Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16

REVIEW

Ancient irrigation system of dry and intermediate zones as revealed from ancient canals

C.R. Withanachchi

Dept. of Archeology and Heritage Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

[email protected]

Abstract The ancient irrigation system was a result of experiences. Irrigation systems meet its maximum level effectively and efficiently through this experience based establishment. Role of the canal was more centric by the means of connecting people with the tanks and dams. The reason for that was the water of the tanks and dams influxes in to fields by the canals. Many evidences about canals can found from literary sources and the inscriptions. In addition to this, records on ruined canals are available as well. When examining these data it is clear that there had been a unified irrigation system linked by canals in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. In the operational level canals behaved as veins transmitting water from one end to another end or to many ends. It was not an isolated structure that existed on earth surface, but a main part of complex system. Especially it has a inter and intra role in cultural systems - ecological systems. Operational system of canals was formed considering these same roles. In this research it is expected to do an examination about the ancient canals and their operation in the dry zone. Key words: Water management, Irrigation, Agriculture

Introduction from a tank, turning water from a dam, carrying water through inter valleys, When studying the origin of the canals of irrigation for agriculture, urban water ancient Sri Lanka, evidence could be supply, micro water supply, carrying unearthed through inscriptions and water for distant places and additional literary sources. In the inscriptions, the water supply. canals are introduced as Adi 1,2 , Ala 3 , Alå 3 and Ali 3 . Additionally, archaeological There is evidence on the use of special evidence can be found through ruined techniques for construction of these canals of ancient irrigation system of the canals. Of them, carefulness about the Island. Some of these canals had been topography is a very important factor. It is reconstructed and re used and many clear that they had paid special attention objectives can be identified for their use. on the fields like elevation, contour Priority had been given to, issuing of water system, slope, methods of getting water,

04 Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16 how and where to irrigate, condition of the other4 . Emergence and development of the canal and protection etc. Environment Sri Lankan dry zone irrigation can be friendliness can be counted as a studied and explained with this scenario characteristic feature of the ancient canals of interconnection between its systems. system. It can be identified that these canals have given a great support, to keep Collapse of the irrigation systems can be a the dry zone environment cool. possible result of the collapse of the other linked systems that existed up to the Theoretical Framework flourish of water based civilization. The main systems that joined together are Irrigation is an application in the total Buddhist cultural system, Sinhala systems of 'settlements>subsistence 1 tradition, Irrigation system, Agrarian strategy>technology> resource use of system, Social administration system, people. Environmental conditions become Monopoly system and Trade system (local a crucial factor in defining the effectiveness - foreign). The destruction or the jungle and efficiency of any type of irrigation tide came after the collapse of the work. In the case of settlements of dry Polonnaruwa civilization where, one by zone, supply and storage of water was one, of these systems inclusive of highly applicable and also highly relied on. irrigation system got faded. Agricultural subsistence of people is frequently vulnerable to the shortage of Research Methodology water supply. Ancient people employed the regional topography to store, transport This study is based on data collected from and distribute water in order to avoid field surveys. However, historic sources, collapses in the subsistence. The modern research studies and articles on development of the technology and use of ancient irrigation technology and materials for irrigation was dependent on personal communication with resource the availablity of resources. persons who are engaged in with relevant fields referred to, formed the research Due to gradual development of the background. irrigation work , some individual roles such as village leaders, elites or royal Geographical and Environmental family members emerged. With the Background passage of time the irrigation system became the force of cultural development Sri Lanka is situated in the Indian Ocean in the dry zone where several systems between northern latitude 6 and 10, and 5 emerged in its association. For an instance eastern longitude 80 and 82 . Its extent is the taxation system of irrigation not only 65,610 square kilo meters and the length of linked with agrarian system but at the the island from north to south is 432 km other end it dealt with the administration and the width from east to west is 224 km. system (including religious administration, health administration, The geographical condition of the island, etc.), monarchy system and social welfare has directly affected to form different systems. This background is comparable climatic zones. Average annual rainfall with the system theory, forwarded by varies from 900mm. to 6000 mm. The Ludwig Von, in 1940. According to his country is mainly divided into two theory, social activities had activated as geographical areas as dry zone and wet joint systems, by connecting with each zone, depending on the rainfall received. North-east monsoon is between

