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Ragama (Sinhala: රාගම Tamil: ரா௧ம) is an outer suburb of Colombo, located in the Gampaha District, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It is governed by the Ja-Ela Divisional Secretariat.

Key Information

History

[edit]

In July 1874 a rail line, known as the Breakwater line, was opened connecting the Harbour Works Quarry at Ragama to the Colombo Harbour breakwater, in order to enable stone to be transported to the harbor to construct the breakwater.[1] Stone from a second quarry at Ragama was then used to stabilise the Coastal line where it ran on the edge of the beach.[1]

On 8 January 1901 the British War Office established a prisoner-of-war camp in Ragama to house Boer prisoners captured in the Second Boer War. The prisoners at Ragama were primarily dissidents, foreign volunteers and irreconcilables who refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the British Crown, and were transferred from the main camp at Diyatalawa.[2][3]

Ragama served as the main observation camp for coolies entering the country. The coolies disembarked at Colombo and were sent by train to Ragama, where they were detained for forty eight hours before being transported to various tea plantations around the country.[4] In 1904, 76,963 coolies from Southern India came through the camp[5] and in 1905 this increased to 132,690.[4]

Transport

[edit]

Ragama is accessible from the A3 highway (Colombo-Negombo road) and is about 5 km (3.1 mi) from Mahabage junction. Sri Lanka's second motorway flyover was built in 1996 over the main railway line right at the town centre, at a cost of Rs 200 million.

Ragama is a main railway junction, where the Main line and the Puttalam line diverge. The first stage of the Puttalam line from Ragama to Ja-Ela was constructed in 1908 and the full length to Puttalam through Peralanda completed in May 1926.[1]

Health

[edit]

The Colombo North Teaching Hospital is located at Ragama. It is the second largest hospital in Sri Lanka, with a 1,442 bed capacity. The hospital comprises the District Hospital Kandana, the Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama and the Nurses Training School, Kandana. It also associated with the University of Kelaniya's Faculty of Medicine and is known for having one of the most advanced diagnostic departments in the country. It also boasts the country's only Liver Transplant Unit.

Other hospitals in Ragama include the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, Melsta Hospital, Leesons Hospital and Suwasarana Hospital.

Government facilities

[edit]

Ragama is home to several important government establishments in the country. They include:

  1. Sri Lanka Navy (Gemunu) Brigade
  2. Sri Lanka Navy (Mahasen) Brigade
  3. College of Naval Architecture (attached to Sri Lanka Navy)
  4. Mahara Prison (a maximum security prison and one of the largest prisons in the country)
  5. Governments Ammunition Storage
  6. Faculty of Medicine - University of kelaniya
  7. Ayati Center
  8. Ranawiru Sewana

Religion

[edit]
  1. St. Lazarus' Church, Kurukulawa
  2. Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Tewatte
  3. Weluwanaramaya Temple
  4. Ragama Dewalaya
  5. St. Peter & Pauls' Church, Ragama
  6. Christ the King Church, Lenchiyawatta
  7. Christ the Healer Church, Ragammulla
  8. Word of Power Ministries (Kingdom Centre) - branch Ragama
  9. Assemblies of God Church, Ragama
  10. Sri Sugatharama Temple Ihalagama. (with Iahalagama Lake)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ragama

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Ragama (Sinhala: රාගම; Tamil: ராகம) is a suburban town in the District of Sri Lanka's Western Province, located about 20 kilometers north of and serving as a key residential and commuter area in the greater Colombo metropolitan region. Strategically positioned north of the capital, it functions as a vital transportation node with excellent road and rail connectivity, including the Ragama Railway Station, a major junction on the Main Line and Line. The town has evolved from a quieter settlement into a bustling suburb integrated into the nation's urban framework. Ragama is particularly noted for its role as a healthcare hub, home to the Colombo North Teaching Hospital—a leading teaching and referral facility equipped with specialized units like liver transplantation—and the Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital (also known as the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital), with the nearby National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases in Welisara. Religious and cultural landmarks further define the area, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka in Tewatte, a prominent Roman Catholic shrine blending Sinhalese and Western architectural elements, surrounded by lush vegetation. Ragama's diverse population reflects a mix of religious and cultural communities, supported by temples, churches, and educational institutions such as the Faculty of Medicine at the . The local economy centers on retail and wholesale , with markets, centers, and commercial zones driving activity, while the town's proximity to the adds to its blend of urban development and natural landscapes featuring like birdlife. Public transport options, including bus routes like 979 and 262, enhance accessibility, making Ragama a dynamic yet serene extension of Colombo's .

