Uyanwatta Wewa, constructed in the Bolgoda river basin, stands as a testament to the transfer of irrigation technology from the dry zone to the wet zone by our ancestors. It serves as a mirror reflecting the historical journey of this technology’s adaptation and implementation.
Wila Oya that commences its journey from the Helabada-Bowitiya mountain range in Moneragala joins the eastern sea at Panama in Ampara District. Wila Oya catchment gets its importance because its development history dates back to Dutugemunu era. Major irrigations schemes that are currently in operation in the Wila Oya catchment are Ethimale Wewa, Kotiyagala Wewa and Panama Wewa reservoirs.
R L. Brohier has mentioned that there are legends that King Kavantissa (205-161 BC) stayed in this area on his way of pilgrimage to Seruvila from Magampura and has made his son Saddhatissa to stay at Dighawewa. Accordingly, it can safely assume that Digawewa would have been in existence even before the 2nd-3rd century BC. However it is not mentioned when Diga wewa was last used for human use.
While specific information about its origin remains elusive, some people consider Weerawapi Reservoir to be among the great 16 reservoirs, believed to have been constructed by King Mahasen (234-301 BC), now known as Wahalkada Reservoir. Historical records indicate restoration work of this were taken place during the reigns of King Agbo (in 608 -618 AD) and Maha Parakumba. (1153 to 1186 A D)
