Introduction
Dadurú is a rural settlement situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, lying within the Kegalle District. The community has a long history that traces back to the pre‑colonial era, when it served as an agricultural hub for local ethnic groups. According to the most recent census, the population of Dadurú totals approximately 12,000 residents, making it one of the larger villages in the district. The town’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with tea, rice, and coconut cultivation forming the backbone of local livelihoods. Cultural life in Dadurú is characterized by traditional festivals, music, and craftsmanship that reflect the diverse ethnic and religious makeup of the population. Despite its modest size, the settlement has played a role in regional development through its participation in various government initiatives and community projects.
Geography
Location and Topography
The geographical coordinates of Dadurú place it at 7°52′N latitude and 80°13′E longitude, situating the town roughly 120 kilometers south of the island’s capital, Colombo. The village rests on gently rolling hills at an elevation of about 300 meters above sea level, which contributes to a cooler microclimate relative to lowland areas. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of terraced farmland interspersed with patches of secondary forest. A small river, the Dadurú Stream, flows through the center of the settlement, providing irrigation for the agricultural fields and serving as a focal point for community gatherings. The area is part of the broader wet zone of Sri Lanka, characterized by significant rainfall and a diverse ecosystem.
Climate
Dadurú experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with consistent temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C throughout the year. The region receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,800 millimeters, which is distributed over two monsoon seasons: the Southwest monsoon from May to September and the Northeast monsoon from December to February. The dry season between September and November is relatively short, with minimal rainfall. Humidity levels remain high, typically hovering between 75% and 90%. The combination of mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of tea, a staple crop of the town.
History
Early Period
Archaeological findings indicate that the area now known as Dadurú has been inhabited since at least the 1st millennium BCE. The early settlers were predominantly members of the Vedda community, who practiced subsistence agriculture and hunting. Over time, the village expanded to accommodate growing populations, and agricultural terraces were constructed to adapt to the hilly terrain. Historical records from the ancient Polonnaruwa period reference the region as a minor administrative unit, overseen by local chieftains who managed land allocation and tax collection. The integration of Dadurú into the broader kingdom led to the introduction of irrigation systems that improved crop yields.
Colonial Era
The arrival of Portuguese forces in the early 16th century marked the beginning of external influence on the region, though their control over the interior was limited. Dutch colonial administration, which followed in the 17th century, introduced cash crops such as cinnamon and later, tea, to the area. British colonizers, who took over in the 19th century, established a structured plantation economy. In 1845, the British surveyed the hills surrounding Dadurú for tea cultivation, leading to the construction of roads and the establishment of small settlements for plantation workers. The colonial period also saw the introduction of Western education and the construction of a basic health clinic in the village center.
Modern Developments
Following Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, Dadurú became part of the Kegalle District, within the newly formed Central Province. The post‑colonial era brought increased investment in rural infrastructure, including the construction of all‑weather roads that improved connectivity to major towns such as Kegalle and Kurunegala. In the 1960s and 1970s, the government implemented land reforms that redistributed large plantation holdings to local farmers, fostering a shift from large‑scale to smallholder agriculture. The introduction of community development programs in the 1980s, such as the Village Development Committee, helped to strengthen local governance and promote self‑sufficiency. In recent decades, Dadurú has benefited from national initiatives aimed at improving rural education, health services, and sustainable agriculture.
Demographics
Population
According to the 2012 national census, the population of Dadurú stood at 12,437 individuals. The settlement displays a population density of approximately 350 inhabitants per square kilometer, which is higher than the national rural average of 145. The demographic profile shows a relatively young population, with 42% of residents under the age of 15. The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with a slight female majority at 51%. Population growth has been moderate, with a decadal growth rate of 2.8%, reflecting both natural increase and limited migration to urban centers.
Ethnicity, Language, and Religion
Dadurú is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition. The majority ethnic group is Sinhalese, accounting for 74% of the population, followed by a Tamil minority comprising 15% and a small Burgher community of 4%. Other minority groups include Sri Lankan Moors and local Vedda descendants, each making up less than 2% of the population. The primary language spoken is Sinhala, with Tamil used by the minority communities and English taught in schools as a second language. Religious affiliations mirror the ethnic distribution: Buddhism is practiced by 68% of residents, Hinduism by 13%, Islam by 4%, and a small percentage adheres to Christianity or follows traditional beliefs.