Geography

Location and boundaries

Ragama is an outer suburb of , situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the city center within the District of Sri Lanka's Western Province. Its precise geographical coordinates are 7°1′51″N 79°55′0″E, placing it at an elevation of 10 meters above . Administratively, Ragama forms part of the Divisional Secretariat and falls under the jurisdiction of the . The suburb's boundaries adjoin Wattala to the south, Kandana to the north, and Peliyagoda to the east, integrating it into the broader suburban network of the region. Ragama operates under the telephone area code 011 and follows (UTC+5:30). It lies roughly 5 kilometers from the Mahabage junction along the highway (Colombo-Negombo Road), facilitating connectivity to major transport routes.

Physical environment

Ragama is situated on a predominantly flat in Sri Lanka's wet zone, characterized by minimal changes, with an of approximately 10 meters above . This low-lying terrain forms part of the broader lowland landscape of the Western Province, facilitating ease of development but also contributing to vulnerability in hydrological events. The area's supports a mix of urban and semi-rural features, with scattered natural integrating into the . The climate in Ragama is classified as tropical , featuring high humidity and consistent warmth throughout the year. Average annual temperatures range from 26°C to 31°C, with a yearly mean of 26.5°C, while totals around 2,668 mm, predominantly during the southwest season from May to . This seasonal rainfall pattern, influenced by the Indian Ocean's dynamics, results in lush but also periodic flooding risks in the lowlands. Ragama's urban layout combines residential neighborhoods, institutional zones such as hospitals and educational facilities, and pockets of green spaces that provide recreational areas amid suburban growth. Housing estates have expanded rapidly as part of the broader Western Megapolis development, transforming former arable lands into built-up areas and exerting pressure on local ecosystems. The town's proximity to the , about 14 km away, shapes its hydrology by influencing groundwater flow and flood dynamics, though direct riverbank exposure is limited.

History

Early development and colonial influences

The Ragama area was sparsely settled prior to the colonial period. The onset of British colonial development significantly boosted Ragama's connectivity when, in July 1874, the Breakwater rail line opened, linking a local to Harbour to supply stone for breakwater construction and marking the area's initial integration into the colonial infrastructure network. During the Second Boer War, British authorities established a in Ragama on 8 January 1901 to house captured Boer fighters, particularly dissidents unwilling to take an , as part of broader efforts to manage over 5,000 internees across Ceylon amid in other locations. In the early 1900s, Ragama served as the primary observation camp for Indian indentured laborers, or coolies, arriving to support the ; under the Tin Ticket System introduced in , these workers were processed at the site for medical checks and contract registration before dispersal to tea and rubber estates. through this system peaked during this era, with 77,302 arrivals from in 1904 and 160,080 in 1905, underscoring Ragama's role in facilitating labor flows essential to colonial .

20th century expansions

The completion of the rail line in May 1926 marked a pivotal moment in Ragama's infrastructural development, transforming the area into a crucial railway junction by connecting the main line from to northern and western routes. This extension, spanning from Ragama to , facilitated increased passenger and freight movement, spurring local economic and residential growth in the . Following Sri Lanka's independence in 1948, Ragama experienced accelerated urbanization as part of broader suburban expansion around , driven by population shifts and the of operations. A key development was the establishment and growth of naval facilities at Welisara, adjacent to Ragama, which served as a secondary base for the , supporting administrative and logistical needs in the post-colonial era. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), Ragama's healthcare facilities, including the Colombo North Teaching Hospital and Ragama Rehabilitation Hospital, played a significant role in treating casualties and providing rehabilitation for injured military personnel. In 1991, the established its Faculty of Medicine on a 35-acre in Ragama, admitting its first cohort of 120 students and integrating with the Colombo North Teaching Hospital for clinical training. This institution significantly boosted the area's role in medical education and healthcare delivery, aligning with national efforts to expand higher education beyond the capital. To address escalating road-rail conflicts, a flyover bridge was constructed over the main railway line at Ragama's town center in 1996, at an estimated cost of Rs 200 million, easing and enhancing connectivity for the growing suburban population. Throughout the late , Ragama's expansion reflected Sri Lanka's policy of administrative , with notable growth in public facilities such as healthcare tied to the new medical faculty and expansions. These developments positioned Ragama as a hub for amid national trends.

