Sri Lanka being a country that is built on, and around a strong agrarian society, is a classic example of a hydraulic civilization, which dates back the ancient kingdoms that started with the arrival of the Aryans in 543 BC. The cultivation of rice as a staple food meant that a constant supply of it was essential, and the great kings of Sri Lanka ensured that no citizen went hungry, by constructing ambitious projects of irrigation that harnessed monsoon rainwater and made the country flourish even under the harshest weather conditions. It is safe to say that the world’s greatest and foremost reservoirs of grand scale were built in Sri Lanka, using technology and architectural knowledge that astounds historians to this day.
Don’t believe us? See these manmade ancient tanks for yourself when you visit Sri Lanka. They’re a statement of imperial power, prosperity, and unbelievably advanced technology.
Parakrama Samudraya:
We’re starting off with the most famous of ancient tanks in Sri Lanka. It was built by the great King Parakramabahu, who aspired to not waste a single drop of rainwater and to utilize it all for the development of agriculture, and the betterment of his kingdom in Polonnaruwa. The word “Samudraya” translates to sea, and it is rightfully named so, as the water tends to create a wave effect that resembles that of the ocean. It is a shallow reservoir, consisting of five separate reservoirs connected by narrow channels. The northernmost reservoir is the oldest and referred to as Topa Wewa built around 386 AD, and the others are Eramudu Wewa (Katu Vewa), Dumbuthula Wewa, Kalahagala Wewa and Bhu Wewa.
Kanthale Wewa:
One of the most picturesque tanks built in the 3rd century, Kanthale Wewa isn’t as large as most of the others. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in every other aspect. If you’re visiting Trincomalee by road, then this is one stop you should definitely make. You could have a nice picnic while you gaze at the beautiful nature that surrounds the tank, atop the newly-reconstructed 1500 year old breached rock slice-gate. This was originally built by king Mahasen and rehabilitated by King Agbo II and then once again by none other than King Parakramabahu.
Minneriya Wewa:
Minneriya Wewa is a sight to behold, especially if you’re a naturalist in Sri Lanka, hoping to catch the best views of the majestic elephants. The world-famous nature phenomenon The Minneriya Gathering where over 300 elephants gather in one spot, occurs here. The tank was built by the great reservoir builder King Mahasen during his reign in Anuradhapura. The construction of Minneriya Wewa was the beginning of the irrigation paradise in the country and paved way for trade with South East Asia, through the natural harbor in Trincomalee.
Tissa Wewa:
If you want ancient, you’ve got ancient with this one. It is considered to be one of the very first artificial reservoirs, and was built by Devanampya Tissa in 3rd century BC. Its main purpose was to increase the water supply to the capital city of Anuradhapura and to supply water to the king’s royal gardens. Over the years, it was integrated into a regional network of irrigation canals. The tank still fulfills the water needs of the current Anuradhapura city, and has lasted strongly with very little maintenance. While you’re visiting the historic ruins, religious sites and popular landmarks in the old capital of Sinhala civilisation, pay Tissa Wewa a visit. You won’t regret it.
Kala Wewa:
Kala Wewa is also in Anuradhapura, and was built by the King Datusena in 460 A.D as a part of a twin reservoir complex (Kala Wewa & Balalu Wewa). This reservoir complex has facilitated with a stone made spillway and three main sluices. It is yet another piece of evidence to how developed the primeval hydraulic engineering facility was in ancient Sri Lanka. Legend has it that the location of the tank was exactly what the king had dreamed of building the greatest tank in history. If that isn’t compelling enough for a visit, we don’t know what is.
Photos sourced from Shalika Malintha, Jean Marc Astesana
