Geographical identity of Ussangoda: A review of an environmental sensitive area of southern Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka, has been considered as one of the biologoically vital hotspots in the world and where number of places have already been declared as environmentally sensitive.“Ussangoda”,the place comparatively small, but rich in biodiversity, covers around 800 hactares and is located in the Hambantota District of Southern Sri Lanka which has plenty of development potentials. The dome shape coastal hilly area ,in which sea horse shape of the grassy area (seen through a satallite image) is surrounded by woody scrub and has rich in biological diversity with plenty of medicinal herbs indicated in its special identity of the geophysical setting of the area. The place still to be considered as a very important field laboratory for academics, researchers and students. The author, in his study, attempted to review the causes that impeled to form the present location at different setting through geomorphic, physiographic and pedogenic factors those behind its environmental sensitivity.