Demographics

Ragama, as a Grama Niladhari Division (GN 181) within the Ja-Ela Divisional Secretariat, had a population of 3,962 as of the 2012 census. This reflects its role as a suburban area in the District, which had 2,304,833 residents in 2012 and 2,433,685 as of the 2024 census. The area spans about 1.061 km² with a of approximately 3,700 residents per km² based on data. Demographic trends in Ragama are influenced by migration to the greater area, with District showing steady but modest growth of about 0.4% annually from to 2024. Projections for Ragama suggest a 2025 population of around 4,200, consistent with district patterns. An aging is noted in the region, supported by local healthcare facilities such as the Colombo North Teaching Hospital.

Ethnic and linguistic composition

Ragama's ethnic composition, as part of the Divisional Secretariat, features a predominant Sinhalese , constituting approximately 92.3% of the (186,086 out of 201,521) according to the 2012 census data for Ja-Ela DS. Significant minorities include (4.0%), Burghers (1.7%), Malays (0.6%), Indian Tamils (0.6%), and (0.4%), with smaller groups such as (0.06%) and others. These proportions highlight Ragama's suburban diversity within the Western Province, driven by urbanization and migration. Linguistically, Sinhala is the primary language, spoken by the majority aligning with the dominant ethnic group. Tamil is used within Tamil communities for cultural purposes. English serves as a in educational and commercial settings in this urbanizing . The community's diversity supports integrated neighborhoods, with shared suburban lifestyles fostering social cohesion.

Government and administration

Local governance

Ragama's local governance is primarily administered by the Pradeshiya Sabha, the local council responsible for overseeing urban services across several towns in the District, including Ragama. This body manages essential functions such as issuing building and development permits, trade licenses, and licenses to support residential and commercial growth. As part of its mandate under the Pradeshiya Sabhas Act, the council coordinates local-level implementation of national policies, with a focus on sustainable suburban development in rapidly expanding areas like Ragama. The Divisional Secretariat (DS) provides higher-level administrative support for Ragama, handling development planning, social welfare programs, and coordination of and statistical activities at the divisional level. Ragama constitutes Grama Niladhari Division 181 within the DS, facilitating localized service delivery for population registration, poverty alleviation, and community welfare initiatives. These efforts ensure integrated governance between the and divisional structures to address demographic and infrastructural needs. Electorally, Ragama falls under the District within the jurisdiction, where council members are elected every four years through a mixed system of ward-based and , allowing multi-party participation. In the 2025 local elections held on May 6, the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) secured a of seats, reflecting competitive local politics. Key policies of the Pradeshiya Sabha emphasize suburban expansion via land sub-division approvals and development guide plans up to 2050, alongside through garbage collection, composting facilities, and disposal regulations. Infrastructure maintenance receives dedicated budget allocations for highways, bridges, and public utilities, while health-related services include issuing sanitation certificates and supporting measures. These priorities aim to mitigate urban pressures from and enhance livability in Ragama.

