Ratnapura: The Gem City of Sri Lanka

• Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [ayubowan]
• Goodbyeආදරේ
  [adare]
• Yesඔව්
  [ow]
• Noනෑ
  [nā]
• Please/You're welcomeකරනවා/කියනවා
  [karunavā/kiyanavā]
• Thank youඔබේ ස්තූතියි
  [obē sthūthiyi]
• Excuse me/Sorryසමාජවන්/කිසිවකිනවා
  [samājawan/kisiwakinavā]
• How are you?ඔයාට කොහෙද?
  [ōyāta koheda?]
• Fine. And you?හොදයි. ඔයා?
  [hōdayi. ōyā?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයාගේයානාම කතාකරයිද?
  [ōyāgēyanāma kathākarayida?]
• I don't understandමම එකතු වෙන්නේනෑ
  [mama ekathu wenna nā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනු බලපත්‍රය බලාගන්න
  [karunakara menu balapatraya balāganna]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් කරියේ නෑ
  [mama mas kariyē nā]
• Cheers!සුභප්පාදනය!
  [subappādanaya]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර ගෙවන්නේද
  [karunakara gewan nēda]

• Help!උකුල්ලට!
  [ukullata]
• Go away!යන්න!
  [yanna]
• Call the Police!පොලිස්ටකරුගේයි!
  [polistakarugēyi]
• Call a doctor!වෛරයකරුගේයි!
  [vārayakarugēyi]
• I'm lostමම බැරිමෙන්න
  [mama bārimenna]
• I'm illමම අස්වල්ලයි
  [mama asvallayi]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලියන්නෙන්න
  [mama ... milin nennēnna]
• I'm just lookingමම පොනවන්න
  [mama pōnavanna]
• How much is it?එය කොහොදයි?
  [ēya kohodayi?]
• That's too expensiveඑය වේගයි
  [ēya vēgayi]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අඩු කරයිද?
  [mila adu karayida?]

• What time is it?වේදනාගේකොහොදයි?
  [vēdanāgēkohodayi?]
• It's one o'clockඑක් ටයල්කය
  [eka tayalkaya]
• Half past (10)ප්‍රතමාවෙක් වැනිදා
  [prathamavēk wānidayā]
• Morningඋදේ
  [udē]
• Afternoonදැකුලු
  [dēkulu]
• Eveningසවස
  [savasa]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙයින්
  [heyin]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [dēka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හත
  [hata]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hata]
• 8අට
  [ata]
• 9නය
  [naya]
• 10දස
  [dasa]

• Where's a/the...?... කොන්දකින්ද?
  [... konadakindā?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [lipinaya kumakda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මම පෙත්ගත්තන්ද?
  [mama pētgattandā?]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟ ... කොන්දකින්ද?
  [īlagaya konadakindā?]
• A ticket (to ....)ගානවකින්ද
  [gānavakindā]

Ratnapura, translating to 'City of Gems' in Sinhala, is believed to have been a significant settlement since ancient times, dating back to the era of the Sinhalese Kingdoms. The region’s name itself highlights its long-standing association with gem mining, a tradition that has contributed to its historical and cultural significance.

Ratnapura's gem mining history goes back over 2,000 years. Ancient texts and folklore often mention the region’s rich gem deposits. The Mahavamsa, an ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, references gems from Ratnapura being used in the construction of stupas and to adorn royal treasures. The city was a key source of precious stones for ancient kings and traders.

During the colonial period under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, Ratnapura's gem industry saw significant transformations. The British, in particular, capitalized on the gem resources, establishing organized mining operations and exporting gems to Europe. This period marked the beginning of Ratnapura’s reputation as a global gem trade hub.

Ratnapura’s rich natural resources attracted a diverse population over the centuries, resulting in a cultural melting pot. The city is home to a mix of Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher communities, each contributing to its vibrant culture. Festivals, religious ceremonies, and traditional practices from these various groups are an integral part of Ratnapura’s cultural fabric.

Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a significant pilgrimage site located near Ratnapura. Revered in multiple religions, the mountain attracts pilgrims from various faiths who come to see the 'sacred footprint' at its summit. This pilgrimage has been a cultural cornerstone for centuries, intertwining Ratnapura’s history with spiritual significance.

Today, Ratnapura remains a bustling center for gem trade. The city balances its ancient traditions with modern advancements. Gem markets, museums, and educational institutions dedicated to gemology are prominent, reflecting its continuing legacy. Ratnapura’s economy and identity are still deeply intertwined with its gem-rich heritage.

Ratnapura is surrounded by lush landscapes and is a gateway to several national parks and reserves. Archeological sites and natural wonders such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase the region’s biodiversity and historical depth. These sites attract researchers, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Ratnapura is located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. From Colombo, you can reach Ratnapura by bus, taxi, or train. Buses and taxis are available from the airport and the central bus station in Colombo. The journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Ratnapura, which offers a scenic route passing through lush landscapes.

Ratnapura is well-served by a network of buses and tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxis) that can take you around the city and to nearby attractions. Local buses are the most economical option but can be crowded. Tuk-tuks are convenient for short distances and offer a flexible way to explore the area. For longer trips, you can hire a private taxi or rent a car. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey if using a tuk-tuk or taxi. Walking is also a feasible option within the city for short distances.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Ratnapura, but it is prudent to have enough cash on hand for emergencies. Currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized money changers.

Ratnapura is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Ratnapura does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant. Be cautious when dealing with street vendors and avoid displaying valuable items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 110 for an ambulance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ratnapura. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The Ratnapura General Hospital provides medical care, and there are several private clinics as well.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a nod. The traditional Sri Lankan greeting involves clasping hands together in a prayer-like gesture and saying 'Ayubowan.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ratnapura like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, gemstones, and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the gem mines, which Ratnapura is famous for. For an authentic experience, try to arrange a guided tour of a gem mine. Additionally, explore the natural beauty of the surrounding rainforests and waterfalls, such as Bopath Ella and Katugas Ella.