Our Water

Sri Lanka’s documented history goes back 3,000 years, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements dating back 125,000 years even as far back as 500,000 years. The era spans, and early Iron Ages,  In these ancient caves, archaeologists have found humans and they were named Balangoda Man, and other evidence suggests that they may have engaged in agriculture using Water in the central hill area of Sri Lanka.

The island consists mostly of flat to rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part. The highest point is Pidurutalagala, reaching 2,524 meters above sea level. Sri Lanka has 103 rivers. The longest of these is the Mahaweli River, extending 335 km, these waterways give rise to 51 natural waterfalls. The highest is Bambarakanda Falls, with a height of 263m. Sri Lanka’s “wet zone” and some central highlands receive up to 2,500 mm of rain each year The average annual rainfall of Sri Lanka varies from 900 mm to 5,500 mm.  This study revealed that the Welioya Estate in Hatton receives the highest average “wettest place” annual rainfall in Sri Lanka 5,500 mm.

Sri Lanka is considered one of the highwater resource countries in the world Map   The first settlements in the distant past were established by the people in the vicinity of Malwathu Oya and later in the days of the king they built settlements near the reservoirs and kings made tanks to collect rainwater. According to Sri Lankan history, King Pandukabhaya was the king who built the first tank for water resources in Sri Lanka. He built three but presently only one tank can be identified. 

The connection between the lake, the village, and the temple also reflects the integration between water and culture. Sri Lankan ancient villages and towns build on this concept.  There is also a water-based folk dance tradition. One of the folk dances is that which uses the earthen pot known as the (water pot). It is therefore called Kalagadi natuma. Sri Lanka is Mother Nature’s gift to the world rich in Water resources.