A brief introduction to the jurisdictional area.
Known as the face of southern Sri Lanka, Benthotai Pradeshiya Sabha is located in Pendara Elbitiya constituency of Galle district of Southern Province on the border of Sri Lanka’s Western Province.
The area under the jurisdiction of this district council extends 9.5 km along the coast from north to south and 12 km inland and its area is 7379 hectares which is 4.5 ℅ of the land area of Galle district.
The area under the jurisdiction of Bentota Pradeshiya Sabha is bounded by Kalutara District and Bendara Ganga to the north and north-east, and the area under the jurisdiction of Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha to the east.
It is bounded by Karandeniya and Palapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha areas to the south and the Indus Ocean to the west
It is said that in the past, a demon had hijacked the ferry to cross the Pem Ganga, so the ferry was called “Bhima Theertha” or “Phayanaka Dotta” in Sinhala, which means “terrible ferry” and later changed to “Pem Dotta” and later “Pentotta”.
It is also said that “Bendara” is derived from the Sinhalese phrase “Ben Gangin Ethera” for “the other side of Ben Ganga”.
This area which was found to have 135 small villages was changed to 16 Gram Sevakar Divisions in 1997 and is now divided into 51 Gram Sevakar Divisions for administrative convenience.
Similarly, the 2018 Provincial Council elections were conducted on a constituency-wise basis. Accordingly, the territory under the jurisdiction of the Pradeshiya Sabha was divided into 13 constituencies.
The population of this region consists of urban, semi-urban and rural areas and according to the 2018 census the total population is 54286. It includes 27884 females and 26402 males.
Economically, the area under Bentota Pradeshiya Sabha is a tourist destination. The economy of this region is based on tourism-related industries. Apart from this, rice, tea, coconut and rubber crops are also the main source of income.
Cottage industries include jute rope production, palm-based products, coconut shell production, wood carvings and coconut sandblasting, and vinegar production.
Historically speaking, the Bentotai region occupies an important place. During the time of King Parakramapagu, this area was seen as the southern border of the country and there were frequent wars in this area and Bentotai is also mentioned in the literatures like Peacock Vidu Dudu, Kili Vidu Dudu, Pura Vidu Dudu.
Also, in this area where there are five historically important Purana Raja Maha Viharas, the historical Kasyappa Dalatha Perahera of Kalapatta Raja Maha Vihara is held every year till today and lights up the city of Bentota.
The area under Bentotai Pradeshiya Sabha is considered to be the cradle of the arts and is famous for the Golam Nataks, traditional downland plays. Similarly, Shanti Karmangal, Taha Atta Sanniya, Billi Sooniyam are still found in this region because the famous artists who appeared here are still living and protecting these arts.
Bentotai, which has developed economically, socially and culturally today, is destined to become a beacon of light for South Lanka in the future.
Name details of electoral divisions under the jurisdiction of Bentotai Pradeshiya Sabha.
Election Division No. Name of the Constituency
1. Pilgrimage
2. Bodhimaluva
3. Thobe
4. Haburukala
5. Elect
6. Mahagoda
7. Konakalapura
8. Not at all
9. Don’t learn
10. Varakamulla
11. Mirisvattha
12. In bloodletting
13. Maha Uragaha
