Ethimale Wewa

Ethimale Wewa is a reservoir situated in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka. 

History
This tank has been constructed in an ancient district called Uruvela-mandala or Etumala (Nicholas, 1963). Queen Sugala, the last ruler of Ruhuna is said to have been defeated here by the forces of King Parakramabahu I [(1153–1186 A.D.) Arumugam, 1969; Nicholas, 1963]. Although Sugala managed to escape from the battlefield, the Tooth and the Bowl Relic of the Buddha in her possession were captured by Parakramabahu I (Nicholas, 1963).

The tank Ethimale Wewa has been identified with the ancient Uruvela Vapi located in the Uruwela-mandala District (Arumugam, 1969). It is said to have been restored by King Parakramabahu I (Arumugam, 1969; Nicholas, 1963). The present tank was restored in 1962 (Arumugam, 1969).

The reservoir
The bund of the reservoir is about 3,950 ft. long and the water is extending in an area of about 470 acres at its full supply level (Arumugam, 1969). It has one spill and one sluice (Arumugam, 1969). 

References
1) Arumugam, S., 1969. Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board. p.145.
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.53.

Location Map
This page was last updated on 1 July 2022
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