Bentota is known as the ‘Face of Southern Sri Lanka’ and is located within the Benthara – Elpitiya electoral division in the Galle district, bordering the Western province of Sri Lanka. This area is situated in close proximity to the coast, and spans over a distance of approximately 9.5kms from North to South, and about 12kms into the interior of the country from the coast, and constitutes about 4.5% of Galle district, which is equivalent to 7379 hectares.
The boundaries of the Bentota local government council area are as follows;
to the north and north east is the Benthara river which marks the border of the Kalurata district;
Elpitiya local council area to the east;
Karandeniya local council area and Balapitiya local council area to the south;
and the Indian Ocean to the west.
It is said that in the past the ferry used to cross the Bem river was captured by a monster and so this was known as ‘Beema Theertha’ i.e., ‘Bhayanaka Thota’ (Dangerous Ferry) and later came to be known as ‘Bemtota’, ‘Bentota’ and finally ‘Benthara’. The name ‘Benthara’ came about as it meant the other side of the Ben River (‘Ben Gangin Ethera’).
The Local Government Council area that initially consisted of 135 small villages was divided into 16 Grama Niladari divisions in the year 1997 and is presently divided into 51 Grama Niladari divisions for the ease of administration. In the year 2018 the Provincial Council elections were held at divisional level and accordingly the Local Government Council area jurisdiction was divided into 13 electoral divisions. The population of the jurisdiction comprises of Urban, semi-urban and rural areas and has a total population of nearly 54,286 people according to the census information of 2018. That includes 27,884 females and 26,402 males.
When looking into the economic status of the Bentota Local Government Council area, it is noted that the economy largely depends on the Tourism industry as the this is a very popular city of tourism. Additionally, cultivation of Paddy, Tea, Rubber, Coconut as well as Cinnamon can be seen. The coir rope industry, manufacture of reed products, corkscrew industry, wood carving and manufacture of coconut toddy and vinegar are some other cottage industries that can be found in this region.
This area also holds a great historic value and importance. As this area borders the south, many of the battles during the time of king Parakumbha are said to have taken place here. There is also mention of Bentota in the Mayura, Gira, and Paravi Sandesha. Furthermore, 05 temples with great historic importance can be seen and the historic Kashyapa Dalada perehara of the Galapatha Rajamaha viharaya takes place annually in grand scale to date.
The Bentota Local Government Council area is like a school of Arts as it is famous for a traditional southern dancing style known as ‘Kolam’. Many artists who emerged from the area hold great importance even today and as such white magic such as ‘daha ata sanniya’, ‘bali sooniyam’ popular to this area can be seen even today.
The town of Bentota which has greatly developed economically, socially and culturally at present will definitely be a shining light of the South.
Vision
Fulfilling the needs of the people by providing an effective and efficient service.
Mission
The council’s mission is to allow the people in the area to effectively participate in administrative and developmental affairs while providing the best service and safeguarding and improving the comfort, welfare and facilities of well disciplined, Just, fair and unbiased people.
