Erupothana Wewa at Mahakachchakodiya (එරුපොතාන වැව)

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The sluice gate of Erupothana Reservoir created using a natural rock formation.
Photo by Jagath Abesekara licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Erupothana holds a notable place in Sri Lankan history as the birthplace of Nandimithra, one of the ten legendary giants who served under King Dutugemunu (161–131 BCE). Following his victory over King Elara, Dutugemunu appointed Nandimithra as a regional governor and granted him control over this area.

Isolation and Rediscovery

Located near Vavuniya, Erupothana and its surroundings were inaccessible to the public for nearly three decades due to LTTE terrorist activities. Despite this long period of isolation, the region still bears clear evidence of a once-flourishing civilization, with numerous remnants of ancient Buddhist monastic sites scattered throughout the landscape.

Ancient Irrigation and the Erupothana Reservoir

The area is home to several ancient irrigation systems that remain functional to this day. Among them is the Erupothana Wewa Reservoir, situated along the Mamaduwa–Mahakachchakodiya road. This reservoir spans approximately 1.2 square kilometers and features a bund nearly 1 km in length. Although not widely known, the reservoir conceals a remarkable hydraulic feature.

Ingenious Ancient Engineering: The Natural Sluice

A hallmark of ancient Sri Lankan irrigation, the bisokotuwa—a water-regulating structure—was a groundbreaking invention that enabled the construction of massive reservoirs as early as the 3rd century BCE. Typically, reservoirs employ man-made sluice gates embedded in their embankments to control water flow.

However, similar to the Sorabora Wewa in Mahiyanganaya, the Erupothana Reservoir utilizes a natural rock channel in place of a conventional sluice gate. This rare feature is located at the far end of the Erupothana Dam, accessible when approaching from the Mahakachchakodiya side.

Also See

Map of the Erupothana Wewa at Mahakachchakodiya

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Traveling to Erupothana

Route from Vavuniaya to Erupothana Wewa at Mahakachchakodiya

Through : Mahakachchakodiya
Distance : 15.5 km
Travel time : 30 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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