Sin: හික්කඩුව hikkaḍuva – Tam: கிக்கடுவை hikkaṭuvai
‘Indian Ash Island’ SP, Sri Lanka
From Sin: hik, ‘Indian Ash’ [Lannea coromandelica]; and duwa, ‘island or part of land surrounded by water’.
With lakes to the north and south, and the sea to the west Hikkaduwa is something of ‘inland’ island.
The Indian ash, Odina wodier or Gurjon tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is used in plywood because it is famously resistant to termite infestation and also has anti-inflammatory properties. In suitably temperate conditions it can grow up to 20m.
Hikkaduwa is celebrated for its coconuts, fishing, tourists and sandy beaches.
Hikkaduwa Beach RimmaChina