Key public institutions

Ragama hosts several key public institutions affiliated with Sri Lanka's national defense and justice systems, primarily centered in the adjacent Welisara area, which forms part of the broader Ragama locality. The maintains significant presence through SLNS Gemunu and SLNS Mahasen, both established as naval bases serving as headquarters for their respective and hosting various training centers. SLNS Gemunu, located in Welisara, functions as a naval and detention facility, supporting operational training and administrative functions for the Gemunu . Similarly, SLNS Mahasen in Welisara operates as a logistic depot and training hub for the Mahasen , including facilities for inshore craft construction and maintenance. These naval establishments link directly to the national defense framework, providing specialized military training and contributing to Sri Lanka's maritime security operations. The Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), situated in Welisara, Ragama, serves as a premier technical training center for the , offering specialized programs in and related fields. Established in the early as part of post-conflict naval expansion efforts, NIT provides national diplomas in , , and electrical systems, equipping personnel with skills essential for ship design, maintenance, and operations—encompassing elements of . The institute's emphasizes practical training for artificers and technicians, supporting the navy's self-reliance in technical capabilities developed after the . Mahara Prison, a maximum-security facility located in the Mahara suburb adjacent to Ragama, is one of Sri Lanka's largest correctional institutions, housing national-level inmates and emphasizing rehabilitation alongside incarceration. Established in 1875 by the British colonial and expanded significantly in the post-independence , the prison implements programs focused on vocational training, , and psychological support to aid inmate reintegration into . These initiatives, coordinated by the Department of Prisons, include skills development in trades like and , aligning with broader national justice system goals for offender reform. Collectively, these institutions—spanning naval brigades, technical training, and penal services—integrate Ragama into Sri Lanka's defense and justice infrastructures, employing hundreds of military personnel, staff, and support workers from the local community.

Economy

Local economic activities

Ragama serves as a vibrant suburban commercial hub, with retail and services forming a cornerstone of its local economy. The town features bustling local markets, such as the Ragama Market, which provides fresh produce, household goods, and daily essentials to residents and nearby commuters. Along the A3 highway (Colombo-Negombo Road), a variety of shops cater to passing traffic and locals, including supermarkets like Cargills Food City and smaller hardware stores such as Sigiri Hardware Stores. Dining options contribute significantly to the service sector, with establishments like The Grill Ragama, a popular barbecue and grill restaurant offering family-friendly meals and live music on weekends, and Napa's B Bar, known for its casual Southwestern and Asian street food menu including burgers and buns. These outlets support everyday commerce and draw both residents and visitors for affordable hospitality experiences. The residential economy in Ragama has experienced notable growth, driven by its proximity to Colombo and appeal to daily commuters. Housing developments, such as the Lithro Residencies project, offer modern apartments and homes with amenities tailored for urban professionals, fostering activity and increasing property values. This suburban expansion supports ancillary services like agencies and construction firms, as the town's strategic location—approximately 20 kilometers from —facilitates easy access via rail and road for workers in the capital. The influx of residents has spurred demand for local retail and maintenance services, reinforcing Ragama's role as a commuter-friendly economic node. Small-scale industries, including garment workshops and , provide essential employment and contribute to the town's economic diversity. Facilities like Brandix's intimate wear manufacturing unit in Ragama exemplify the apparel sector's presence, focusing on and production for both local and export markets. In , companies such as Lanka Milk Foods operate in the area, producing dairy products like milk powder and beverages from their Welisara facility, supporting regional supply chains. Street vending adds to urban commerce, with vendors operating in key areas like markets and highways, offering items such as fruits, snacks, and prepared foods; a 2025 study highlights their spatio-temporal integration with city users, enhancing accessibility and informal economic activity in Ragama's town center. Tourism elements, though minor, bolster the hospitality sector through local attractions that attract day-trippers and pilgrims. Sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka and Ragama Lake draw visitors for religious and leisurely pursuits, with scenic walks and natural biodiversity encouraging short stays at nearby eateries and guesthouses. This influx supports seasonal commerce in souvenirs and guided services, integrating with the town's retail fabric without dominating the economy.

