History of the Reservoir

Constructed as part of the Kirindi Oya Irrigation and Settlement Project (KOISP), work on the reservoir began in 1981 and was completed by 1986. The project aimed to harness the waters of the Kirindi Oya River, which originates near Ravana Ella in Wellawaya, to support agriculture and local communities.

Key Features of the Reservoir

• Size & Structure:

  • The reservoir spans 7,438 acres at full capacity, with a 3.25-mile-long bund (dam).

  • It includes 6 sluices and a dual left-bank and right-bank canal system for water distribution.

• Water Source:

  • Primarily fed by the Kirindi Oya River, supplemented by a canal transferring water from the Menik Ganga via Veheragala Reservoir.

• Irrigation Impact:

  • Supports 25 villages and 5,000 families in the surrounding area.

  • Channels water to five downstream reservoirs (Debara Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Yoda Wewa, Pannegamuwa Wewa, and Wirawila Wewa) through its Left Bank canal.

Significance

A critical component of regional water management, this reservoir exemplifies Sri Lanka’s engineering efforts to balance agricultural needs and natural resource conservation.