in Ampara District ofEastern Province of Sri Lanka. Sammanthurai, lies between the towns of Ampara and Karaitivu along the A31 road. It is surrounded by paddy fields and famous for its rice production in this area.
Sammanthurai is also the birthplace of M. H. M. Ashraff, known as "the kingmaker" and the founder of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress political party.
History
Sammanthurai is an important and historical place, and was the first place where Dutch people arrived in Sri Lanka. Sammanthurai derives its name from ‘Sampan,’ the vessel, and ‘Sammankaran’ who were Muslims from India who came to Sammanthurai during the Portuguese period.
Demographics
Sammanthurai is a sizable town, by Sri Lankan standards, and has a population of 60,596, with a majority of Sri Lankan Moors(Muslim) ethnicity. There is also a small Sri Lankan Hindu Tamil minority, particularly in the Veeramunai area. The majority is Tamil speaking Muslims and a sizable numbers speak English and a few speak Sinhala. Sammanthurai is also home to many victims of the tsunami of 2004.
Being close to the equator, Sammanthurai enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate. Summer prevails in the months of May, June, July and August. Days in June are the hottest period during a year, with temperatures regularly reaching 30 °C. Monsoons occur in November, December and January. Sammanthurai receives most of its rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon.
Education
Sammanthurai has a number of post-secondary institutions. In addition to the Faculty of Applied Science Campus of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, there are two colleges granting diplomas and certificates in Sammanthurai. These are Technical College and Vocational Training Center. The town is also home to an Arabic college.
The Sammanthurai Zonal Education Office (STRZEO) operates 65 public schools in an area of 257 square kilometers.The Main Amir Ali Public Library has two branches in the town.
Economy
Traditionally Sammanthuraiyans (natives of Sammanthurai) rely on farming. Agriculture is the most important source of income for thetownsfolk and paddy is the major crop cultivated in 55,000 acres. Other sources of revenue include the service sector and small businesses. The oil boom opened new vistas and in the late 1970s Sammanthuraiyans went to the Arab countries in Arabian Peninsula for work.
Culture
Sammanthurai culture is strongly influenced by Islamic thoughts. Life in Sammanthurai revolves around the prayer calls (Adhan). The people, particularly women, heavily depend on Adhan to keep their regular activities on track. The Adhan for early morning prayer well before sunrise acts as a Wakeup Call. It is followed by four prayer calls at various intervals throughout the day. Friday is observed asspiritual day and the month of Ramadan (month of fasting) is observed as a spiritual month in Sammanthurai like in any Muslim country. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two festivals celebrated here.
White or colored Sarong (Lungi) is widely used as male clothing instead of wearing pants. However, professionals and students wear pants. Muslim ladies observe hijab.
Islam and the people
As many as 35 Masjids are located in this town. Sammanthurai houses two religious institutions: the Thablighul Islam Arabic College and a Hifz Madrasa.
Despite its strong Islamic heritage, reception of dowry is increasing, whereas few young grooms have started voicing against it. The usual form of dowry includes a compulsory house to be gifted to the bride by her father, as well as jewels of gold, land and money. A small number of people here believe that Islam does not stipulate this kind of dowry and that it is against Islam.
Notable residents
- M._H._M._Ashraff, Politician
- M._A._Abdul_Majeed, Politician
- A._M._M._Naushad, Politician
Sports
Sammanthurai is home to a sports complex.a public playground and many public school playgrounds. Cricket is the most popular sport as it is the most popular sport in the country and many play cricket. Soccer is played widely in Sammanthurai, with many local clubs having been formed and many compete in the national league.
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