Built during the golden age of the Anuradhapura Kingdom in Sri Lanka, Minneriya Wewa is one of the oldest reservoirs in Sri Lanka. Historic evidence state that it was built during the rule of King Mahasen which lasted from 276AD to 303AD and by the time it was inaugurated it is said it spanned over an expanse of 4670 acres. But over the year after its construction, the reservoir started deteriorating and most of its expanse had started to shrink. It was during 1820AD when the British colonisers saw the reservoir under ruins and subsequently decided to renovate it. During the time of examination before the renovation, it was recorded that most of the attributes of the reservoir remained intact though it was exposed to natural elements for nearly two millennia. They have also stated that it had been built very strong.
Today travellers can visit the reservoir to witness and wonder at its magnanimous presence. Local tour operators also offer boat riders through the dam and cycling tours can also be arranged on the roads around the banks of the tank. Whichever the method you choose to explore the reservoir, you will certainly be in for a treat as it flaunts spectacular vistas and lets you indulge a profound sense of peace and relaxation. There is also plenty of fresh-water, avian as well as land creatures that live in and around the tank and you could witness them more so often during your expedition.
Numerous varieties of birds, endemic plant species, various types of mammals, and amphibians are part of the ecosystem that entirely depends on the reservoir. It also offers nourishment for a multitude of cultivation lands that are scattered around the region. The sheer volume of water at the reservoir fills your heart with wonder as to how a feat of such scale had been engineered during a time when modern pieces of machinery were absent!