Employment sectors

The public sector serves as a cornerstone of employment in Ragama, with major institutions including the Sri Lanka Navy's facilities—such as the Naval Hospital Complex in Welisara, the Naval Institute of Technology, and the Directorate of Naval Design—providing thousands of jobs in technical, medical, and administrative roles across the region. The nearby Mahara Prison, one of Sri Lanka's largest maximum-security facilities, further contributes to public sector employment through positions for prison guards, rehabilitation officers, and support staff. Complementing these are opportunities at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, which employs over 200 staff in academic, research, and administrative capacities to support its operations and training programs. Collectively, these entities account for a substantial portion of local jobs, emphasizing stable, government-backed employment. Healthcare employment is prominent, driven primarily by the North Colombo Teaching Hospital (CNTH), a key tertiary care facility with 2,577 staff members, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. This sector's role is amplified by its integration with medical education at the University of Kelaniya's Faculty of Medicine, where hospital-based training creates additional positions for clinical instructors and support roles. Ragama's commuter economy supports a large portion of the , as many residents travel daily to —approximately 17 minutes by train—for opportunities in IT, , and industries. This pattern reflects the area's proximity to the capital, enabling access to urban job markets while maintaining suburban living. Unemployment trends in Ragama align with national patterns, remaining low at 3.8% as of Q2 2025, though the 2022 economic downturn temporarily elevated rates due to broader crises in , apparel, and remittances.

Education

Schools and vocational training

Ragama features a range of primary, secondary, and special education institutions under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, with several provincial schools holding 1AB status, indicating high academic performance and facilities. Notable secondary schools include Ragama Basilica Maha Vidyalaya, a provincial institution offering education from grades 6 to 13 in Sinhala medium for mixed genders, with 773 students as of 2020. Similarly, Batuwatta Maha Vidyalaya, located in Batuwatta within Ragama, operates as a 1AB provincial school for grades 6 to 13, serving mixed Sinhala-medium education. Special education is provided through institutions like St. Joseph's School for the Deaf in Ragama, which serves as a dedicated learning center for students with hearing impairments and collaborates with public health initiatives. Diyagala Boys' Town, established on April 28, 1963, by Brother Hermenegild Joseph, offers vocational training and support for underprivileged youth, including orphans and those from single-parent families, emphasizing skills in technology, agriculture, and animal husbandry through its Sri Lanka Technical Institute. Preschool education in Ragama includes options such as , founded in 1998, which provides quality early childhood care and education in a registered setting. Atamie International School's Ragama branch caters to through advanced levels, offering both local and international curricula like for young learners. Vocational training opportunities are enhanced by the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) in Welisara, Ragama, the Sri Lanka Navy's premier facility for technical , delivering diploma programs in and related fields, including hull repair and ship construction, to develop skilled artificers. The area's high literacy rate, at 97.2% as of 2021 for the population aged 10 and above in District (which includes Ragama), reflects strong foundational access. More recent from 2023 indicates 97.8%.

Higher education facilities

The Faculty of Medicine at the , established in 1991 through the of the North Colombo Medical College, serves as the primary higher education institution in Ragama for medical training. Located on a 35-acre in Ragama, it is affiliated with the North Teaching Hospital for clinical training and offers the Bachelor of , Bachelor of (MBBS) as its flagship undergraduate program, alongside specialized degrees in Speech and Hearing Sciences and Occupational Therapy. The faculty also provides postgraduate programs, including the Master of Public Health in , contributing to advanced medical education in . Annually, the MBBS program admits over 200 local students plus a small number of international students as of , supporting a total enrollment exceeding 1,000 across its undergraduate cohorts and playing a key role in bolstering Sri Lanka's medical workforce. at the faculty emphasizes and tropical diseases, with the Department of leading studies on such as and vector-borne illnesses through collaborations like the National Centre for , Training and Services in Medical and Molecular . These efforts include epidemiological analyses and community-based interventions, enhancing national responses to endemic health challenges. The Naval Institute of Technology in Welisara, Ragama, attached to the , provides specialized higher technical training in and ship design for naval personnel, integrated with its diploma programs. These courses in , hull repair, and ship construction culminate in a National Diploma in Technology accredited by the . This program equips trainees with practical skills for naval operations, focusing on the design and maintenance of naval vessels to support Sri Lanka's needs.

