Monaragala

Introduction of the District

Name of the District :- Monaragala
Province :- Uva
Total Land Aria ( km²) :- 5,959
No. of the Divisional Secretariat Divisions :- 11
No. of the Grama Niladhari Divisions :- 319
No. of Polling Divisions :- 03
No .of Municipal Councils :- No
No. of Urban Councils :- No
No. of Pradeshiya Sabha :- 10
No .of Zonal Educational offices :- 04
No. of Members of Parliament :- 06
No. of Members of Provincial Council :- 15
Registered No. of Votes :- 360,368
No. of Families in District :-149,215
No. of Houses in District :-119,750
Population :- 479,000
Population Growth Rate :- 1.6%
Birth Rate (1000) :- 17.5
Death Rate (1000) :- 4.9
No. of Birth :- 6,707
No. of Samurdi :- 44,875
No. of Pension :- 6,669

Subdivision

Name	Status	Population Census 2001-07-17	Population Census 2012-03-20
Moneragala	District	397,375	451,058
Badalkumbura	Divisional Secretariat	36,784	40,103
Bibile	Divisional Secretariat	35,490	40,329
Buttala	Divisional Secretariat	47,324	53,084
Katharagama	Divisional Secretariat	16,297	18,220
Madulla	Divisional Secretariat	28,358	31,238
Medagama	Divisional Secretariat	32,467	35,881
Moneragala	Divisional Secretariat	42,457	49,520
Sevanagala	Divisional Secretariat	36,820	41,900
Siyambalanduwa	Divisional Secretariat	47,438	54,040
Thanamalvila	Divisional Secretariat	23,172	26,683
Wellawaya	Divisional Secretariat	50,768	60,060
Sri Lanka	Republic	18,797,257	20,359,439

Social, Economical Background of the District

Monaragala District was known as Wellassa in ancient time, and which was situated in Eastern and South-East Direction of Uva District in Sri Lanka. Its total area is, 5959 km2 and it is the second largest district in Sri Lanka. The district is absolutely located between North latitude: 6° 17′ – 7° 28′ and the East longitude: 80° 50′ – 81° 35′ and the entire area is nurtured with full of natural resources. This district is bordered by Ampara District in North and East ; by Badulla district in West and North; by Hambantota district in South; and by Rathnapura district in South East. It consists11 divisional secretariats, 319 Grahma Niladhary regions 1324 villages and 10 Prahdeshiya Sabhas.

When the climate condition is taken into consideration, the whole part of Monaragala considered as intermediate and dry climatic region. The significance of this area is, 70% of the district is dry zone but Monaragala mountain ridge shows the characteristics of a wet climate. This kind of climatic condition is very particular in our country. The average rainfall in this district is approximately,1625 m.m. and the average annual temperature is about 26° Celsius. 479,000 is the overall population rate of the district in 2017. Therein 238,055 males and 240,945 females. Approximately 149,215 families exist in Monaragala district. Many important and historical valued places are found in this district. There at Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya, Katharagama Kirivehera, Maligawila, Yudthaganawa, Buduruwagala are some of them. Senanayake Samudraya, Weheragala and Udawalawa are the prominent reservoirs situated in this district. Monaragala was named as Wellassa before the colonial reign of British Government. Which had been a highly developed position and the agricultural level was fortunate and self sufficient. While the British encounter, many great damages had been occurred and as a result the district had become to a declined position. Later on when the government took various developing strategies, it became bloomed.

Chena Cultivation in Monaragala district

Chena cultivation is more popular among the rural people in Monaragala district as their main livelihood. Therefore, this study attempted to analyze the economic performance and to identify the socio-economic and environmental constraints of chena cultivation. Study area was Thanamalvila DS division in Monaragala District. Purposively selected 92 farmers was the sample. Primary data were collected from farmers through personal interview method with the help of an interview schedule and field observation. The descriptive statistics and correlation test were employed to analyse data.

Average monthly income, cost of production and profit of the chena farming were Rs 49 356.00, 12 420.00 and 36 935.00 per ha per season, respectively. With regard to income per ha per season, majority (67%) were in the category of Rs 50 000.00 to 100 000.00. With respect to the profit per ha per season, 72% were in the category of Rs 25 000.00 to 100 000.00. Labour (63%), land preparation (16%) and agro chemical (13%) costs were the major cost components of the cultivation. Sesame, Kurakkan, Cowpea and Maize were recorded as major cultivated crops. Further, wild life attacks and cattle problems (83%), legal action taken by the forest department (67%) drought (65%) pest and diseases (54%) and marketing problems (43%) were indicated as major problems faced by the farmers. However, around 74% of respondents were willing to continue the chena cultivation because they have no other alternative livelihoods in this area. On the other hand, majority (54%) was neutral or dissatisfied about their situation because they did not have land ownership. Introducing registration procedure for land ownership, construction of electrical fence to avoid wild life attack and plan a proper irrigation method to secure the water supply throughout the year were the major suggestions to improve the farming at commercial level rather than chenacultivation.