Tanks found during            the Anuradhapura period

    Anuradhapura holds a special place among the kingdoms of ancient Ceylon. This kingdom which lasted for more than 1400 years is the most powerful kingdom in the history of Ceylon. During this reign of more than 120 kings, a large number of tanks were built due to the fact that Sri Lanka has been associated with agriculture since then. The tanks and dykes built by the royal children with the aim of making the country self-sufficient in those days are still making a significant contribution to the development of agriculture in Sri Lanka 

 Basawakkulama Wewa (Abhaya Wewa)

      This tank was built by King Pandukabhaya who ruled in Anuradhapura during the period 437-367 AD. Considered to be the first tank to be built in Sri Lanka, Basawakkulama tank was known as Abhayavapi in the early period. The capacity of the Basawakkulama tank which is spread over an area of ​​265 acres is about 1900 acre feet. Also, the average depth of the lake with a dyke about 3900 feet is about 15 feet. Covering an area of ​​460 acres, this lake has only one sluice. In addition, there is a 100 feet long natural steel structure with 9 openings. In addition to agricultural activities, the lake also plays a major role in supplying water to the needs of pilgrims visiting the city.

Tissa wewa

        Tissa Lake which was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa who ruled Anuradhapura from 307-267 AD is known as Tissavapi in the early period. Tissa Lake has been used since ancient times to obtain drinking water and to grow water for the Sri Maha Bodhi. That is why even the kings did not use this lake for bathing. It is also said that during the reign of King Vasabha there was a tunnel system called Ummagga Jala Mathika to carry water from Tissa Lake to Ranmasu Uyana. It is the duty of all of us to protect this Tissa Lake which has a capacity of about 3500 acre feet at present and provides water facilities to a large number of people.

 Minneriya wewa 

      Minneriya Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Anuradhapura period, was created by King Mahasen who reigned between 276-303 AD. When this lake is fully filled it is about 4560 acres and it makes a great contribution to agriculture. Also, the water supply to this lake from the Mahaweli river through the Elahera canal had been arranged from ancient times. According to ancient sources, this tank was restored by King Parakramabahu the Great and was restored in 1903 and 1953. In 1856, Governor Henry Ward of Britain, with a keen interest in irrigation, introduced a bill to protect irrigation. That is why Henry Ward, who researched the tanks in Rajarata, reported that the Minneriya Lake was an amazing creation.