Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa Reservoir (කඩ්ඩමුරිවු වැව)

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The Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Vakarai, likely dating to the Anuradhapura Period. Covering 324 hectares, it serves as the hub for an extensive irrigation network of smaller tanks. Its 2-km bund and proximity to ancient ruins highlight its historical role in supporting regional agriculture and settlement.

The Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa Reservoir is located in the area of Kaddumurivu, within the Kaddumurivu 213-B Grama Niladhari Division, under the Korala Pattu North (Vakarai) Divisional Secretariat. It is the largest reservoir in the Vakarai region and serves as a major component of the local irrigation network.

Location and Access

The reservoir is situated at the Kaddumurivu Junction, approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) along the Kaddumurivu Road, which branches off from the Vakarai–Trincomalee Road towards Kadiraveli.

Historical Background

Although there is no direct inscriptional or documentary evidence to establish the exact period of construction, Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa is considered the largest reservoir within the Vakarai region. Based on associated archaeological evidence, it is likely to date to the Anuradhapura Period.

Structure and Hydrology

This reservoir represents the largest irrigation construction within the Vakarai Divisional Secretariat Division, with a catchment area of approximately 324 hectares (800.5 acres). The boundary between the Polonnaruwa District and the Batticaloa District runs across the upper section of the reservoir.

It forms the central component of an interconnected irrigation system consisting of numerous small and medium-sized tanks distributed across the Trikonamadu and Kandakadu areas. Water from these smaller reservoirs is channelled into Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa through a network of canals.

Excess water from the reservoir flows eastward via the Makarachchi Aru and eventually joins the lagoon. The reservoir bund, oriented in a north–south direction, extends for nearly 2 km (1.24 miles), while the main water retention area lies to the west. The surrounding landscape is predominantly covered by forest.

Archaeological Context

The reservoir is likely to have been constructed to support agricultural and settlement needs during the Anuradhapura Period. The presence of nearby building remains, which have been dated to the same period, further supports this interpretation.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

Latitude: 8° 08′ 21.1″ N
Longitude: 81° 19′ 30.6″ E

Roaming Elephants at Kaddumurivu Wewa Reservoir

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of the Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa Reservoir

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Travelling Directions to Kaddumurivu Kulam Wewa Reservoir

Route from Trincomalee to Palchenai Archological Site

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance: 83 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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