District Anuradhapura

Meren en stuwmeren in District Anuradhapura

Lakes and Reservoirs

Anuradhapura’s landscape is defined by its ancient hydraulic civilization, featuring an intricate network of man-made reservoirs known as wewas. This list highlights massive engineering feats like the 5th-century Kala Wewa, built by King Dhatusena, and the Ibbankatuwa reservoir, located near prehistoric burial sites. These bodies of water serve as critical irrigation sources for rice cultivation and provide essential habitats for migratory birds and local wildlife. Visitors can observe traditional fishing practices and explore the massive stone embankments that have sustained the region for centuries.

Lakes and Reservoirs — Kaart

A

Hiriwadunna Wewa

A scenic reservoir near Habarana known for birdwatching and boat rides with views of the Sigiriya rock fortress.

B

Karambewa Wewa

Small irrigation reservoir serving local agricultural lands.

C

Andiyagala Tank

Local village tank used for seasonal rice cultivation.

D

Thibbatuwewa Tank

A rural reservoir supporting the surrounding farming community.

E

Balalu Wewa

A 5th-century twin reservoir to Kala Wewa, built by King Dhatusena to expand the region's irrigation capacity.

F

Kala Wewa

Massive 5th-century reservoir featuring a 54km ancient canal called Yoda Ela and a 12-meter high granite Buddha statue nearby.

G

Malawa Wewa

Local irrigation tank located near the Kala Wewa complex.

H

MahaElagamuwa Tank

A village reservoir used for paddy irrigation in the Elagamuwa region.

I

Nanwattegama Wewa

Small seasonal reservoir used by local farmers.

J

Nachchaduwa Tank

Major ancient reservoir built during the Anuradhapura Kingdom to regulate water flow into the city's smaller tanks.

K

Nabadawawe Tank

Irrigation reservoir supporting local agriculture.

L

katiyawa tank

Reservoir serving the Katiyawa agricultural colony.

M

Thambuttegama Tank

Large tank providing essential water for the Thambuttegama agricultural hub.

N

Dedunupitiya Wewa

Lake

O

Eppawala Tank

Irrigation source for the phosphate-rich agricultural lands of Eppawala.

P

divlwawa tank

Reservoir

Q

Madiyawa Tank

Local reservoir used for village-scale farming.

R

Siyambalangamuwa Tank

Large reservoir known as a frequent gathering spot for wild elephants, especially during the dry season.

S

Ralapana Wewa

Reservoir

T

Migasdigiliya Wewa

Small village reservoir used for seasonal irrigation.

U

Galkadawala Wewa

Lake

V

Pahalagama Wewa

Reservoir

W

Maha Bulankulama Wewa

One of the oldest man-made reservoirs in Anuradhapura, integral to the ancient city's water management system.

X

Pahala Diganegama Wewa

Lake

Y

Elayapattuwa Wewa

Village reservoir serving the Elayapattuwa agricultural area.

Z

Pusiyankulama Wewa

Lake

Lake

Lake

Galapitagala Wawa

Small irrigation tank located in the Galapitagala region.

Manankattiya Wewa-Bund

The earthen embankment of the Manankattiya reservoir used for water retention.

Hurulu wewa

Large reservoir that feeds the Hurulu Forest Reserve and serves as a major water source for wild elephant herds.

Kayane Wewa

Lake

Keulkada Wewa

Remote irrigation reservoir in the northern Anuradhapura district.

Patillewa Wewa

Reservoir dam and water control structure.

Mahakanadarawa Wewa

Large ancient reservoir near Mihintale featuring ruins of a historic stone bridge and diverse birdlife.

Mihintale Tank

Reservoir located at the base of the Mihintale sacred mountain.

Playground

Recreational Area

Getalewa Wewa

Lake

Sandamal Eliya Wewa

Lake

Maha Nika Wewa

Lake

Akkara Wewa

Lake

Mahavilachchiya Wewa

Significant reservoir on the border of Wilpattu National Park, vital for local wildlife and irrigation.

School Playgrounds

Recreational Area

Diwulkada Wewa

Small village irrigation tank.

Kidagalegama Wewa

Lake

Kalveerankulam

Irrigation tank serving the northern agricultural zones.

Parangiyawadiya Wewa

Lake

Dutu Weva

Local reservoir used for paddy field irrigation.

Yan Oya Resrvoir

A large modern reservoir project designed for irrigation and flood control in the Yan Oya basin.

Ibbankatuwa wewa

Reservoir located adjacent to the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Burial Site, which dates back to 750-400 BC.

Randeniya Wawe

Small village reservoir used for seasonal farming.