Yodha Wewa, also known as Yodha Kandiya Wewa (lit: Giant's Tank; Sinhala: තිස්සමහාරාම යෝධ කණ්ඩිය වැව), is a large irrigation tank situated in Tissamaharama in Hambantota District, Sri Lanka.
History
This reservoir is believed to be the ancient Duratissa tank (the far Tissa tank) constructed along with the Naga Maha Viharaya by Mahanaga, the younger brother of King Devanampiyatissa [(247-207 B.C.) Arumugam, 1969]. A Naga-gala (a cobra-stone) found at the sluice of this tank is presently kept on the premises of Naga Maha Viharaya. The tank was enlarged during the reign of King Ilanaga [(33-43 A.D.) Arumugam, 1969]. King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 A.D.) restored the tank in the 12th century A.D. (Arumugam, 1969).
The ruined tank was restored again during the administration of Governor Sir Henry Ward (1855-1860) on the recommendation of civil engineer Harrison and completed in 1902 (Arumugam, 1969).
The Tank
Yodha Wewa is the end tank of the Kirindi Oya Left Bank Scheme which comprises Debara Wewa, Tissa Wewa and Yodha Wewa. Except for the drainage from its own catchment area, the tank is mainly fed from the Kirindi Oya diversion from Tissa Wewa (Arumugam, 1969). The bund of the reservoir is about 3,500 ft. long and the water extends over an area of about 1,200 acres at its full supply level (Arumugam, 1969). The reservoir has 2 sluices and 2 spills (Arumugam, 1969).
References
1) Arumugam, S., 1969. Water resources of Ceylon: its utilisation and development. Water Resources Board. pp.131-132.
