Ruhuna

Ruhuna

 

(also Rohana), one of the main regions of ancient and medieval Sri Lanka. Part of the Sinhalese state, Ruhuna was ruled by a high officer and enjoyed a fair measure of independence. Owing to its remoteness, it was often a center for organizing liberation forces to combat foreign conquerors. In the late 16th century, Ruhuna became part of the Kandyan kingdom. It offered stiff resistance to European invaders. In 1815, together with the entire island of Sri Lanka, the region came under British rule. In the Republic of Sri Lanka, the districts of Magama and Hambantota correspond to the territory of former Ruhuna.