Trincomalee City
Trincomalee, located on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, boasts a natural deep-water harbor and pristine beaches. Rich in history, it features landmarks like the ancient Koneswaram Temple. The city's diverse marine life and vibrant culture make it a captivating destination for tourists and historians alike.
Velgam Vehera
Velgam Vehera, located near Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, is an ancient Buddhist temple with a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BCE during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. This temple is unique for its blend of Sinhalese and Dravidian architectural styles, reflecting the cultural influences that have shaped the region over centuries. Velgam Vehera is renowned for its well-preserved stone inscriptions, ancient stupas, and serene Buddha statues that provide insights into the religious and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
The temple served as a sanctuary for both Sinhalese and Tamil Buddhists during times of conflict, which is evident in the Tamil inscriptions found on the site. Nestled amidst lush greenery, Velgam Vehera offers a peaceful and spiritual retreat, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors to the temple can explore the tranquil surroundings while reflecting on the deep historical and religious significance of this ancient site.
About Trincomalee District
Trincomalee is a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The Bay of Trincomalee's harbour is renowned for its large size and security; unlike every other in the Indian Sea, it is accessible to all types of craft in all weathers. The beaches are used for surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching. The city also has the largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. It is home to major Sri Lankan naval bases and a Sri Lankan Air Force base.
Most of the Tamils and Sinhalese believe that this place is sacred to them and they are the indigenous people of the area. Trincomalee and its environs have both Hindu and Buddhist sites of historical importance. These sites are sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists.
About Eastern Province
The Eastern Province is one of the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. The provinces have existed since the 19th century but they didn't have any legal status until 1987 when the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka established provincial councils. Between 1988 and 2006 the province was temporarily merged with the Northern Province to form the North-East Province. The capital of the province is Trincomalee. The Eastern province's population was 1,460,939 in 2007. The province is the most diverse in Sri Lanka, both ethnically and religiously.
Eastern province has an area of 9,996 square kilometers (3,859.5 sq mi).The province is surrounded by the Northern Province to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Southern Province to the south, and the Uva, Central and North Central provinces to the west. The province's coast is dominated by lagoons, the largest being Batticaloa lagoon, Kokkilai lagoon, Upaar Lagoon and Ullackalie Lagoon.