Seeduwa

Etymology

There are four ideas how the name Seeduwa is formed:

Duwa (දූව [dūva] = Island) is referred because the village is surrounded with river Dandugam Oya (Attanugalu Oya), canals and paddy fields so it appears as an island.

1. Firstly that Sinha Duwa ( සිංහ දූව [siṁha dūva] = Island of lions) is because there were lions in this village. There however no evidence that lions were ever here.
2. Secondly that Sinha Duwa ( සිංහ දූව [siṁha dūva] = Island of lions) became Seeduwa because King Bhuwanaikabahu V gave this area to a chief named Sinha.
3. Thirdly that Sivu Dupath ( සිවු දූපත් [sivu dūpat] = Four islands ) became Seeduwa because there are four areas in Seeduwa, called Athul Owita, Maddegoda, Vena and Maharagodalla which are separated with small canals and paddy fields and appearing as four islands.
4. Finally that Siri Duwa (සිරි දූව [siri dūva] = Prosperous island ) became Seeduwa because in the past this was a prosperous area.

History

The first historical evidence about Seeduwa occurs in the era of King Bhuwanaikabahu V. In that this area was given to a chief called Sinha. And there is an evidence that proves that Seeduwa has a history more than 150 years that the Roman Catholic Church of Seeduwa was built in 1890, 125 years ago and before that there was a church which was settled under a small tent.

Local Government

The Seeduwa Katunayake Urban Council has governed the city with Mayor. The Mayor is elected through the local government election held every five years.

River

Seeduwa is surrounded from Dandugam Oya ( Attanugalu Oya ) from east and south. Still it is being fished on the newly made bridge on evenings.

Economy

In the 19th century, the economy of Seeduwa was based on Coconut and Cinnamon, as well as carpentry. Now majority of it is based on the factories at Katunayake Export Promotional Zone.

Professions

In the past, none has done a job in government or private institutions. For jobs, they have done cutting coconut, making coconut fibers, etc.

After the starting of schools, some has got professions as teachers, evangelists, etc. But with the start of Second World War, many people have got jobs at Katunayake Army Camp. And most of others got jobs in army and became government workers. After start of the Distillery at Seeduwa, many people got jobs. After the start of Export Promotional Zone - Katunayake, many got jobs at the factories started then. Now almost all of the village got jobs.

Religions

Before the 17th century, most of the Seeduwa was Buddhists. An old Sanhida situated under the Banyan tree near ferry is an evidence for it.

In 17th century Roman Catholic priests came to the village and preached about the religions. So many people became Roman Catholics. In 1890, a church was built for St. Mary. Before that, there have been a church which was made under a tent. Till now, there are many Roman Catholics in the village.

In 1814, Methodist priests came here and preached about Methodist Religion and established a church. So a notable number of people became Methodists.

From the past there weren't any peaceful negotiations between Catholics and Methodists. Each religion was neglected by people of other religion. In 1946, Rev. Dencil De Silva priest who was in charge of the Methodist council that time started a youth center that anyone in any religion can join. This made the peace between two religions.

United Christian Easter Rally

On 31 March 1991, there was a United Christian Easter Rally. That was a historic rally. Many Roman Catholics, Methodists, people of Assembly of Lanka-Dandugama together participated by holding banners with Bible quotes, Bands, etc. even in the rain. When the start of the rally reaches the destination, the end was at the place rally stated.

Transportation

The transportation in Seeduwa is well developed nowadays. The A03 (Colombo - Puttlam road), E03 (Katunayake Colombo Expressway) lies through Seeduwa.

Many bus routes which run north from Colombo runs through Seeduwa. And the Puttlam Railway Line goes through Seeduwa and there are Seeduwa, Liyanagemulla, EPZ, Katunayake railway stations in Seeduwa Katunayake UC area.

Nowadays the transportation through waters is not done frequently. But there is a sea plane port at Dandugam Oya, Seeduwa.

The Katunayake Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB) is also in the Seeduwa Katunayake UC area.

Education

At past, there were no schools at Seeduwa. But now there are some schools in the UC area.

Sports

Seeduwa is an area which is very popular to the sports. It is mainly popular to Volleyball. There are many players who originated from this area. Other than that, Elle is also popular.

Notable residents