Gampaha, city in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka
Gampaha is a city in the Gampaha District in Sri Lanka, located about 4 kilometers northeast of Colombo. The city blends modern buildings with traditional temples and local markets that serve residents and visitors alike.
Gampaha grew from five original villages that gave the place its name. Over time, it developed into an administrative center and is now the second largest city in the district.
The name Gampaha comes from Sinhala and means five villages, reflecting the five original settlements that shaped this place. As you walk through town, you see how traditional temples sit alongside modern shops and local markets define everyday life.
The city is easy to reach and well-connected by buses, which are the main way people travel around town. Markets, parks, and temples are located close to each other, so you can walk or take short bus rides between attractions.
The city's name is literally tied to five villages of the past: Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama, and Aluthgama. These original settlements still shape how people understand how Gampaha grew and how it kept its character over time.
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