Hingurakgoda (Sinhala: හිගුරක්ගොඩ, Tamil: ஹிங்குராக்கொட) is a Divisional Secretariat of Polonnaruwa District, of North Central Province,Sri Lanka. Hingurakgoda is a vibrant town and serves as a significant cultural, historical, and agricultural hub in the area. Nestled in the North Central Province, the town is a gateway to the ancient and modern narratives of Sri Lanka, blending history with contemporary life.
The Polonnaruwa district has seven divisional secretariats. The largest division is Hingurakgoda, which covers an area of 70,878.33 hectares. In terms of its relative position, the division is bounded by the Anuradhapura district to the north and west, Elahera and Thamankaduwa to the south, Medirigiriya and Lankapura to the east.
According to its absolute location, Hingurakgoda is situated between latitudes 7°53´ and 8°22´ and longitudes 80°45´ and 81°02´E. The national grid system indicates that Hingurakgoda lies between the northern grid numbers 303–348 km and the eastern grid numbers 195–228 km.
The division consists of 53 Grama Niladhari divisions. According to the 2012 population census, the population of Hingurakgoda is approximately 63,000.
Demography-Religion
Historical Background Hingurakgoda has historical significance that dates back to the era of Sri Lanka's ancient kings. Situated in close proximity to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (approx. 15 km), the town likely played a supportive role during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (11th to 13th century CE). Polonnaruwa was a thriving administrative and cultural center, and its influence extended to neighboring regions, including Hingurakgoda. Although Hingurakgoda itself does not feature prominently in ancient chronicles, archaeological findings suggest that it was inhabited during these early periods, potentially serving as an agricultural or trade center supporting the larger kingdom.
Important Religious and Cultural Places Hingurakgoda is home to various religious and cultural landmarks that reflect the town's diversity and spiritual significance.
Buddhist Temples
Unagalawehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Hingurakgoda: A historically significant Buddhist temple, which is situated about 7 km away from the town, is known for its serene environment and the ancient stupa. The temple serves as a center for Buddhist worship and cultural activities. Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya (nearby): Although not within the town limits, this temple is a short drive away and is one of the most revered sites in the region, believed to house a relic of the Buddha. In addition, there are a few ancient temples in the Hingurakgoda area such as Hingurakgala Temple which is a Buddhist temple where there is a stupa on top of a rock.
Catholic Churches Christ the King Church: A prominent Catholic church that caters to the Christian community in Hingurakgoda. Initially Hingurakgoda was a mission place operated by the Diocese of Trinco – Batticalo, Which used to send at different periods various priests to cater to the spiritual needs of the few Catholic families living in the whole area of Hingurakgoda and Polonnaruwa. As a result late Rev. Fr. Sam Alexander who belonged to the Diocese of Trinco- Batticalo came to Hingurakgoda in 1945. He got government land and started a little Church building and a school which is now known as Rajarata Maha Vidyalaya. The parish of Hingurakgoda is dedicated to Christ the King, and belongs to diocese of Anuradhapura, and is in the deanery of Polonnaruwa. Mosques Hingurakgoda Mohaideen Jumma Mosque: Serving the Muslim community in Hingurakgoda, this mosque is a hub for Islamic religious and cultural practices. It stands as a testament to the town's multi-religious harmony.
Economy The economy of Hingurakgoda is primarily agrarian. The town is renowned for its paddy cultivation, supported by an intricate irrigation system dating back to ancient times. Hingurakgoda is located near the Minneriya and Kaudulla tanks, which provide water for farming. In addition to agriculture, small-scale industries and trade contribute to the local economy. Hingurakgoda is known for its H4 rice variety.
Education Hingurakgoda boasts several educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to higher education centers. These institutions cater to a diverse student population, emphasizing the importance of education in regional development. There are 33 schools in the Hingurakgoda Educational Zone. Some of the schools in the area are as follows;
Ananda Balika National School, Hingurakgoda Rajarata Maha Vidyalaya, Hingurakgoda Minneriya Central College, Hingurakgoda Vidyaloka Primary College, Hingurakgoda
Transportation The town is well-connected by road and rail. The Hingurakgoda Railway Station is part of Sri Lanka's Eastern Railway Line, facilitating easy access to Colombo, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee. Buses and other modes of transport make Hingurakgoda a central hub for commuters.
The part of Colombo - Trincomalee main road (A06 Grade) runs through Habarana and Kanthale. Also the part of Maradankadawala - Batticolo main road (A11 Grade) runs through Habarana and Polonnaruwa.