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December and February and it brings a King Mahasen (274-301AD) who built rainfall of about 250 mm - 500mm. to the Minneri tank, used the Elahera canal for dry zone of the country. In the wet Zone, additional water supply for irrigation. where annual rainfall is higher than 1500 According to Rajawaliya, the King mm, reddish brown soil can be seen. This constructed Talawatu oya making dams soil, which is very suitable for agriculture, for carrying water to the has directly affected the establishment of through Kara ganga9 . Nicholas 10 also settlements in this zone. There are 103 river reported that this canal can be identified as valleys in the island and out of them 83 the Talawatura oya, that runs towards the valleys are found in the Dry Zone 5, 6 . Minneriya tank through Elahera canal. It seems that this oya had been made, as a Investigation of Ancient canals canal to join with Elahera canal so that needed water was issued to the Minneri When giving attention to the ancient canals tank. It is mentioned that, the Rantisa in the dry zone, it seems preferable to Wewa or present Kawudulla tank was investigate the origin of these canals. But done by King Mahasen9 . Water supply for according to their usage, some of them this tank, may have started from Elahera seem to be connected inter valleys. In this dam and reconstructed in the period of research, attention was paid on the ancient King Wasabha. Adams, Churchhil and canals relating to Mahaweli Ganga, Kala Baily11 have pointed that the water for Oya, Malwatu Oya, and Yan Kawudulla tank was taken from the canal, Oya. that started from the stone spillway, placed from the east, between two stone spillways Canals relating to Mahaweli ganga and its in the north part of the Minneri tank. So, the tributaries canal of the west part can be identified as The canal, starting from Elahera dam, the second part of Elahera canal. historically a very old dam of Sri Lanka, Elahera canal, had been used to construct was the main source of irrigation for Gangatala vapi or Kantale tank and agriculture, that was needed in the mid 7 Giritata vapi or by King portion of North central and Eastern Aggabodhi II, because the main water provinces. It is mentioned in the ways of both these tanks had been based Mahawamsa, that the water tax of this from Elahera canal. A separate water way canal, which was collected first by King from Elahera canal, had been pointed to the Wasabha (67-111AD), had been offered to 7 Giritale tank and this point at present is the Muchela vihara of Tiswadaman . It is identified as the Diya Beduma. For the proved that this Elahera canal was Kantale tank, water is supplied through the constructed to a length of about 48 Km in Minneri tank. Accordingly, the total the period itself of King Wasabha, because length of Elahera canal can be identified as this viharaya (temple) is situated in the about 87.7 kilometers. Also King present Kawudulla area. It is clear that, by Wijayabahu I (1055-1110AD) and King this Elahera canal water would have been Parakramabahu I (1153-1186AD) have issued up to Kawudulla area, for many reconstructed this canal. centuries, prior to the construction of tanks 8 like Minneriya and Kawudulla. Nicholas The water of Elahera dam was issued to also has put forward an idea that the large tanks, as well as agricultural lands, Alisara canal must have been constructed situated in the related areas. Going before Minneri and Giritale tanks. through ancient investigation reports, 11

