Anuradhapura Tissa Wewa Reservoir

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Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර තිසා වැව

Tissa Wewa is one of the oldest irrigation reservoirs in Sri Lanka, traditionally attributed to King Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BCE). However, some scholars, including Parker (1909), suggest that this reservoir might actually be the Jaya-Vapi mentioned in the Mahavamsa (Chapter X, verse 83), which would date it even earlier to the reign of King Pandukabhaya (437–367 BCE). If this theory is correct, Tissa Wewa would be among the earliest large-scale irrigation works in the island’s history, surpassed in age only by Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa.

Dimensions

The reservoir is an impressive feat of ancient engineering. Its embankment stretches approximately 11,000 feet (3.35 km) in length and rises to a height of 25 feet (7.6 m). The top of the embankment varies in width from 12 to 18 feet (3.7 to 5.6 m), while the base measures about 160 feet (48.8 m). Covering an area of roughly 550 acres, Tissa Wewa demonstrates the advanced hydraulic knowledge of early Sri Lankan civilization (Parker, 1909, p. 365).

Water Supply and Connectivity

Tissa Wewa receives its water through the ancient Jaya Ganga canal, which originates from Kala Wewa. This canal is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering, maintaining a gentle gradient over many kilometers. Excess water from Tissa Wewa is released into the Malwathu Oya River, ensuring a balanced water flow within the region.

Historical Uses

The reservoir was not only vital for irrigation but also played a role in religious and royal activities. The Mahavamsa (Chapter XXXIV, verse 45) records that King Bhatika Abhaya (20 BCE–9 CE) used a water-lifting device to pump water from Tissa Wewa to the Ruwanweliseya Stupa, spraying water over flowers that adorned the entire monument. Additionally, water from Tissa Wewa supplied the tanks of Ranmasu Uyana, the royal pleasure garden located near the Isurumuniya Viharaya, further emphasizing its importance in both practical and ceremonial contexts.

Preservation

Parker (1909) observed that the embankment of Tissa Wewa appeared to be in its original state, dating back about 1,100 years. He described it as so well-constructed that, with minimal maintenance, it could last indefinitely. True to his observation, the embankment still stands strong today, continuing to supply water to Anuradhapura and serving as a living testament to the engineering genius of ancient Sri Lanka.

References

Parker, H. (1909). Ancient Ceylon: An Account of the Aborigines and of Part of the Early Civilisation (1st ed.). Luzac & Co.
Mahanama, Geiger, W., & Bode, M. H. (1912). The Mahavamsa or the Great Chronicle of Ceylon. Translated into English by Wilhelm Geiger. For the Pali Text Society by Henry Frowde.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings

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Traveling to Anuradhapura Tissa Wewa Reservoir (up to Anuradhapura)

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps