During the era of ancient kings, Ruhuna was known as the granary of Sri Lanka. It had a wonderful system of irrigation, which helped convert the area into prosperous paddy lands.
The Sinhalese kings developed an irrigation system through which the water of rivers such as Walawe Ganga, Menik Ganga, Kirindi Oya and Kumbukkan Oya could be utilised to the maximum for cultivation. The kings Mahanaga, Kavantissa, Dutugemunu (161-173 B.C.), Saddhatissa (137-119 B.C.), Walagambahu (103 B.C.- 89 – 77 B.C.), Illanga (33-43 A.D.), Wasabha (67-111 A.D.), Gajabahu 1, Vijayabahu 1 and Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 A.D.) developed this wonderful irrigation system by constructing tanks, anicuts and channels.
It is presumed that the Debara Wewa tank was constructed by King Mahanaga. This is the smallest tank in the Tissamaharama area. The area of water spread is 150 acres and its capacity is 700 acre-feet (863436 cubic metres) at the full supply level. The tank bund is 5980 feet long and 12 feet high. The extent of the area cultivated under this tank is 945 acres.
Also See
- Hydro Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Debara Wewa
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Traveling to Debara Wewa
Route from Hambantota to Debara Wewa |
Through : Weerawila Distance : 30 km Travel time : 35 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
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