Attraction

Kala Wewa

For ancient Sri Lankan citizens, irrigation was an important factor that their very livelihoods depended on. As such, to face tough droughts, the Sri Lankan Kings of old constructed massive tanks to act as stable water sources. Many centuries later, these impressive tanks are still around as a testament to the engineering prowess of ancient Lanka. Among these, the Kala Wewa stands out for its popularity and scenic beauty.

The reservoir was initially built by King Dhatusena during the mid-5th century. The King was well known for his love of reservoirs and irrigation systems and is attributed to other great reservoirs like the Yoda Ela. Once he had constructed the Kala Wewa, he would go on to create the Balalu Wewa and connect the two tanks together. Later Kings would expand upon the work done by King Dhatusena in order to ensure that the Sri Lankan populace at the time always had access to a reliable source of water.

During the heyday of ancient Sri Lanka, the Kala Wewa served as one of the largest irrigation tanks found the island, an invaluable commodity for the locals. It continues to serve the country even today, centuries after its initial construction. Nowadays, it is one of the principal storage tanks of the Mahaweli Irrigation Scheme. Additionally, locals will fish the tank’s water and utilise the grass valleys the tank nourishes as grazing sources for their herds.

If you’re planning to visit the Kala Wewa, don’t miss out on the magnificent Avukana Buddha Statue found just opposite the tank. Also built by King Dhatusena, taking in the sight of this 12-metre tall statue is the perfect way to cap off the day.

Related Attractions