Ruhuna

Ruhuna, also Ruhunu, is a historical and cultural region in the southern part of Sri Lanka. The name appears in ancient chronicles such as the Mahavamsa and Culavamsa to designate a southern political and geographic zone that at various times acted as a rival or partner to the central kingdoms based in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The region is described as having its own dynasties and as a focal point of resistance and alliance in early Sri Lankan history. Ruhuna is also associated with Buddhist scholarship and monastic life, contributing to the island’s religious and cultural development.

Geography and boundaries of Ruhuna have varied across sources. Traditionally, the term encompassed the southern coastal belt and the adjacent hinterland, roughly corresponding to the present-day Southern Province and adjoining areas of Uva and Sabaragamuwa. Core coastal towns often cited in historical references include Matara, Galle, and Hambantota, with inland zones shaping the region’s extent in different periods.

In modern times, Ruhuna remains a significant historical and cultural reference. It is used to denote the southern part of Sri Lanka in scholarly and cultural contexts, and several institutions bear the name, including the University of Ruhuna in Matara, founded to serve the southern region. The term also informs discussions on regional identity, history, and tourism.

See also: Mahavamsa, Culavamsa, Sri Lankan history, University of Ruhuna.