The name Ussangoda is believed to derive from the Sinhala words “Ussa” (high or elevated) and “Goda” (land or bank), translating to “highland” or “elevated plain.” This is a fitting description for the plateau-like terrain that defines the area—an expanse of red laterite soil that rises above the surrounding coastal landscape.

But beyond its literal meaning, Ussangoda is steeped in myth and folklore. According to local legend and Hindu epics, this was one of the landing strips of King Ravana’s Pushpaka Vimana, the mythical flying chariot described in the Ramayana. Others believe it to be the sacred ground of the local demi-god Mangara, and some even consider it a forbidden or spiritually charged site. The area’s unusual soil composition—rich in iron and nickel, with a brick-red hue—has led to speculation that it may have been the site of a meteorite impact, adding a layer of scientific mystery to its mythological allure2.

Ussangoda itself is not a densely populated village but rather a protected national park spanning approximately 349 hectares (3.49 km²). It lies within the Hambantota District of the Southern Province, near the towns of Ambalantota and Nonagama. The surrounding communities are predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist, with small populations of Sri Lankan Muslims and Tamil families contributing to the region’s cultural diversity.

The nearby villages are home to fishing and farming communities, many of whom have lived in the area for generations. The population density is relatively low, and the lifestyle remains deeply connected to the rhythms of the land and sea.