Economy
Agriculture
Tea cultivation remains the cornerstone of Dadurú’s economy, with approximately 3,500 hectares dedicated to tea plantations operated by both family-owned and cooperatively managed enterprises. The region’s high rainfall and moderate temperatures produce a steady yield of 4,000 kilograms of tea per hectare annually. In addition to tea, rice paddies occupy about 1,200 hectares, providing a staple food source for local households. Coconut and rubber plantations cover 800 hectares, contributing to both local consumption and export markets. Agricultural practices in Dadurú have increasingly incorporated sustainable techniques, such as organic fertilization and pest management, as part of national rural development programs.
Industry and Services
Industrial activity in Dadurú is limited, primarily comprising small-scale processing units for tea, rubber, and coconut products. These facilities provide employment for approximately 350 residents and supply raw materials to larger regional processing plants. The service sector is growing, with the establishment of community banks, retail shops, and telecommunication centers. Recent investments in renewable energy, notably solar microgrids, have improved electricity reliability for businesses and households. Additionally, eco‑tourism initiatives that highlight tea plantations and cultural heritage sites have begun to attract visitors, creating new revenue streams for the local economy.
Culture and Society
Traditional Practices and Festivals
Dadurú’s cultural life is rich with traditional practices that reflect its mixed ethnic background. The annual "Maha Poya" festival, celebrated on the full moon of July, involves Buddhist monks conducting sermons, communal meals, and merit‑offering ceremonies. The Tamil community observes "Pongal," a harvest festival featuring communal cooking and singing. The village also hosts a mid‑year "Harvest Fair" that showcases agricultural produce, traditional crafts, and local music. These events reinforce communal bonds and provide opportunities for inter‑ethnic interaction.
Arts and Crafts
Artistic expression in Dadurú is evident in weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. Handloom weaving centers produce intricate silk and cotton fabrics, which are sold in local markets and to artisans in larger cities. Traditional pottery workshops create clay utensils and ceremonial objects, employing techniques passed down through generations. Woodcarvers craft religious icons and decorative panels that adorn local temples and homes. These crafts not only preserve cultural heritage but also contribute to the local economy by supplying both domestic and tourist markets.
Education
The educational infrastructure in Dadurú consists of six primary schools and two secondary institutions, one of which offers higher secondary education. The literacy rate stands at 88%, surpassing the national rural average of 78%. The government has implemented a village school improvement program that has upgraded facilities, introduced digital learning tools, and recruited qualified teachers. In addition, a community library established in 2003 provides access to educational materials and hosts literacy workshops for adults. The emphasis on education has fostered a growing number of students pursuing tertiary studies in Colombo, contributing to skill development in the region.
Transport and Infrastructure
Road connectivity in Dadurú is facilitated by the Sri Lanka National Highway 46, which links the village to Kegalle and the Central Province. The main thoroughfare, "Dadurú Road," is a fully sealed all‑weather road, reducing travel time to neighboring towns from 2.5 hours to just over an hour. Public transportation is provided by local bus services operated by the State Transport Board, offering daily routes to Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Matale. The nearest commercial airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, located 130 kilometers to the north, accessible via a combination of bus and rail services. Telecommunication coverage includes mobile networks from three major providers, as well as fiber‑optic internet installations introduced under a national broadband initiative.
Governance and Notable People
Dadurú falls under the jurisdiction of the Kegalle Divisional Secretariat and is administered by a local Village Council that follows the municipal governance model prescribed by Sri Lanka’s Local Government Act. The council is responsible for community development projects, public health initiatives, and infrastructure maintenance. Notable figures from Dadurú include Dr. M. N. Rajapaksha, a scholar recognized for his contributions to Sinhalese literature, and Ms. A. G. Silva, a community organizer who played a key role in the establishment of the Village Development Committee in the 1980s. These individuals exemplify the town’s commitment to social progress and cultural preservation.
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