Divisional Secretariat - Thirappane

According to legends and folklore, the settlement history of Thirappane dates back to the 19th century AD. At the imminent moment of King Dutugemunu's (The builder of the Ruwanwelisaya) death his brother Saddhatissa and his followers covered the unfinished Ruwanwelisaya with drapes (cloth curtains) to present it to the dying king as if it were fully completed and beautifully decorated. At that time, the people living in this area could clearly view the stupa wrapped in drapes. Accordingly, the area where the drapes were visible (Thira Penenu) came to be known as Thira Pene, which later evolved into Thirappane for ease of pronunciation.Residents believe that the administrative history associated with the Thirappane Divisional Secretariat Division dates back to around 1958. Ancient records suggest that around 1931, this area was governed under the Revenue Inspector of the Kahatagasdigiliya area. Around 1957, Mr. E.L.B. Hurulle, who was the Divisional Revenue Officer of Kahatagasdigiliya, established a regional office in the small town of Thirappane, and at that time, this area was known as South Hurulu Palata.

 

 

The first Divisional Revenue Officer (DRO) appointed to this division was Mr. H.M.D.B. Herath. It is noted that part of North Kalagam Korale and the entirety of Ulagalla Korale belonged to the Thirappane Divisional Revenue Division, which comprised 10 Tulana divisions at the time. The office was relocated to the land where the present Divisional Secretariat stands in the year 1964.