Bathalagoda Wewa Reservoir in Kurunegala (කුරුනෑගල බතලගොඩ වැව)

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Bathalagoda Wewa that sustained ‘Parana Nuwara’

Bathalagoda Reservoir
Photo courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The Batalagoda Wewa Reservoir is located near Ibbagamuwa Central College, just off the Ibbagamuwa Junction on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road.

A usually calm road becomes bustling with activity, especially on Sundays, as many visitors flock to the reservoir. Batalagoda Wewa belongs to the Deduru Oya basin, which flows through the North Western Province.

Batalagoda Wewa, with its long and relatively low embankment, is formed on a minor tributary of the Deduru Oya. This stream, known as Ibbagamuwa Ela in its upper reaches, carries water from the Kandalowa Valley. About a mile from Batalagoda Wewa, on the banks of the Deduru Oya, stood an ancient and once-famous city, so ancient that its legacy is not recorded in historical chronicles. (Brohier, 1934, pp. 6–7)

The site is well-known in the district around it, is been called the Parana Nuwara (the Old Capital) from time immemorial. The original name of this important city is lost in the mists of centuries. The name Parana Nuwara has evaded topographical surveyors of the early 20th century but re-appears in the name of a coconut estate which has the distinction of being designated Paranagampitiya on modern maps. (Brohier, 1934, pp. 6–7)

According to tradition, the Batalagoda Wewa reservoir was constructed in pre-Christian times, partly to supply water to the enigmatic city of Parana Nuwara for daily needs and partly to irrigate the surrounding paddy fields. Parker (1909, p. 379) suggests that this reservoir was built in the 2nd part of the 2nd century BCE or the early 1st century BCE, based on the size of the bricks, which closely resemble those used in the construction of the Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura.

Much of the evidence has been erased due to recent reconstruction efforts of the reservoir. However, tradition holds that the tank was restored or repaired by King Kumara Dhatusena (512-520 CE), who is believed to have resided in Parana Nuwara during his reign. (Brohier, 1934, p. 29)

Parker also mentions a worn-out 10th-century pillar inscription on the embankment, along with a more detailed slab inscription placed by Queen Kalyanawathi (1202-1208). This inscription records that in the third year of her reign, she inspected the sites of known sluices, rebuilt one of them, and repaired three breaches in the embankment at Badalagoda reservoir in Mahala-pura, the old town. The most recent major restoration of Batalagoda Wewa was carried out by Parker in 1890, as by that time, the reservoir had fallen into disrepair.

Parker goes on to say that historically the place is first mentioned in the Mahawansa in about 1081 AD where it was included with others in a list of towns captured from the Soli by a general of King Wijeya-Bahu. (1065 -1120 AD). It was then called Badalat-tala. It was here that the ceremony of the investiture of Parakrama-Bahu with the sacred thread was held with great pomp and rejoicing.

The city known as ‘Parana Nuwara’ had already lost its original name by the 3rd century AD, becoming simply referred to as “the ancient town” or “Parana Nuwara.” It is believed to have been located about a mile from Batalagoda Wewa on the banks of the Deduru Oya. An inscription from this period, found over the entrance to a cave, translates to: “Hail! The cave of Culuttha, a headman dwelling at the Ancient City.” Parker (1909, p. 253)

Local tradition holds that Parana Nuwara was once the capital of the great scholar king Kumara Dhatu-Sena (512-520 CE). Some even believe that it was here where the tragic incident occurred that led to the self-immolation of the Sinhalese poet Kalidasa on the funeral pyre of his close friend.

Parker further notes that the city is first mentioned in the Mahawamsa around 1081 AD, where it is included in a list of towns recaptured from the Solians by a general of King Vijaya-Bahu I (1065-1120 AD). At that time, it was referred to as Badalat-tala. It was in this city that the grand ceremony of Parakramabahu I’s investiture with the sacred thread took place, celebrated with great pomp and joy.

Parker mentions that Parana Nuwara once held significant importance as a key post for protecting the frontier districts of the kingdom of Kaelani in southwestern Lanka, and possibly for the southern kingdom of Ruhuna as well. He also notes the existence of a fort established in the area.

The region is steeped in legend, including tales of General Sankha Senapati, a man of great strength and valor, who was stationed here by Prince Parakramabahu of southwestern Lanka and his cousin, King Gajabahu.

Unfortunately, there is little recorded history about these lush surroundings. However, the area may hold clues to an ancient city buried beneath time, one that may have once hosted the grandeur and pageantry of Sinhalese royalty.

Bisogala and Rambodagalla reserve seen over Bathalagoda Reservoir

References

Brohier, R. L. (1934). Ancient Irrigation Works in Ceylon (Vol. 1). Government Publications Bureau (Ceylon).
Parker, H. (1909). Ancient Ceylon: An Account of the Aborigines and of Part of the Early Civilisation (1st ed.). Luzac & Co.

Also See

Map of Bathalagoda Tank (Bathalagoda Wewa)

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Travel Directions to Bathalagoda Tank ( Bathalagoda Wewa)

Route from Colombo to Bathalagoda Tank	Route from Kuruwita to Bathalagoda Tank
Through : Ja-Ela – Minuwangoda – Giriulla – Narammala – Kurunegala Distance : 112km Travel time :3 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Distance : 13 km Travel time : 20 minutes Driving directions : see on google map

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