Empilipitiya Chandrika Wewa Reservoir

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Pitawana of Empilipitiya Chandrika Wewa Reservoir

Glistening under the southern sun, Chandrika Wewa in Embilipitiya stands as a symbol of post-independence progress and renewal. Once a barren, drought-stricken land, it now thrives with life—its vast waters nurturing farms, attracting travelers, and transforming Embilipitiya into a vibrant hub of culture and nature.

The Chandrika Wewa Reservoir in Embilipitiya, located in the Ratnapura District near the Hambantota border, is one of the largest reservoirs built in Sri Lanka after gaining independence. The Chandrika Wewa project marked the first phase of a broader plan to irrigate a large portion of the Walawe Ganga river basin, initially targeting 5,000 acres of farmland. It was followed by the Udawalawe Project, which aimed to bring 50,000 acres under cultivation. The third phase of the initiative was the Samanala Wewa Project, situated closer to the river’s source, and it was designed to irrigate an additional 40,000 acres (Amunugama, 1965).

History of Chandrika Wewa

Before the launch of the Chandrika Wewa irrigation scheme, the surrounding area—including parts of Kolonna Korale and East Girawa Pattuwa—was among the most underdeveloped and impoverished regions in Sri Lanka.

In 1914, a Government Agent from Ratnapura visiting Embilipitiya remarked, “The people of this wasama are sickly and diseased, and appear to live a miserable life due to the harsh climate and inadequate rainfall.” Speaking specifically about Tunkama Wasama, now central to the scheme, he added, “The people of Tunkama are even worse off than those in Embilipitiya. They have a few small tanks, but for years there hasn’t been enough water to fill them. Paddy cultivation is almost entirely abandoned. They rely solely on chena cultivation, with many travelling to Uva and Hambantota in search of food.” Like much of the dry zone, communities here survived through a fragile mix of paddy and chena cultivation (Amunugama, 1965).

As part of the Walawe Basin development scheme, Chandrika Wewa was built by damming the Hulanda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe Ganga, at a site called Halmillaketiya. Unlike many ancient reservoirs, this was a brand-new reservoir created by constructing a 2-kilometer-long earthen embankment across the Oya. The reservoir first held water in 1963, marking the beginning of a new agricultural chapter for the region. Chandrika Wewa spans an area of 1,100 acres (4.45 km²) and has a storage capacity of 22,400 acre-feet. From the tank, the main irrigation channel runs 7 miles, distributing life-giving water across the dry plains (Arumugam, 1969, p. 112).

A Tourist Attraction

Today, Chandrika Wewa has become a popular stopover for both tourists and pilgrims en route to Kataragama, especially those opting for the scenic inland route over the Southern Expressway. This steady stream of visitors has transformed the once-quiet Embilipitiya into a bustling town with vibrant local commerce.

The growing interest in the area has led to the development of numerous lodges, guest houses, and hotels along the reservoir’s edge, catering to the increasing demand for accommodation. The pier, located just beyond the new town area, has become a well-loved spot for sightseeing and relaxation.

One of the most frequented features is the overflow section of the tank, which has turned into a popular bathing and picnic site for travelers taking a break from their journey.

References

Amunugama, S. (1965). Chandrikawewa: A Recent Attempt at Colonization on a Peasant Framework. The Ceylon Journal of Historical and Social Studies, 8 (1 & 2-Double Issue January-December 1965).
Arumugam, S. (1969). Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board (Sri Lanka).

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