Every village has a story to tell, and in 2012, during my first year at the University of Moratuwa, a dream took root. I wanted to connect the stories and history of my village, Atulugama, with the wider world. At that time, there wasn’t a proper platform to showcase our village’s rich history. So, with a group of childhood friends, we set out to uncover the roots of our community. We aimed to answer important questions, like: How did our village come to be? What stories do the people carry?

Our project sought to explore the relationships among villagers, delve into cultural and religious practices, and highlight the connection between the Tamil and Sinhala-speaking communities. We interviewed elders and collected articles and documents chronicling our past. Unfortunately, over time, much of this invaluable information was lost. However, rather than feeling defeated, we became more determined. Our team, now strengthened with new, talented friends, is ready to embark on this journey again.

Our initial step is constructing a website, visitatulugama.lk, to share the history and stories of Atulugama. This platform will not only act as a showcase but also as a network to connect our village with others around us. Our project transcends being a mere historical archive; it stands as a bridge to connect cultures, share experiences, and foster understanding. As we expand and enrich our website, we hope to inspire others to explore and document their own stories. If you have ties to Atulugama, or simply find our journey inspiring, we invite you to join us in preserving the history and spirit of our village.