Ancient tanks of Ruhuna

During the era of ancient kings, Ruhuna was known as the granary of Sri Lanka. It had a wonderful system of irrigation, which helped convert the area into prosperous paddy lands.

The Sinhalese kings developed an irrigation system through which the water of rivers such as Walawe Ganga, Menik Ganga, Kirindi Oya and Kumbukkan Oya could be utilised to the maximum for cultivation. The kings Mahanaga, Kavantissa, Dutugemunu (161-173 B.C.), Saddhatissa (137-119 B.C.), Walagambahu (103 B.C.- 89 - 77 B.C.), Illanga (33-43 A.D.), Wasabha (67-111 A.D.), Gajabahu 1, Vijayabahu 1 and Parakramabahu the Great (1153-86 A.D.) developed this wonderful irrigation system by constructing tanks, anicuts and channels.

All these irrigation structures were ruined during the latter period of the history of Sri Lanka. During foreign rule (Portuguese, Dutch and British), attempts were made to rehabilitate this irrigation system connected to the Kirama Oya.

The Dutch repaired another oya. Vel Vidanes or Wewlekams were appointed to be in charge of rural irrigation works. Later, irrigation engineers were put in charge of this work.

Tissa Wewa

This is one of the oldest tanks in the ancient kingdom of Ruhuna. It is believed that this had been constructed by King Mahanaga or King Yatalatissa, who reigned after King Mahanaga. The water of Kirindi Oya feeds this tank through the Ellagala anicut.

The catchment area of the tank is 39 sq km.

This tank was reconstructed in 1871 on the directions of Assistant Government Agent, T. Steel (1868-1875). Major repairs were effected to this tank again in 1935 and 1955. The tank's area of water spread is 575 acres and its capacity is 3510 acre feet (4,329,514.8 cubic metres) at full supply level. The tank bund is 3960 feet long and 15 feet high.

Yodha Wewa

This tank is situated two miles from the Tissamaharama town on the Tissamaharama - Kirinda Road. It is believed that this tank was constructed by King Mahanaga and was enlarged by King Illanga. Parakramabahu the Great had repaired this.

The reconstruction of this tank began during the period of Governor Sir. Henry Ward and was completed by Engineer J. Harrison in 1902. Its water is spread over an area of 1200 acres and its capacity is 3375 acre-feet (4162995 cubic metres) at full supply level.

The tank bund is 3500 feet long and 15 feet high. The tank feeds 1325 acres of paddy lands.

Badagiriya Wewa

This tank is situated seven miles from Pallemalala. It has not yet been ascertained as to who had constructed this tank. Inscriptions belonging to the second and third century A.D. had been found near this tank, which indicates that it may have belonged to the Badagaladoru-Vihara constructed by King Kawantissa. The tank bund is 6600 feet in length and 16 feet in height. An area of 1055 acres is fed by this tank.

Weerawila Wewa

This is the biggest tank in the Tissamaharama area. It is fed by the Kirindi Oya. This tank was reconstructed during the period of Governor Sir Hugh Clifford (1925-27). The other tank separated from this tank by the Hambantota - Wellawaya Road was known as Yodhawewa in ancient times.

The area of water spread of this tank is 1400 acres and its capacity is 10,500 acre-feet (129,515,400 cubic metres) at full supply level. The length of the tank bund is 9240 feet and its height is 17 feet. The area cultivated under this tank is 1965 acres.

Debera Wewa

It is presumed that this tank was constructed by King Mahanaga. This is the smallest tank in the Tissamaharama area. The area of water spread is 150 acres and its capacity is 700 acre-feet (863436 cubic metres) at full supply level. The tank bund is 5980 feet long and 12 feet high. The extent of area cultivated under this tank is 945 acres.

Mahagala Wewa

This tank is situated 25 miles (45 km) from the Hambantota town, towards the northern boundary of the district. This was repaired in 1953. The catchment area of the tank is 96 sq km., and its area of water spread is 240 acres at full supply level. The length of the tank bund is 3900 feet. The extent irrigated under this tank is 276 acres.

Janani Amarasekara