Beruwala trip planner

Beruwala is a town in Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. The name Beruwala is derived from the Sinhalese word for the place where the sail is lowered. It marks the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by the Somali Shaykh Yusuf bin Ahmad al-Kawneyn, who converted the people into Islam. The town was originally named Berbereen in honour and respect of the Shaykh.A large population of Sri Lankan Moors, many of them gem merchants, still live in the town—particularly in the "China Fort and Maradana". "Masjid-ul-ABRAR" Maradana, a landmark of Beruwala and Sri Lanka's oldest mosque, was built by Somali traders on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town.Beruwala is also home to Al-Fasiyatul Nasriya Muslim Balika Maha Vidyalaya Maradana, which is the first and oldest Muslim girls school in Sri Lanka. It was damaged by the tsunami on Boxing Day 2004.Beruwala is the starting point of the 130km long stretch of beach. In the past few years great strides have been made in the field of resort development in this area. The bay around remains ideal for bathing almost for the whole year.International relationsTwin towns – Sister citiesBeruwala is twinned with: Reading, United KingdomSport clubsCricket clubsMiddle Sex Maradana C. C.Sea Lions C. C.