Balangoda

Balangoda is located in the Ratnapura District of the Sabaragamuwa Province, about 143 km from Colombo and 43 km from Ratnapura. It sits in the hilly central region of Sri Lanka, part of the Sabaragamuwa Mountain Range, known for its lush landscapes and proximity to gem-rich areas.

The region is famous for gemstones such as sapphires, aquamarine, ruby, and alexandrite, extracted from gem gravels. Other minerals include gold, graphite, calcite, and dolomite, each contributing to the area's mineral diversity and appeal to collectors.

Balangoda's bedrock is charnockite, a metamorphic rock, which supports the formation of its mineral deposits. The area is prone to landslides and floods, reflecting its geological activity. Mining is mainly small-scale and artisanal, with a long history of gem extraction from alluvial deposits.

Culturally, Balangoda is the birthplace of Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and it's notable for the discovery of Balangoda Man, early human remains. The tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and significant rainfall, supports a rich ecosystem, with ongoing conservation efforts like reforestation.