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Brohier12 has mentioned that, there had The main purpose of constructing the been many of stone water gates of sub canal, starting from Angammedilla dam, canals, in several places of Elahera canal. the second dam built across Amban Perhaps, getting water of Elahera canal for ganga, was to supply water to the several needs, the water sent from the dam, and the near by tanks. may not have been sufficient and even at Earlier, this canal had been introduced as present the problem, relating to Elahera Akasa ganga7 . This canal is made through canal remain same. But to overcome this the natural slope, below the Sudukanda problem in the past, irrigation technicians mountain range. Brohier12 , going through had followed two methods. One was, to the survey reports of Bleyar of 1878, collect the water of number of natural explained that one purpose of making water ways, into the lower part of the canal. Angammedilla canal, was to supply water According to that, the water of Kongettha to Minneri tank. Accordingly, it is clear oya, Heerati oya and Kottapitiya oya had that the length of this canal is about 36.6 been collected for the Elahera canal. To km. This canal has provided water to the control the speed of such collecting water, tanks – Anavulandewa and Nikawewa on large stone bunds were built, blocking the the way. water ways near the canal. Adams et-al 11 , have mentioned about many stone However the length of the part which spillways relating to such places11 . The provides water to the Parakrama Samudra purpose of such spillways was to control is about 5.5 km. So it appears that the main the collecting water during flooding and purpose of making Angammedilla canal or to send it out. Though the remnants of Akasaganga, was to supply water to feed stone spillways can't be seen at present in the distant corner of the left bank of Amban such places, the shape of such spillways ganga. It may have been felt in the dry point to that. (Figure 1) period and the methodology, followed by King Parakramabahu I. to overcome this In the other method the water collected by challenge, was to extend the canal that a dam built in the Hatthota area, blocking started from Minipe dam of Mahaweli , the main branch river that Ganga, up to Angammedilla dam and then joins the Amban ganga, just below the join it to Amban ganga. Brohier12 is of Elahera dam was taken through a canal opinion that this can be proved, going and joined to Amban ganga, just above the through the hereditary facts. Observation Elahera dam. This matter had been proved in the Wasgamuwa forest on the right bank by Adams et-al11 Going through folk tales12 . of Amban ganga, above Angammedilla Our studies too showed these folktales dam, reveal facts about a canal of this type. are true. This canal is identified as Yodhiya It had been joined to Amban ganga, about Bendi Ela in general use. The water of half a kilometer above to the dam. But the Hatthota dam, has been brought up to canal is completely ruined at present. Elahera dam through a canal, made through hillocks. This canal is completely The Minipe dam, is considered as a ruined now but parts of the canal can be construction done by King Dhatusena, identified, in the forest, relating to Kalu considering the natural structure of 7 ganga and in Wasgamuwa forest. There is Mahaweli ganga . It seems that the canal evidence that the last part of that canal starting from this dam had mainly fed a joined Amban ganga. So, it is clear that limited area of the left bank of Mahaweli water of Kalu ganga, had been taken to ganga in the first period. There is an 7,8 improve the efficiency of Elahera dam. opinion that the pabbtta canal made by

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King Mahasen can be this canal itself 5 . This There are identified facts, to prove that the canal could have been reconstructed by Minipe canal had been extended up to the Kings, Aggabodhi I (511-604AD) and Angammedilla dam. Governor, Sir Henri 14 King Sena II (893-887AD) for irrigating the Ward had mentioned that Minipe canal 12 area, between Mahaweli ganga and proceeded , up to Polonnaruwa. Brohier Amban ganga, like present Wilgamuwa had noted in his report that, this ancient and Hettipola, that are proved by canal's structure had been first examined archaeological facts that they were land by the surveyors Adams and Brode in 12 settlements by the mid part of the 1858 . Through the facts, obtained they Anuradhapura period12 . But according to have said that the Angammedilla canal is a Fernando13 this canal had been extended up part of the Minipe canal itself. It can be to Angammedilla He mentions that identified that this canal had been brought Angammedilla dam may have been through the upper parts of Mandamune constructed to send water to that by King Oya, Heen Ganga, Dodangolle canal, Pala Upatissa (365-406AD) who built Oya and Wasgamu Oya. There is very clear Thopawewa9 . Fernando 13 further says evidence about some places of this canal 12 that King Aggabodhi II and King Sena II , but, many places have been rubbed out . had extended the Minipe canal up to that13 . Today, only the upper part of this canal has But initially when this canal was built it been reconstructed and is identified as 12 may not have extended up to Yakabendi Ela . Angammedilla. It is difficult to believe that the large tank like Angammedilla had A dam had been constructed across been built for getting water to a small tank Mahaweli ganga at a place called Dastota like Thopawewa by King Upatissa. and by this water had been supplied to both banks. King Parakkramabhhu I But there are facts that Minipe canal could constructed canals from this and the canal be extended up to Angammedilla, under of right bank was named Gomathi while 7 the progress of irrigation, during the the left was known as Achirawathi . period of King Parakrambahu I. By this time, the water of Amban ganga has been Goamathi ela, directed to East has turned turned by Elahera dam and directed to up to area through Minneri, Giritale and Kawudulla irrigation Dimbulagala and then, up to scheme. So, the water could not have been area according to evidence seen. Going through the reports of Survey General received from Angammedilla dam. 12 Hence, it seems that Minipe canal had been 1898, Brohier explains that, this canal was further extended and joined to Amban a creation according to the type of land. It ganga, just above the Angammedilla dam is mentioned that the canal spill was not and by this, the additional water may have more than 8 feet in height. This canal had provided water to the tanks like Yakkure been supplied. It is clear the elevation of 12 Minipe areas of Mahaweli ganga and the wewa and Horiwila wewa . It is clear that elevation relating to Angammedilla dam this canal was constructed across natural had been used for that. Accordingly the Willu (dry grazing lands) area situated up Minipe dam also could have been a part of to Verugul Aru. It can be thought that this the irrigation system of Parakrama canal way may have been constructed for Samudra, in the period of King controlling the water scarcity of the land, Parakrambahu I. between Mahaweli ganga and Mâduru oya.

