HISTORY OF DRAYTON ESTATE

This estate is in the heart of Kotagala town sharing the boundaries of Ythanside, Chrystler’s Farm, Derryclare Estates and Kotagala 2nd town. Derryclare was with Drayton and de-amalgamated in 2011 and Drayton estate extent became 343.00 ha. Drayton consist of two divisions namely Kotagaloya and Drayton divisions at a elevation between 1200 Mtrs. To 1524 Mtrs.

This estate was established in the year 1909 and planted during the time when foreigners were managing the estates. As per the information collected the old factory had been on Kotagaloya division powered by Pelton from a lake approximately 2 – 3 ha. in extent where fingerlings have been introduced. This lake is close to the present Manager’s bungalow which was built in 1940. From this location the Duke’s Nose Mountain can be seen clearly.

The present factory was built in 1936 and managed with old machinery and now with few machinery installed. The capacity of this factory is 19200 kgs. And undertake Rotorvane manufacture.