Healthcare

Major hospitals

The Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), located in Ragama, serves as the primary general hospital and healthcare anchor for the area, functioning as a major tertiary care facility with 1,729 inpatient beds and employing 2,577 staff members across 43 wards and 51 units. It is the second largest public hospital in , providing comprehensive full-service care including emergency departments, surgical units, and maternity wards to support a broad range of medical needs. Originally established as a British health camp on 27 acres of land donated by Mr. Siriwardena, the hospital was destroyed by in 1946 and subsequently rebuilt as a full-scale facility in 1950. It underwent significant expansions during the , evolving from its colonial-era origins into a modern teaching institution designated in 1991. The hospital primarily serves the District and northern regions, handling an annual patient load exceeding 500,000 as of 2021, with 114,834 admissions, 113,482 visits, and 341,198 clinic visits recorded that year. This capacity underscores its role in addressing high-volume general healthcare demands, supplemented by specialized units such as those for thalassaemia and care. As a key teaching hospital, CNTH is affiliated with the Faculty of at the , where medical students undergo training, and it also supports programs at the Postgraduate Institute of and the Nurses Training School in Kandana.

Specialized medical services

Ragama hosts several specialized medical facilities that address targeted health needs, complementing the general services provided by the Colombo North Teaching Hospital. These units focus on respiratory conditions, rehabilitation, advanced , and integrated support for mental health and renal care, serving patients from across and contributing to national healthcare advancements. The National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases in Welisara, adjacent to Ragama, serves as the country's sole dedicated center for respiratory medicine and thoracic . It specializes in the and treatment of (TB), , (COPD), and other thoracic conditions, including lung diseases, chest wall deformities, and . The hospital conducts research and offers advanced procedures such as and thoracic surgeries, functioning as a national referral center for complex respiratory cases. The Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital Ragama, with 230 beds, is Sri Lanka's primary government facility for physical rehabilitation and . It provides comprehensive , , and post-surgical recovery programs, particularly for war veterans, accident victims, and patients with musculoskeletal disorders or neurological impairments. The hospital includes specialized units for , , and a workshop that customizes assistive devices, emphasizing holistic rehabilitation to restore independence. The Colombo North Centre for Liver Diseases, established in 2012 at the North Teaching in Ragama, performed Sri Lanka's first living donor liver transplant and has since conducted deceased donor liver transplants. Linked to the Faculty of Medicine at the , it offers hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) , liver transplant procedures for adults and , and into liver diseases, addressing end-stage through innovative protocols developed since the 2010s. Integrated within the North Teaching Hospital, mental health services include an Acute Unit that provides inpatient and outpatient care for psychiatric disorders, with specialized support for child and adolescent across multiple provinces. Additionally, renal care encompasses dialysis services for patients, supporting pre- and post-transplant management as part of the hospital's broader offerings.

Transportation

Road infrastructure

Ragama's primary road artery is the highway, known as the – Road, which bisects the town and links it to in the south and in the north. The town lies approximately 5 km from the Mahabage junction along this route, facilitating efficient access to the broader national highway network. Complementing the are secondary and tertiary local , including Peralanda Road, which form an interconnected network supporting residential, commercial, and industrial movement within Ragama and nearby areas like Welisara and Kandana. A key feature of this infrastructure is the flyover spanning the main railway line at the town center, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 million and completed in 1998; it has effectively reduced congestion by separating road and rail traffic. Recent developments focus on enhancing capacity for growing suburban traffic, including ongoing maintenance and expansion projects such as the rectification of street lighting systems on the -Ragama-Welisara Road near the flyover, aimed at improving and flow. The Central Expressway (E04) Section 1, starting from adjacent to Ragama and extending to Mirigama, is a major ongoing project with construction resuming in September 2025 to improve high-speed connectivity to and northern regions. Frequent bus services along the connect Ragama to , accommodating daily commuters with routes operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and private operators. However, peak-hour traffic jams persist due to heavy commuter flows from surrounding suburbs converging on the and local roads, exacerbating delays despite infrastructure upgrades.

