The city of Moratuwa is situated on the coastal plain of the west of Sri Lanka on the Indian Ocean in a picturesque strip of land. Lunawa Lagoon, a natural ecosystem located in the city center, offers a breathtaking view of the city. The total area of the Moratuwa area is 23.4 square kilometers. As of the 2011/2012 census, the total population was 166,857 and there are 42 Grama Niladhari Divisions.

Both Moratuwa and Lakshapathiya are mentioned in the 15th century poem Kokila Sandesha, written by a Buddhist Thero of Devundara to celebrate Prince Sapumal during the reign of king Parakramabahu VI. Moratuwa is also identified as a beautiful scenario In Parewi Sandeshaya & Gira Sandeshaya on Kotte period.

Lunawa, Uyana and Rawathawatte are mentioned in 16th century chronicles and church records of martyrs, the latter commemorates Revatha Thera, the chief incumbent of a temple built by king Vijayabahu I. Lakshapathiya, meaning commanding a hundred-thousand, was once the land awarded to Lak Vijaya Singu, a Commander of King Nissankamalla.

Subsequent to the Wijayaba Kollaya and the division of the Kotte Kingdom, the hamlet of Korala-Wella was created as part of Raigam Korale, which again became part of Moratuwa in 1735, however losing Ratmalana and parts of Borupana to Dehiwala. The name Moratuwa is derived from “Mura Atuwa” meaning sentry turret in Sinhalese which once existed at Kaldamulla.

A famous revolutionary who has fought as a leader against British rule in 1848 Revolt, “Weera Purana Appu”; was born in Moratuwa. His birth name was Weerahennedige Weerabala Jayasuriya Patabendi Francisco Fernando. His unbelievable courage and bravery was appreciated by British officials too.

“When he faces his death penalty he faces the bullet in great bravery.” – Sir Emerson Tenant –

“His last words were ‘If King had four men like me; it is easy to catch up Kandy.” – Captain Henderson –

In the city of Moratuwa, there is a distinctive way of life that has long been associated with Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, which is mutually exclusive and culturally diverse. According to the 2011 census, Moratuwa has a population of 167,160.

Industries in Moratuwa include the manufacture of furniture, rubber products, batteries, transformers, and wood handicrafts. This suburb is also fishing and trading center. Of these, Moratuwa is most well known for its furniture. Historically, information about the carpentry industry is revealed in the records of British writers who came to Sri Lanka during the colonial era.

“The people who live here are carpenters. Using their own carpentry tools, their hands and fingers work perfectly. They are skilled workers and make beautiful carvings. Some of their cabinets are excellent. Thousands of tables, chairs, couches and beds are made under the sheds of coconut palms on the banks of the beautiful Moratuwa Lagoon. ” – Henry W. Cave (1890) –

Carpentry is still the main livelihood of the people of Moratuwa. Large mechanization of the existing timber products, mainly based in Moratuwa Mulla, Indibedda, Kadulana, Villorawatta and Koralawella areas, is being carried out using modern technology with large production capacity.
The other important characteristic of the carpentry industry is that it is now a home based industry rather than a large scale factory based industry. However, the reputation that Moratuwa has earned through the manufacture of the finest furniture in the history of hundreds of years remains the same.
Fishing has also been a major livelihood for the people of Moratuwa since ancient times. Thousands of people, who live in the coastal fisheries industry, as well as in the Bolgoda River and the Lunawa Lagoon, are still living in Moratuwa. Traditional fishery fisheries using seafood and boats have survived to this day and the modern fishing industry around the Modara Fisheries Harbor is still functioning.
The fresh water fisheries industry that operates along the Bolgoda river is still a special feature in maintaining the traditional beauty of the area with the use of Jakotu, Nets and Boats.

The University of Moratuwa, a leading technological university in South Asia is situated on the banks of the Bolgoda Lake in Katubedda, Moratuwa. Popular high schools in the area include Prince of Wales’ College, Our Lady of Victories Convent, St. Sebastian’s College, Moratu Maha Vidyalaya and Methodist High School.

The main road transport link to Moratuwa is the Colombo-Galle A2 main road (Galle Road), which links the suburb from the north and south. Moratuwa is linked to the outside by four bridges, old Moratuwa Bridge at the town centre, New Galle Road Bridge at Modara, Kospalana Bridge and Borupana Road Bridge, all across the Bolgoda Lake. The town is linked by Galle Road to the north at Ratmalana, to Panadura to the south and to Pilyandala in the east.

The coastal railway line from Colombo to Matara runs through Moratuwa along the coast. Railway stations at Angulana, Lunawa, Moratuwa, Koralawella and Egodauyana serve residents of Moratuwa.