Yoda Wewa at Tissamaharama – තිස්සමහාරාම යෝධ වැව

Yodha Wewa (The Giant Tank) in Tissamaharama should not be confused with the Yodha Wewa in Mannar District.  It is believed that this tank was built by King Mahanaga in the late 3rd Century BC and the Duratissa Wewa mentioned in the ancient texts is the current Yodha Wewa in Tissamaharama.

According to historical records, King Illanga carried out expansion work on this tank in the 1st century BC and much later, the King Prakramabahu (1153-1186) has carried out repairs to this tank.

The Bund of the tank is about 2400 feet long and 15 feet high. The top of the bund is also about 15 feet wide, enough to use it as a road. The surface area of the water is about 1230 acres. The tank cas a capacity around 31,500 acre feet of water and provides irrigation facilities to over 30,000 acres in the area.

In addition, it channels water to over 162 small tanks in the area. The catchment area of this tank has been reduced due to poor condition of the tank bunt and its distribution canal network.

The main source of water for Yodha Wewa is the water released from the Tissa Wewa upstream. In addition 2 small streams starting form adjoining hills also feed this tank. This is a ideal place for for relaxing and observing birds for the bird lovers.

This tank is situated two miles from the Tissamaharama town on the Tissamaharama – Kirinda Road.

Also See

• Hydro Heritage of Sri Lanka
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of  the Yoda Wewa at Tissamaharama

Traveling to Directions to Yoda Wewa at Tissamaharama

Route from Hambantota to Yoda Wewa in Tissamaharama

Through : Debarawewa Distance : 32 km Travel time :45 minutes Driving directions : see on google map