Rail connectivity

Ragama Railway Station functions as a critical junction in Sri Lanka's rail network, serving as the point of divergence between the Main Line, which extends from to , and the Puttalam Line, enabling efficient access to northern and northwestern destinations including and . This configuration positions Ragama as a vital hub for both long-distance and suburban travel, with ongoing developments aimed at expanding the Main Line from Maradana to Ragama from three to four tracks and developing double tracking on the Puttalam Line from Ragama to to enhance connectivity to . Historically, the station's infrastructure ties into early colonial rail expansions, including the opening of the Breakwater Line in July 1874, which supported harbor construction by linking inland lines to Colombo's port facilities, while the branching from Ragama was completed in 1926 to serve the northwest coast's agricultural and coastal trade routes. These developments established Ragama's role in facilitating the transport of goods and passengers during the British era, evolving into a key node for modern commuter traffic. The station supports frequent commuter services, with multiple daily trains to Fort covering the approximately 20 km distance in 20 to 30 minutes, catering primarily to urban workers and contributing to the alleviation of congestion in the . It handles a substantial daily volume, estimated in the thousands, reflecting its importance in the suburban rail system that transports over 350,000 passengers nationwide each day. Recent facilities upgrades at Ragama include platform elevation to improve boarding for passengers, including those with disabilities, as part of broader station modernization efforts under the Colombo Suburban Project, which also incorporates new ticketing systems and renovations. A flyover over the main lines, completed in 1998, separates and rail traffic, reducing delays at level crossings and enhancing operational efficiency for train movements.

Religion

Buddhist institutions

The Weluwanaramaya International Buddhist Center in Ragama stands as a prominent modern temple, housing Sri Lanka's largest Bhadrasana (seated meditative posture) statue within a seven-storied shrine room. The statue was ceremonially unveiled on February 5, 2025, under the guidance of Chief Incumbent Ven. Waduruppe Nagitha Thera, with the opening led by Ven. Makulewe Wimala Thera, Mahanayaka of the Ramanna Chapter of Siyam Nikaya. Located on Galwala Road, the center serves as a key spiritual hub for local devotees, emphasizing Buddhist practices central to the community's identity. Other local viharas, including Dambuwa Sri Lankaramaya in Dambuwa and Sri Wardhanaramaya in nearby Batagama South, function as community focal points for rituals such as daily pujas and life-cycle ceremonies like almsgiving and ordinations. These temples often feature that incorporates elements of traditional Sri Lankan styles, supporting ongoing religious observance among residents. Buddhist institutions in Ragama underscore the area's Sinhalese majority's devotion, where over 71% of District's population identifies as Buddhist (as of the 2012 census), making these sites vital for cultural continuity and social cohesion. While the town exhibits broader religious diversity, Buddhist centers like Weluwanaramaya remain pivotal to predominant practices (detailed in Ethnic and linguistic composition). Annual events at these temples prominently include celebrations, commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and , with illuminated lantern displays ( thorana) and processions that draw participants for communal merit-making activities.

Christian sites

The of Our Lady of Lanka in Tewatte, Ragama, stands as Sri Lanka's sole and a prominent for Roman Catholics, drawing devotees for its spiritual significance and architectural blend of Sinhalese and Western styles amid lush surroundings. Established as a during , it symbolizes national unity through its design featuring six pillars representing the country's dioceses. The site's origins date to 1911, when local Catholic laymen and pastor Fr. A. Kieger constructed a small dedicated to ; this was expanded in 1917 with a under Fr. A. Collore. In 1940, amid global conflict, of Jean Marie Masson vowed to build a grand church if the island was spared direct war involvement—a pledge approved by in 1946. Construction commenced with the cornerstone laid on 15 July 1950, culminating in completion in February 1974 under Thomas Cardinal Cooray; elevated it to minor status in 1973, with consecration on 6 February 1974, including the crowning of the statue as Our Lady of . Annual pilgrimages peak during the feast on the Sunday nearest 4 February, when thousands attend masses, processions, and devotional activities, fostering communal prayer and reflection. The also hosts regular masses and serves as a pilgrimage hub for Catholics nationwide. Other notable Christian sites include St. Lazarus' Church in Kurukulawa, a Roman Catholic under the Archdiocese of established in the early 20th century, and Sts. Peter and Paul's Church in central Ragama, a longstanding Catholic known for its role in local . These venues, alongside the , support affiliated Catholic educational institutions like Basilica College, contributing to the community's spiritual and educational life. These sites serve Ragama's significant Catholic community within a diverse religious landscape dominated by and draw visitors from nearby for services and events.

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