Hambantota

WHAT

Hambantota is the largest town on the south-eastern coast. According to historians the name derives from sampans, which are the boats the Malays arrived in, and tota meaning harbour. It is famous for its buffalo curd. There are a number of road stalls selling curd in hanging clay pots. It tastes even better with honey or treacle. A major industry of Hambantota is the production of salt by the ancient method of evaporating sea water from shallow salt pans. The town’s highlights are crystal clear seas, golden beaches, spectacular wild life, paddy fields and many historical landmarks with ancient temples. There has been an impact of the Muslims, Portuguese, Dutch and British nations on Hambantota because of trading benefits. The Muslims had a monopoly over salt trading before the arrival of the Europeans. And when the Kingdom of Ruhuna was in existence, it was a highly-developed area with extensive cultivation of rice and other crops supported by a complex water management system. There are many ruins of ancient Buddhist religious buildings, some renovated, and antiquities recovered from archaeological sites in the area show the history of Hambantota and its cultural diversity.