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According to Brohier12 , Achirawathi canal, to , for different purposes. King that starts from the left bank of Mahaweli Mahinda II had developed Ganga, had been introduced as Kalinga scheme (777-797AD)7 and as a solution for Ela, by Hue Nevil 12 and even at present, the insufficiency of it's water, has made a this canal is known as Kalinga Ela. When dam, at Demada oya that joins the examining the usage of this canal, it Nalanda oya, a branch river of Amban becomes clear, that it had been constructed, ganga, and water of this dam had been to feed water for the area, between joined to the Dambulu oya the upper part Mahaweli ganga and the lower part of the of Kala oya, According to the report of feeding land in to which water is given Jhon Dickson the Government Agent of from the Parakrama Samudra and Minneri Central Province, who examined the tank. On the available facts, Brohier says, folklores on such canals, this canal way is this could be a canal, that went up to about 6 miles in length. At present, this Trincomalee 12 . The speciality of this canal canal way is completely destroyed. This is, that it lies across the Amban ganga . can be also identified as a canal, that Because the water of Amban Ganga is supplied water inter valley based in the completely sent at Angammedilla dam, ancient times. only a small water way may have fallen to this place in the dry period . So, it can be According to folklore, the water of assumed that this canal could have been Amban ganga had been released through taken forward, crossing Amban ganga. It a tunnel to Mirisgoniya oya, to increase seems that the extra water of Amban ganga water limit of the Kala oya. There is in the rainy period, had been arranged to another story that the King Mahasen has run over the dam spill, that is made in the made a canal to take the water of Amban canal, across the river. ganga to Kala wewa, due to insufficiency of its water. Mostly it can be the canal, This canal is made with a large bank and it's that was made from Demada oya a branch part could be seen, at Sungawila area below of Amban ganga, to Dambulu oya. the Minneri oya. Residuals of this canal way, show, that a large water density Water from Yakâbemma dam, situated would have flowed in this canal. Brohier12 below the Kala wewa, was taken to the left points out an idea about a large tank, that bank of Kala oya. This canal was about 20 was Northward to the Amban ganga7 . The miles long and proceeded through an area 12 Chulawansa had pointed out that this canal with ancient ruins, called Sarakkugala . had been made, to overcome the long time It can be thought that, water was given by famine7 . Perhaps, it can be thought that, this canal to the tanks Kalankuttiya and this canal may have been made, to supply Midellawa and even at present, there are water to the tanks, named Parakrama facts left to identify some places of this thadaga or Parakrama sagara, that are not canal. clearly identified. The reason to think so is, the water density of the canal could be This canal which starts from the left bank, borne, only by such a large tank. As a result about 200 meters above the Alubedda old of the present settlements, this canal has dam built in Kala oya, irrigates a large been completely destroyed . area. The breadth at the bottom of the canal is almost 5 meters. It is in folklore Canal ways related to Kala oya that, this canal, runs westward and had been constructed up to Puttalama, via These canal ways had been constructed to present Parakramapura and Rajanganaya. get water from the tanks and dams related 09 Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16

