The Wonder of Sri Lankan Tanks (Wewa) 🌳

Today I want to write about something that makes every Sri Lankan proud. That is our  Tank Technology (Wawa). Thousands of years ago, our kings and engineers built huge lakes called "Wewa."

Sri Lanka has a "Dry Zone" where there is not much rain for many months. To grow rice, farmers need a lot of water. So, our ancestors built these tanks to collect rain water and use it during the dry season.

​Even without modern computers or machines, their technology was perfect.

• ​The Bisokotuwa: This is the most amazing part. It is a special stone gate that controls the water pressure. It stops the dam from breaking when the water level is high. Even modern engineers are surprised by this!

• ​The Slope: The canals (Ela) carry water for many miles. The slope of these canals is very, very small (sometimes only 6 inches per mile). This shows how clever our ancient engineers were.

• ​The Ecosystem: A "Wewa" is not just a tank. It has different parts like the Kulu Wewa to filter mud. This kept the water clean.

Famous Tanks in Sri Lanka

​If you travel to Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, you can see these:

• ​Parakrama Samudraya: Built by King Parakramabahu. It is so big it looks like an ocean!(Polonnaruwa)

• ​Kala Wewa: Built by King Dhatusena.(වැවු බැදී රාජ්‍ය Anuradhapura)

• ​Minneriya Wewa: Built by King Mahasen.(Minneriya)

 

Even today, these tanks provide water for thousands of farmers.

Our ancestors were great scientists. They respected nature and used water very carefully. We should learn from them and not waste water.

​Have you visited any of these big tanks? Which one is your favourite? Let me know!