"Beruwela"
Beruwela is believed to be the first Moorish settlement on the
island, established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. A large population of Sri Lanka Moors, many of them gem traders,
still live in this area, particularly in the "China Fort" district. The oldest mosque in Sri Lanka - the Kachchimalai Mosque
- is built on a rocky headland overlooking this town.
The "Pattha Kada " is the famouse place
for gem business where all island stones and even overseas stones can be purchased or sold in this bazar.