However, according to the structure of this Canals, related to Malwatu oya canal, it can be assumed that water had been supplied to the tanks, Siyambalewa, There is evidence that water of Nalanda Wadu wewa and Usgala Siyambalan oya, a branch of Amban ganga, had been gamuwa. As for giving water to the used to feed Malwathu oya and the tanks Siyambalangamuwa tanks, its water could of it's valley. This water had been collected, be joined to the upper part of Siyambalan through a canal into the Mirisgoniya oya a gamuwa oya. However, from a canal feeding branch of Kala oya from its upper starting from Balalu wewa, water had also part. Then, this water had been turned by a been supplied to the Siyambalangamuwa dam, built at Mirisgoniya oya, close, to a tank. There is a belief that in the old days, place nearby Madatugama and directed for Wannihatpatthuwa of Galgamuwa into a large canal, starting from the right province, water had been supplied from bank. This is an inter valley canal and it is the Siyambalangamuwa tank. The facts of a known as Yoda Ela in use. Though the dam large canal found from Nanneriya area built in Mirisgoniya oya, is no more, the could be that. Water from the old dam, canal started from that, can be identified found at the place named Palamgala of clearly. This canal is joined into the upper Kala oya, was also taken to the right bank part of Malwatu oya, through the tanks, area of Kala oya. Ruins of that canal made Elagamuwa, Korasagalla and for, could be found at several places. It is Maminiyawa. By a canal that starts from a the Raja Ela in usage. This canal is a good dam across Malwatu oya, the water is example of systematic canal, made in the directed to the Eru Wewa and then joined ancient times. (Figures 2,3) into the upper part of Kanadara oya.

There is evidence that water had been The purpose of this, would have been to supplied to areas surrounding the river. supply additional water, to Mahakanadara According to Brohier12 the canal way had Wewa built across Kanadara oya and to been constructed following the contours of Mahagalkadawala tank. In addition to the land(Figure 4). Water from these that, for tanks like Kattimuruchchana, canals was taken to the neighboring tanks, Meewellewa, Pallankulama and by the sub canals, joined to the mother Nochchikulama that are situated between canal. Facts about many of such canals can them, water may have been supplied be identified in the Wilpattu sanctuary. through this canal. There is a belief, that Here the right bank canal can be identified Yoda Ela, supplied water up to the as having gone to Pomparippu side northern area of Malwatu oya. This could through the Wilpattu sanctuary. There is be accepted as true since Kanadara oya, evidence to show that, the Pomparippu situated below Mahagalkadawala tank, province had settlements, before received water from this canal . The Anuradhapura period itself 14 . Irrigation founder of several tanks of Malwatu oya for those settlements may have been from valley, including the tanks this canal. Brohier has mentioned that the Mahakanadarawa and Mahagalkadawala left bank canal way runs to a distance of was King Mahasen (270-301AD) and it about 14 miles 12 . Currently, this canal way could be accepted that the founder of these is reconstructed and it gives water to the canals was also the same king. Neelabemma dam, which is reconstructed for Neelabemma scheme. It is clear that the main purpose of collecting the water of Nalanda oya to Mirisgonia oya, had been to increase it's

