Kalawewa Tank

Kalawewa is a large, ancient irrigation tank, which was built by King Dhathusena (455-473 AD) by damming the Kala Oya. This ancient tank was restored in 1887 and again in 1939. Kalawewa plays a pivotal role in the modern Mahaweli irrigation scheme, as it is one of the main storage tanks in North-central Sri Lanka. There is a thriving inland fishery in the Kalawewa – Balaluwewa system. The vegetation, particularly the grasses in the drawdown area, presents the primary source of fodder for sizable herds of cattle and buffaloes in these areas.

Kantale Tank

This is a large, ancient irrigation tank built by King Aggabodhi II who reigned from 604-614 AD. The catchment area of the tank is about 20,000 ha. The tank receives irrigation water diverted from the Mahaweli River. Kantale tank is an important storage tank and supports a thriving inland fishery. The bund was breached in 1986 and recently reconstructed. This tank has been identified as an IBA by BirdLife International.

Kaudulla Tank

Kaudulla is an ancient irrigation tank constructed in the 3rd century AD during the reign of King Mahasen. The tank was subsequently abandoned, but it was restored in 1959 by the Irrigation Department. It is now a part of system D of the Mahaweli Network and receives water through the Elahera anicut. The tank and its surroundings were declared as the Kaudulla National Park in 2002. The National Park supports a large bird population and together with Minneriya and Giritale has been identified as an IBA by BirdLife International.