North Western Province, Sri Lanka

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North Western Province වයඹ පළාත வட மேல் மாகாணம்
Province
Flag
Location within Sri Lanka
Country	Sri Lanka
Created	1833
Admitted	14 November 1987
Capital	Kurunegala
Largest City	Kurunegala
Government
• Governor	Tissa Kumarasiri
• Chief Minister	Vacant
• Chief Secretary	Deepika K. Gunaratna
Area
• Total	7,888 km2 (3,046 sq mi)
• Rank	4th (11.89% of total area)
Population  (2021 census)
• Total	2,592,000 (est.)
• Rank	4th (11.61% of total pop.)
• Density	328.6/km2 (851/sq mi)
Gross Regional Product  (2022)[1]
• Total	USD 8.5 billion
• Rank	2nd (11.2 % of total)
Time zone	UTC+05:30 (Sri Lanka)
ISO 3166 code	LK-6
Vehicle registration	NW
Official Languages	Sinhalese, Tamil
Website	www.nw.gov.lk

North Western Province (Sinhala: වයඹ පළාත Wayamba Paḷāta, Tamil: வட மேல் மாகாணம் Vada Mael Mākāṇam) is a province of Sri Lanka. It is the fourth-largest province by land area, covering 7,888 km² (3,046 sq mi), and the fourth-most populated province with a population of over 2,592,000 people. North Western Province is bordered by the North Central Province, Sri Lanka to the north, Central Province, Sri Lanka to the east, Sabaragamuwa Province to the southeast, Western Province, Sri Lanka to the south, and is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the west.

The province encompasses a variety of climates and geographical features, from its coastal regions to the central highlands and plains. The majority of the population is concentrated in the urban centers of Kurunegala, the provincial capital, and Puttalam. Kurunegala is the largest city in the province and serves as a major commercial and administrative hub. Puttalam, located on the western coast, is known for its lagoon and salt production.

The region has numerous archaeological sites, including the ancient rock fortress of Yapahuwa and the Panduwasnuwara ruins. European colonization began with the Portuguese Empire in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch Empire and the British Empire. The province was established in its current form in 1833 during British Ceylon era and became part of the independent Dominion of Ceylon in 1948, later becoming the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

During the Sri Lankan civil war the Puttalam District was considered a part of proposed Tamil Eelam by the Tamil Tigers, despite the smaller Tamil population.

North Western Province had nineteen seats in the Sri Lankan Parliament in last General elections. The provincial council consists of the Chief Minister, the Provincial Council, and the Governor. As of the most recent General elections, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is the dominant political party in the province. The Governor of North Western Province, the representative of the President of Sri Lanka, is currently Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya.

The economy of North Western Province is primarily based on Agriculture, Manufacturing, Fishing, and small-scale industries. Major agricultural products include coconut, rice, and spices, while the coastal areas are known for their fishing industry, the urban areas such as Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya, Nikaweratiya and Mawathagama is famous for their Industries. The province also has significant mineral resources, including limestone and ilmenite.

North Western Province is known for its cultural heritage, with numerous festivals, traditional dances, and local crafts. It is home to several important religious sites, including the Munneswaram temple and the St. Anne's Church in Thalawila, which attract pilgrims from across the country. The province's natural attractions, such as the Wilpattu National Park and the Puttalam Lagoon, are popular with tourists.