Vision

Excellence through Customer Satisfaction

Mission

To provide a service in line with the Government policies, uplift the lifestyles of the society through a planned, efficient development process consisting of proper co-ordination of resources and participation of the people.

Historical Background

History of Ambanganga is not so long because, this division was considered as less preferable area for human settlement. Dense forests, mountain passes, lack of proper transport facilities were the reasons for the poor colonization. This division gradually populated due to extension of tea and coffee cultivations at the end of 19th century. So it is fair to consider the division’s history begun late 19’s. 

However, the Division of Ambangangakorala has intimate relationship with the writing of tripitaka during King Walagamba’s reign (89-77 B.C.) at rock temple in Aluviharaya.  Few Arahath Theroes who participated above task had rested at “Udalidha viharaya” in Gurubabila. Cinnamon, Aricanut and Pepper were the prominent crop types in past. After arrival of British in 1825, they introduced Coffee and after 1841 they introduced Tea. In 1822 South Indian citizens got settled in those estates as workers. Thereafter, the division became colonized and gradually increased the infrastructure facilities. During this period dihorria, cholera like diseases affected to the people who lived in those estates. In 1893 new medical center was established by the government in Gammaduwa area which helped to rescue the people from above diseases. That caused the government to establish a new medical center in Gammaduwa to rescue people from those disasters.

Administrative Divisions

Ambangangakorala division consists of 20 Grama niladari divisions and 76 prosperous villages at present. Even though this division contains few numbers of villages, it has similar land extent as other divisions. This division does not have its own town. So people fulfill their necessities from Rattota and Matale towns. Sometimes they go to Pussella and Metihakka to buy their own requirements. But there is few numbers of boutiques. According to the road ways the division has divided into two sections by Kaikawala – Kumbalolluwa road and Rattota – Gammaduwa road. These two roads connected to Rattota main road and there are no interconnections in between. That is why people face transport difficulties in this division. 

Livelihood

When considering the ethnicity, Buddhists are the majority and Tamils live in an around the estates. Their economy mainly depends on tea and pepper cultivation. Tea lands are highly distributed in Gammaduwa and Pussella area and pepper cultivation distributed in Kubaloluwa and Mattihakka area. Paddy cultivations are done according to the contour lines. Coffee and cocoa were cultivated in colonial time. Instead of that we can see mixed cropping system as well. Cardamom cultivation was heavily distributed in past. But presently we can see poor production. There is a cardamom research station situated in Gammaduwa but now it had decayed. There are no large-scale industries in this division. But few numbers of small-scale industries are there. As an example, handloom, brick production, brass industry, mushroom production and sweets production and animal husbandry. 

As a whole, the people who are residing in this Division face difficulties due to poor development of roads and infrastructure, lack of electricity, lack of drinking water and poor health service facilities. There are non-functioning schools in this division. As a result of that, the education level of whole population is also very low. Not only that the civilians who work in government sector are very low in number. It is only a dream to have proper health service due to poor health service system for the people who live in this area. 

Climatic Features

Ambanganga is a place enriched with natural beauty and favorable climatic features which adds an aesthetic value to the entire division. This division has scenic locations such as Karagasthenna,Elagala Estate, Kumbaloluwa Waterfall etc.

Conclusion

Among these obstacles, Divisional Secretariat of Ambangangakoralae provides excellent service to this people with due respect and takes the maximum effort to uplift the living standards of the people.