Other Attractions
Minneriya National Park: Located nearby, the park is famous for its "Gathering" of elephants and serves as a key wildlife attraction. Kaudulla National Park: Another wildlife sanctuary close to Hingurakgoda, known for its biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Ancient Irrigation Systems: Visitors can explore the remnants of ancient irrigation marvels, including canals and tanks, which underscore the engineering ingenuity of Sri Lanka's past. Hingurakgoda Airport CIC Farm - Hingurakgoda
References Divisional Secretariats Portal
History of Hingurakgoda Divisional Seceateries Serial NoNameDesignationPeriod01Mr.VimalasenaDpy Govt Agent
SL.A.S I1967 - 1977.01.3102Mr. A.P.L. ChandrasinhaDpy Govt Agent
SL.A.S I1977.02.01 - 1989.09.2703Mr.R.M.K.B. DisanayakaSL.A.S II/II1990.02.15 - 1991.10.1504Mr.W.M WalisundaraSL.A.S II/II1991.10.16 - 1992.08.1305Mr.Victor SamaraweeraSL.A.S I06Mr.N.M. FerminasSL.A.S1994.11.0207Mr.H.N. De SoysaSL.A.S08Mr.P. RajapakshaSL.A.S I1995.12.30 - 2000.08.2009Mr.W.M. GunawardhanaSL.A.S II/II1995.12.30 - 2000.08.2010Mrs.E.A Swarna EdirisinghaSL.A.S II/II2004.09.2211Mr.V.A.B.W. DayanandaSL.A.S I2009.09.02 - 2011.05.2512Mr.Sirimewan DharmasenaSL.A.S I2011.05.25
Citizen Charter of Grama Niladhari Serial NoService providedService provided by GNMax time taken to service1Issuing of character/resident certificateIf certificates are available
If certifying the residency15 min
3 days2Recommendation for income certificatesGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary03 days3Issuing Valuation certificateGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary02 days4Assessment reportGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary02 days5Certifying identity card applicationsCertifying and submit to Divisional Secretary
Delivering Identity card for applicants07 days
03 days6Cutting jack treesTo cut one tree
More than one01 day
03 days7Permits for timber transportationsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary
Sealing of tree02 days
½ Day8Recommendation of gun licenseGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary03 days9Giving recommendation03 days10Providing report on death personsReport of natural death03 hours11Giving reports of complainsIf it happened in existing year
If it happened in previous year01 day
03 days12Recommendation for public aidsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary03 days13Registration of past birthsGiving recommendation03 days14Recommendation for scholarship applicationsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary02 days15Permits for animal transportationsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary03 days16Giving assessments for ownership of landsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary03 days17Recommendations for electricity & waterGiving recommendation03 days18Recommendation for ......Submit urgent reports to Divisional Secretary
Submit detailed reportsSubmit urgent reports to Divisional Secretary06 hours
03 days19Giving recommendation03 days20Giving reports & recommendations for arising needsGiving recommendation03 days21Registrations of voluntary societiesGiving recommendations if there needed documents03 days22Duties on crown landsReporting of unauthorized residents
Submitting other documents to Divisional SecretaryImmediately
07 days23Issuing permits for stone/sandGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary07 days24Permits of liquorGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary07 days25Duties as peace officersSettlement of disputes03 days26Aids on presidential fundsGiving recommendation to Divisional Secretary02 days
Citizen Charter of Divisional Secretariat Serial NoService providedMain document to be producedMax time taken to serveMain officer responsible1countersigning of residency certificatesNational Identity Card03 MinutesCertification officer/AO/Ast.Div.Sec2Issuing of valuation certificatesCompleted certificate½ HourDivisional Secretary3Issuing of income certificatesApplication certified by the div secretariat½ HourAsst Div Sec/Div Sec4Issuing Birth/Death/Marriage CertificatesFormless process05 MinutesAdditional Dist. Registrar5Approval to release of compulsory savingsRespective application form05 MinutesDiv Sec/Ast.Div.Sec6Issuing Dry Rations cardsRelevant application10 MinutesAsst Div Sec7Issuing of Income certificateApplication with the documents1 HourAccountant8Issuing of assessment certificateAssets deed with recommendation from GN½ HourDiv Sec9Issuing of land license after approvalApproved Application1 DayDiv Sec10Recommendation of miscellaneous subsidiesPrescribe from with recommendation from social services officer1 WeeksDiv Sec / Asst Div Sec11Approval of public donationsPrescribe from with recommendation from social services officer4 DaysDiv Sec / Asst Div Sec12Payments of samurdhi grantsApplication with written supporting documents3 DaysDiv Sec/Ast.Div.Sec13Subsidies paid by Social Development FundApplication with recommendation1 DaysDiv Sec14Provision of solutions for electricity objectionsElectricity objections summons letter2 WeeksDiv Sec/Ast.Div.Sec15Approval of loans mortgages on land title deedLand title deed1 DayDiv Sec16Recommending Electricity ApplicationRecommended application with deed½ HourAO/Asst Div Sec17Issuing of license to transport animalsApplication approved by veterinary surgeon½ HourAsst Div Sec18Issuing of timber permitRecommended Application2 DaysDiv Sec19Issuing of senior citizenship Identity CardBirth Certificate or Identity card1 DayAsst Div Sec20Transferring of ownership of gift of landDeed of land and application2 WeeksDiv Sec21Naming of succession for gifted landCommon 155 application with recommendation3 WeeksDiv Sec22Registration of birth after prescribe timeApplication together with documentary evidence4 WeeksAdditional District Registrar23Provision of disaster loansApplication with recommended from GN /2 WeeksAsst Div Sec24Issuing of timber transport licenseApplication4 WeeksDiv Sec25Naming of transfer of license landLicense and GN report1 DayDiv Sec26Issuing of liquor permitRecommended report from excise dept2 HoursDiv Sec27Submitting of National Identity Card to RGDApplication recommended by GN3 DaysAO/Asst Div Sec