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 reservoirs, anicuts and channels.
Weerawila (Wirawila) Reservoir is the biggest reservoir in the Tissamaharama area. It is fed by the Kirindi Oya. This reservoir was reconstructed during the period of Governor Sir Hugh Clifford (1925-27). The other reservoir separated from this reservoir by the Hambantota – Wellawaya Road was known as Yodha Wewa in ancient times.
The area of water spread of this reservoir is 1400 acres and its capacity is 10,500 acre-feet (129,515,400 cubic metres) at the full supply level. The length of the reservoir bund is 9240 feet and its height is 17 feet. The area cultivated under this tank is 1965 acres.
Also See
- Hydro Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Weerawila Reservoir
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travelling to Weerawila Reservoir
Route from Hambantota to Weerawila Reservoir |
Through : Weerawila Town Distance : 24 km Travel time : 35 minutes Driving Directions : see on Google map |
weerawila wawa kiyala debarawewa daala thiyenne ai =Do not miss use our rural places