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Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat

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Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat
Hingurakgoda
Hingurakgoda
Divisional Secretariat
Map
CountrySri Lanka
ProvinceNorth Central Province
DistrictPolonnaruwa District
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time)

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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3]

Historical Background

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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

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Hingurakgoda is home to various religious and cultural landmarks that reflect the town's diversity and spiritual significance.

  • Buddhist Temples
  1. Unagalawehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Hingurakgoda: A historically significant Buddhist temple, which is situated about 7km 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.[4]
  2. 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.[5]
  3. 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
    1. 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.[6] The parish of Hingurakgoda is dedicated to Christ the King, and belongs to diocese of Anuradhapura, and is in the deanery of Polonnaruwa.[7]
      ක්‍රිස්තුරජාණන්ගේ දේවස්ථානය, හිගුරක්ගොඩ
      Christ the King Church, Hingurakgoda
  • Mosques
    1. 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.
Kaudulla National Park is a popular tourist destination near Hingurakgoda

Economy

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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.[8]

Education

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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.[9] Some of the schools in the area are as follows;

  1. Ananda Balika National School, Hingurakgoda
  2. Rajarata Maha Vidyalaya, Hingurakgoda
  3. Minneriya Central College, Hingurakgoda
  4. Vidyaloka Primary College, Hingurakgoda

Transportation

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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.[10]

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

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  1. Minneriya National Park: Located nearby, the park is famous for its "Gathering" of elephants and serves as a key wildlife attraction.
  2. Kaudulla National Park: Another wildlife sanctuary close to Hingurakgoda, known for its biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities.
  3. 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.
  4. Hingurakgoda Airport
  5. CIC Farm - Hingurakgoda

References

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  1. ^ "Polonnaruwa District". www.pubad.gov.lk. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  2. ^ "Latitude and Longitude Finder on Map Get Coordinates". www.latlong.net. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  3. ^ "Hingurakgoda (Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  4. ^ Weerasooriya, Nishan. "Hingurakgoda Unagalavehera Rajamaha Viharaya | AmazingLanka.com". AmazingLanka.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-22. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  5. ^ "Somawathiya Rajamaha Viharaya". www.somawathiyarajamahaviharaya.com. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  6. ^ "OMI Colombo Sri Lanka". omicolombo.lk. Retrieved 2024-12-15.
  7. ^ "OMI Colombo Sri Lanka". omicolombo.lk. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  8. ^ "RRDI_Rice_H4 – Department of Agriculture Sri lanka". Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  9. ^ "Provincial Department of Education - North Central Province, Sri lanka". www.edudept.nc.gov.lk. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
  10. ^ "Welome to Department of Railways". www.railway.gov.lk. Retrieved 2024-12-17.

History of Hingurakgoda Divisional Seceateries

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Serial No Name Designation Period
01 Mr.Vimalasena Dpy Govt Agent

SL.A.S I

1967 - 1977.01.31
02 Mr. A.P.L. Chandrasinha Dpy Govt Agent

SL.A.S I

1977.02.01 - 1989.09.27
03 Mr.R.M.K.B. Disanayaka SL.A.S II/II 1990.02.15 - 1991.10.15
04 Mr.W.M Walisundara SL.A.S II/II 1991.10.16 - 1992.08.13
05 Mr.Victor Samaraweera SL.A.S I
06 Mr.N.M. Ferminas SL.A.S 1994.11.02
07 Mr.H.N. De Soysa SL.A.S
08 Mr.P. Rajapaksha SL.A.S I 1995.12.30 - 2000.08.20
09 Mr.W.M. Gunawardhana SL.A.S II/II 1995.12.30 - 2000.08.20
10 Mrs.E.A Swarna Edirisingha SL.A.S II/II 2004.09.22
11 Mr.V.A.B.W. Dayananda SL.A.S I 2009.09.02 - 2011.05.25
12 Mr.Sirimewan Dharmasena SL.A.S I 2011.05.25

Citizen Charter of Grama Niladhari

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Serial No Service provided Service provided by GN Max time taken to service
1 Issuing of character/resident certificate If certificates are available

If certifying the residency

15 min

3 days

2 Recommendation for income certificates Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 03 days
3 Issuing Valuation certificate Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 02 days
4 Assessment report Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 02 days
5 Certifying identity card applications Certifying and submit to Divisional Secretary

Delivering Identity card for applicants

07 days

03 days

6 Cutting jack trees To cut one tree

More than one

01 day

03 days

7 Permits for timber transportations Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary

Sealing of tree

02 days

½ Day

8 Recommendation of gun license Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 03 days
9 Giving recommendation 03 days
10 Providing report on death persons Report of natural death 03 hours
11 Giving reports of complains If it happened in existing year

If it happened in previous year

01 day

03 days

12 Recommendation for public aids Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 03 days
13 Registration of past births Giving recommendation 03 days
14 Recommendation for scholarship applications Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 02 days
15 Permits for animal transportations Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 03 days
16 Giving assessments for ownership of lands Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 03 days
17 Recommendations for electricity & water Giving recommendation 03 days
18 Recommendation for ...... Submit urgent reports to Divisional Secretary

Submit detailed reportsSubmit urgent reports to Divisional Secretary

06 hours

03 days

19 Giving recommendation 03 days
20 Giving reports & recommendations for arising needs Giving recommendation 03 days
21 Registrations of voluntary societies Giving recommendations if there needed documents 03 days
22 Duties on crown lands Reporting of unauthorized residents

Submitting other documents to Divisional Secretary

Immediately

07 days

23 Issuing permits for stone/sand Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 07 days
24 Permits of liquor Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 07 days
25 Duties as peace officers Settlement of disputes 03 days
26 Aids on presidential funds Giving recommendation to Divisional Secretary 02 days

Citizen Charter of Divisional Secretariat

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Serial No Service provided Main document to be produced Max time taken to serve Main officer responsible
1 countersigning of residency certificates National Identity Card 03 Minutes Certification officer/AO/Ast.Div.Sec
2 Issuing of valuation certificates Completed certificate ½ Hour Divisional Secretary
3 Issuing of income certificates Application certified by the div secretariat ½ Hour Asst Div Sec/Div Sec
4 Issuing Birth/Death/Marriage Certificates Formless process 05 Minutes Additional Dist. Registrar
5 Approval to release of compulsory savings Respective application form 05 Minutes Div Sec/Ast.Div.Sec
6 Issuing Dry Rations cards Relevant application 10 Minutes Asst Div Sec
7 Issuing of Income certificate Application with the documents 1 Hour Accountant
8 Issuing of assessment certificate Assets deed with recommendation from GN ½ Hour Div Sec
9 Issuing of land license after approval Approved Application 1 Day Div Sec
10 Recommendation of miscellaneous subsidies Prescribe from with recommendation from social services officer 1 Weeks Div Sec / Asst Div Sec
11 Approval of public donations Prescribe from with recommendation from social services officer 4 Days Div Sec / Asst Div Sec
12 Payments of samurdhi grants Application with written supporting documents 3 Days Div Sec/Ast.Div.Sec
13 Subsidies paid by Social Development Fund Application with recommendation 1 Days Div Sec
14 Provision of solutions for electricity objections Electricity objections summons letter 2 Weeks Div Sec/Ast.Div.Sec
15 Approval of loans mortgages on land title deed Land title deed 1 Day Div Sec
16 Recommending Electricity Application Recommended application with deed ½ Hour AO/Asst Div Sec
17 Issuing of license to transport animals Application approved by veterinary surgeon ½ Hour Asst Div Sec
18 Issuing of timber permit Recommended Application 2 Days Div Sec
19 Issuing of senior citizenship Identity Card Birth Certificate or Identity card 1 Day Asst Div Sec
20 Transferring of ownership of gift of land Deed of land and application 2 Weeks Div Sec
21 Naming of succession for gifted land Common 155 application with recommendation 3 Weeks Div Sec
22 Registration of birth after prescribe time Application together with documentary evidence 4 Weeks Additional District Registrar
23 Provision of disaster loans Application with recommended from GN / 2 Weeks Asst Div Sec
24 Issuing of timber transport license Application 4 Weeks Div Sec
25 Naming of transfer of license land License and GN report 1 Day Div Sec
26 Issuing of liquor permit Recommended report from excise dept 2 Hours Div Sec
27 Submitting of National Identity Card to RGD Application recommended by GN 3 Days AO/Asst Div Sec
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