Moratuwa has become renowned all over the world for two reasons. Firstly, it is famous for the manufacture of furniture and secondly, it is home for the headquarters of the largest voluntary, people’s movement in Sri Lanka – Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement. Moratuwa occupies a significant place in the world map due to this reason.

It is a hallowed place that has served humanity in different fields from time immemorial. It has produced great men that achieved immortal status due to their lofty deeds. ‘Veera Puran Appu’ is a national hero and Charles Henry de Soyza was a philanthropist par excellence. There were a host of others who excelled in many fields such as Dulip Mendis and Romesh Kaluwitharana in sports, Merril Fernando in education W.D.Amaradeva in music and social work, to name a few. The Ariyaratne family has many members who serve Sri Lanka and the world.

Historically, during one phase, Moratuwa has been under Raigam Bandara of Raigama Korale in Kotte Kingdom. It had been also the center of a security network organized by a group formed to fight the Portuguese centuries ago. The name Moratuwa was coined from the word “Mura-Atuwa” meaning a watchtower.

Today Moratuwa has a population of 215,000 distributed over 24 sq kilometers, which is a fairly high density. The city limits are the Bolgoda Lake on one side and the sea coast on the other. The majority are Sinhalese but a fair number of Muslims, Tamils and Burghers in that order have made it their home. The Buddhists are in a majority but a large segment of Christians (much above the average percentage) and a sprinkling of Muslims and Hindus live in this town.

Moratuwa is also called a city in which “one tree meets another” due to the fact that most of the timber felled in various parts of the island finds its way here where it is turned into exquisite furniture. In Sri Lanka there are very few houses which do not possess a piece of furniture made in Moratuwa

One of the greatest of philanthropists Sri Lanka was Sir Charles de Soysa of Moratuwa. Among the many generous gifts given to the Sri Lankan population the De Soysa Women’s Hospital, Soysa Park, Holy Emanuel Church, De Soysa Temple, and schools like Princess and Prince of Wales Colleges are few that can be mentioned here. His generosity knew few bounds. He freely gave to all, irrespective caste creed or race.

In recent times the Sarvodaya Movement, built on a vision of Dr A.T.Ariyaratne, came to be based in Moratuwa. This no doubt has helped to put Moratuwa on the world map and brought much recognition and fame. Once a Mayor of Moratuwa stated that while on his tours abroad, when he said that he is the mayor of Moratuwa, many times people immediately connected it to Sarvodaya and Dr Ariyaratne and asked him various questions.

The people of Moratuwa are industrious and try hard to improve themselves by their own effort. Their superior skill in woodcraft and fishing take the pride of place. Many others are among educated elite who occupy high places in the government and the private sector. There are many schools of repute, which augurs well for the future as new generations are provided with sound education. This satellite town of Colombo is vibrant and lively and has a great future.