are two noteworthy Muslim institutions. There are a large number of mosques in the region. Christianity is present and Catholic churches are found everywhere as the coastal community has some Catholics. During the colonial influences, Catholic was introduced to Batticaloan, and the first Catholic church in Batticaloa was established in 1624. The Catholic Church has a diocese headquartered in the city. Methodists, Anglicans, and other Protestants and their schools are also present in Batticaloa. Within Batticaloa Municipal Council area, Christian presence is strong (23%) compare to other area. The latter is a historic harbour and ancient Buddhist shrine, mentioned in the "Dhathu Vamsa". While the Dagaba and shrine in the Dutch Fort is the oldest (1st century CE), Mangalaramaya is a well-known modern Buddhist temple in Batticaloa. Economic activities Rice and coconuts are the two staples of the district, and steamers trading round the island call regularly at the port. The lagoon is famous for its "singing fish," supposed to be shell-fish which give forth musical notes. The district has a remnant of Veddahs or wild men of the wood. Prior to the Sri Lankan civil war, there were large-scale shrimp farms as well as fish and rice processing activities. Batticaloa shows a huge potential for tourism related industries. Transport Batticaloa is the terminus of a Broad gauge branch railway of the Sri Lanka Railways network. The Batticaloa railway station is the last station on Batticaloa Line. Batticaloa Airport is a military air force base, which has domestic air service to civilian as well by Cinnamon Air and Helitours. Bus service is available to major cities of Sri Lanka. See also Batticaloa Tamil dialect List of cities in Sri Lanka Portuguese Burghers Vellaveli Brahmi Inscription References External links Batticaloa Municipal Council Batticaloa Batticaloa Diocese Cities in Sri Lanka Populated places in Batticaloa District Manmunai North DS Division Kingdom of Kandy