Magalle Wewa (Sinhala: මාගල්ලේ වැව) is a reservoir situated in Nikaweratiya in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka.
History
The ancient Mahagalla tank, also called Magalu or Mahaluva, is present Magalle Wewa (Nicholas, 1963). It is said to have been constructed during the reign of King Mahasena [(275-301 A.D.) Arumugam, 1969; Nicholas, 1963]. It was later repaired and enlarged when the Ridi Bendi Ela channel and anicut were constructed by King Parakramabahu I [(1153-1186 A.D.) Arumugam, 1969; Nicholas, 1963].
The present tank was restored in 1873, improved and augmented in 1958 (Arumugam, 1969).
The reservoir
Except its own catchment area, the reservoir receives water from the Ridi Bendi Ela anicut by diversion of flow in Deduru Oya (Arumugam, 1969). The bund of the reservoir is about 1 mile long and the water is extending in an area of about 650 acres at its full supply level (Arumugam, 1969). It has two spills and four sluices (Arumugam, 1969).
References
1) Arumugam, S., 1969. Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board. p.376.
2) Nicholas, C. W., 1963. Historical topography of ancient and medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series (Vol VI). Special Number: Colombo. Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch). p.96.
Location Map
This page was last updated on 4 June 2022
For a complete tourist map follow this link: Lankapradeepa Tourist Map
For a complete tourist map follow this link: Lankapradeepa Tourist Map
