Nugegoda is a large, densely populated suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is in the border of Sri Jayawardenapura Municipal Council Limits and Dehiwela Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council Limits, just outside ColomboCity Limits. Central Nugegoda is a collection of densely packed shops and mixed residential areas.
History
Nugegoda was a small town a few decades ago but has seen a high degree of growth and development recently. Known as Dimbulgas Handiya in the past, the name “Nugegoda” is assumed to come from the term “Nugen Egoda”. It was known to be largely a very flat landscape with marshlands. In the 1960s there were already several established stores along the main street, known then as Church Road. It was renamed Stanley Tilekeratne Mawatha after the popular politician in the 1970s during the wave of Sinhala nationalisation and when the road was widened to accommodate the increased traffic. Nugegoda had its own cinema house and was also a major train station along what was the Kelani Valley line - one of the last active single gauge train lines. There has been a huge increase in buildings and a great reduction in trees and green areas. Agricultural lands like paddy fields have largely been used for building and development. At present, a number of educational institutes are found here, such as St.John's College-Nugegoda, Anula Vidyalaya, Samudradevi Balika Maha Vidhyalaya, Sakya Institute and the famous Rotary Tuition Classes. On 29 November 2007, more than 25 civilians were killed and more than 50 were injured when a bomb believed to be planted by members of the LTTEterrorist group exploded outside a clothing store at a traffic junction near Nugegoda. The Defence Ministry said shops and several private vehicles were damaged, and the hospital spokeswoman said more casualties were feared. A newly created flyover has been constructed and open for public usage on 23 January 2009. The first stage is directed towards Maharagama - Colombo. The Government says the second stage will be started in the near future.
Economy
Nugegoda is a consumer hotspot especially during the festive seasons. Nugegoda is also famous for its high quality clothing stores near the famous Bogaha Junction in the Highlevel Road which sits besides a famed Bo tree. Nugegoda is also the hub city of Sri Lanka's number one book store chain Sarasavi Bookshop. The Nugegoda "Pola" is one of the major markets in Sri Lanka full of various vegetables, fruits, fish & meats, it is active throughout the week. The "Sathi Pola" in the Delkanda borough is probably one of the most acclaimed markets in Sri Lanka. The weekly market takes place on every Sunday besides the Highlevel road and has any agricultural product one can ask for. The Mirihana borough hosts the Mirihana Police Station which host the Communication Division HQ of Sri Lanka Police as well as the offices of DIG Western Province South and SSP Nugegoda. The fruit and vegetable market is located beside Nugegoda Railway Station.
