Beautiful water reservoirs in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its vast network of ancient and modern water reservoirs that have been used for centuries for irrigation, domestic use, and power generation. Some of the most popular water reservoirs in Sri Lanka are:
Located in the Polonnaruwa District, it is one of the largest ancient reservoirs in Sri Lanka and was built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Located in the Kandy District, it is the second-largest reservoir in Sri Lanka and was built in the 1980s for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
Located in the Ratnapura District, it was built in the 1960s for irrigation and is now a popular tourist attraction known for its wildlife.
Located in the Anuradhapura District, it is an ancient reservoir built by King Datusena in the 5th century and is still in use for irrigation.
Located in the Badulla District, it was built in the 1980s for hydroelectric power generation and is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty.
Located in the Hambantota District, it was built in the 3rd century BC and is still in use for irrigation.
Located in the Ampara District, it was built in the 1950s for irrigation and is now a popular tourist destination known for its wildlife.
These are just a few of the many water reservoirs that Sri Lanka has to offer. Each reservoir has its unique history and is worth visiting.
Sri Lanka has a long history of water management, with a complex network of reservoirs and canals built by ancient kings to harness the monsoon rains for irrigation and agriculture. One of the most impressive examples is the Kala Wewa reservoir, which was constructed over 2,000 years ago by King Dhatusena of Anuradhapura. The reservoir covers an area of 6,750 acres and has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters of water.
Another famous reservoir in Sri Lanka is the Parakrama Samudra, which was built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu the Great. The reservoir covers an area of 2,500 acres and has a capacity of 134 million cubic meters of water. It is still in use today for irrigation and is considered a marvel of ancient engineering.
Sri Lanka's ancient reservoirs were not only used for irrigation but also played a crucial role in the country's defense. Many of the reservoirs were built with elaborate sluice gates and channels to control the flow of water, and they were strategically located to provide protection against invading armies.
Overall, Sri Lanka's water reservoirs are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its ancient engineers and continue to play an important role in the country's agriculture and economy today.