Yoda Wewa - Tissamaharama
It is believed that the Duratissa Reservoir mentioned in ancient texts
is the Yoda wewa as it is called now. This tank is believed to be built
by King Mahanaga in the late 3rd Century BC and King Illanga in
the first century has carried out some work to enlarge it. Much Later
the King Prakramabahu (1153-1186) has carried out repairs according
to historical records.
The Bund of the tank is about 2400 feet long and 15 feet high. The top
of the bund is also about 15 feet wide, enough to use it as a road. The
surface area of the water is about 1230 acres. The tank cas a capcity
around 31,500 acre feet of water and provides irrigation facilities to
over 30,000 acres in the area. In addition, it channels water to over
162 small tanks in the area. The catchment area of this tank has been
reduced due to poor condition of the tank bunt and its distribution canal
network.
The main source of water
for yoda wewa is the water released from the
Tissa
Wewa
upstream. In
addition 2 small streams starting form adjoining hills feed this tank.
This tank is situated two miles from the Tissamaharama town on the Tissamaharama
- Kirinda Road.
Map
Created : January 3, 2009
Updated :
May 3, 2009
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