Divisional Secretariat - Athuraliya

 Introduction

The divisional secretariat of Akuressa which was early known as North of Weligam Koralaya in Gangabada Patthu in Matrara district was consisted 74 Grama Niladhari Divisions.

Due to the increase of Grama Niladari Divisions, various Administration issues were arisen. Government intend  of providing a closer and sustainable service to the public, 28 Grama Niladari Divisions were  separated  from the Akuressa Divisional Secretariat & established   new Divisional Secretariat  Division, on  21 November 1998  which is called  Athuraliya divisional secretariat & boundaries as follows.

By the North: - Divisional Secretariat of Pitabeddara & Divisional Secretariat of Mulatiyana

By the South: - Divisional Secretariat of Malimbada

By the west: - Divisional Secretariat of Akuressa

By the East: - Divisional Secretariat of Kamburupitiya

The area of the division is 6303 hectares. Sinhalese, Muslim, Tamil and Burgher communities live in this division and the total population is 33,784. This division is located in the low - lying area of ​​the Nilwala River, which starts from the Gongala Mountain and this division is located between 200 to 1400 feet above sea level.

The Welihena Forest Reserve with very valuable Trees is located middle in the division and Oliyagam rainforest is situated in southeast in the division & High density woodland is known as Elmaldeniya which makes beauty of environment is bounded by South of Urumuththa Grama Niladhari division 

Of these forests, the Oligam Kelaya (Oliyagam Forest) of 500 acre land which is a biodiversity park located.  This is the first Biodiversity Park in Sri Lanka. There are rare and endangered plant species in the world. Fish called “Wilpita Dandiya” is the endemic species in Sri Lanka that can add to the beauty of this forest.

Godapitiya Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Raja Maha Viharaya located in this division. Well-known Poetical work of “Ganga Rohana Warnanawa” wchich was based on sausaddam Vadaya” was initiated at this temple. Urumuttha Devalaya, a temple of the ancient Naaga tribes is historical place in this division

The Poruvei Moshadiyan Mosque of Godapitiya one of the main ancient mosques of the island, is situated in this area and perform annual religious festival under the Pilgrimage ordinance, which has become a pilgrimage site of the island's Muslim devotees.

In twenty century Eminent Political personnel & founder leader of communist party late Dr. Sugeeswara  Abeywardena Wickramasinghe’s birth place is Athuraliya. Later he became Member of Parliament representing long period in Akuressa seat.