The Land Reforms Commission released Marandawila Estate and its division to the National Livestock Development Board in 1974. The land handed over by the Land Reforms Commission consisted of 921.5ha and is situated in the Bingiriya electorate 4km on Thisogama road off Bowatte junction on Bingiriya-Wariyapola road.

The soils in this region belong to Reddish Brown Earths and the soil reaction is usually neutral with the tendency towards slightly acidic in high rainfall areas and moderately alkaline in lower rainfall areas. The organic matter and Nitrogen status is low. Phosphorus status is usually low while Potassium status varies from medium to high. These soils are very well supplied in Calcium and Magnesium and have a very good cation exchange capacity. By tropical standards these soils could be considered as having a very good chemical fertility. The depth, texture and drainage of a majority of these soils are quite satisfactory for a very wide range of crops. Annual rainfall in the region is around 1300mm-1400mm with an average of 80mm-90mm rainy days.