Lunama-Kalametiya Lagoons

The Lunama–Kalametiya wetlands are two brackish water lagoon systems harbouring rich biodiversity including a wide variety of habitats and species. This complex is also an important wintering site for a large number of waterfowl. Although 700 ha have been designated as a wildlife sanctuary, the water management of the wetland is entirely agriculture oriented, rather than for biodiversity conservation.

Lunugamvehera Reservoir

Lunugamvehera is a multi-purpose reservoir, which was constructed in 1987 by damming the Kirindi Oya under the Kirindi Oya Irrigation and Settlement Project (KOISP). The 198 MCM capacity water body provides irrigation facilities to 5,400 ha of lands serviced by the old Ellegala systems, in the southeastern dry zone of Sri Lanka. Five downstream reservoirs (Debera Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Yoda Wewa, Pannegamuwa and Wirawila reservoir) receive about 30 percent of their inflow from this reservoir. Reservoir associated fisheries play an important role in the livelihoods of the local community. The reservoir and its catchment falls within the Lunugamvehera National Park, which is rich in biodiversity and an important habitat for a large number of water birds as well as elephants.

Reservoirs of Maduru Oya National Park

The wetlands within Maduru Oya National Park constitute the immediate catchments of five reservoirs developed under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme. The water bodies include the Maduru Oya (6,100 ha), Ulhitiya (2,270), Ratkinda (1,100 ha), Kadupaharaella (700 ha), and Henanigala (800 ha) reservoirs and tributaries of the Mahaweli and Maduru Oya river systems. The park provides a refuge for elephants and a large number of water birds. Fishing with permits is allowed in the reservoirs. The area is scattered with archaeologically significant sites.