10 Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16 water density and through that to increase Oya ,a main feeding waterway of Deduru the amount of water to the Malwatu oya. oya, for the South area of Kospotu oya. Additionally water supply needed to Kala Evidence could be identified that, the water oya also could have been given. So as Kala turned from the Kimbulwana dam, had Wewa gets additional water, large amount been issued for the south and left bank of water could have been supplied to itself. A little of this canal way can be Anuradhapura through old Jaya Ganga identified but, at many places the canal from Kala Wewa . It can be identified that way, have been turned into paddy fields the river valleys of Mahaweli, Kala and and at other places have been destroyed Malwatu had been joined each other by this due to natural and human activities. Even canal system. But it is sad that, this great of the tank, named Gal wewa, only the canal system had been completely large tank bund is seen at present. Because destroyed, because of the present the water gate built between two stone Mahaweli scheme and the settlements. rocks was destroyed, this tank has been ruined. Water supply to the ancient city of Anuradhapura had been from Malwatu A big volume of water, collecting in this oya through canal constructed. At the dam, had been carried through the canals of starting point of present Halpana ela it's right bank. Through this canal, water of evidence of the ancient canals could be Kimbulwana oya had been taken into the seen. Of these the left canal which is ancient Tilagullaka vapi, (Thalagalla tank) visibkle even now had been constructed situated beyond 10 kilometers. This tank, through Mahavihara and built in the Anuradhapura period is a large Jethwanaramaya. (Figure 5) one but, currently it is completely destroyed. According to that, at the time It can be thought that the additional water, this dam was created., the water of needed to Anuradhapura main city could Kimbulwana oya first flowed into be received from the Malwatu oya, with the Talagalla Wewa and the spilled water help of this canal. In addition to this, two when through the canal, named Talagalla dams have been built to supplying ela again to Deduru oya. Malwatu oya water to the Yodha wewa and Aakattimuruppu tank, situated near The dam constructed across Hakwatuna Mannar. Of them, the canal starting from oya had supplied water only to the left Pilmadu dam to the Akattimuruppu tank is tanks. The canal known as Yodhaya Pital named as Yodha Ela and the canal, had been constructed in a special way to beginning from Thekkam dam for supply water only for one bank. carrying water to the old Yodha wewa, is named as Aalawakka ela 5. This canal runs through Wanduressa, Galketiyawa and Thammennagama and Canals, relating to Deduru oya after the Magama paddy land joined the natural water way, named Balla ela. The Evidence for existence of many canals residents say that even in 1950, this canal connected to Daduru oya could be seen. was seen well and even the stone These canals had originated from Deduru pavement, constructed to stop the washing oya owing to the constructions of many out of the canal bund, had been present. But dams and these canals had supplied water due to settlements, this canal too had been for irrigation in these areas. greatly destroyed. Another view is that, the ancient Tilagullakavapi or Talagalle ela Water had been received from Alawala had been irrigated by this canal. ancient dam, built by blocking the Kospotu 11 Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16

The canal that took the water of old evidence of field channels in which the Dooradattika dam is, now named as Kap water had been taken from the main canal, ela. This canal starts from right bank, and for cultivating the farm lands. Three such proceeds about 300 meters North wards field channels could be identified, in the and then runs turning to North west a left and right bank. The top width of a little. Kap ela had been connected to field channel is about 3 meters and the Palugas ela. The former was connected to bottom width is about 1 meter. Deduru oya and was nearly 6m in depth at the starting point. At present, the canal of left bank is introduced as Thammenna ela. Though the The main objective of building the dam starting point of this canal is covered with Sukara Nijjara or old Ridibendi ella was to forest, still it can be identified clearly up to provide water to the Magalla wewa, which Wilagama Wewa. Two banks of the canal was made by King Mahasen and later appear well in form and the bottom seems reconstructed by King Parakrambahu I. flat in shape. The distance between the two banks at the top is about 6.50 meters and There is evidence that, water had been the bottom about 3.20 meters. According received for both valleys of Deduru Oya to the type of canal, it is clear that this is an from the canals, believed to have situated artificial one. The water obtained from this relating Polonthalawa, Deduru oya right canal, may be less in capacity, according to bank and Wilagama left bank, about 10 the size and the type of it. This water, first kilometers from Nikaweratiya. At flowed into Wilagama tank and then to present, this is known as Yodha ela. There several other tanks below that. Evidence is are evidences that the water, taken from found that Upakela Wewa, Geekiyan Yodha ela was carried first to agedara wewa, Talanpola Mahawewa and Kollandaluwa tank and then that water Getulawa Wewa had taken water from this was sent, to Pallama tank through the canal. canal. Canals related to Because of this canal, the small tanks also could have been filled and the cultivation The development activities in the Yan oya in the area, would have been successful as valley had benefited much from canals. a result of rising underground water level. Ilukwewa dam that was situated below It can be decided that while this canal was Huruluwewa supplied water through proceeding up to Pallama tank, it had canals to the left bank of Yan oya. provided water for the old settlements situated at present in Polonthalawa, The present canals also are lying through Kadigawa, Welikela, Magurankadawala, that. According to folklore water from the Teiyâdaluwa, Kollandaluwa, Pankuliya, dam, built in Yan oya at Habagama area, Watupola, Thorawatawana a n d was given to a large pond, situated about Maduwakkulama. Kadigawa had been fed one mile apart from the south area of the by old Yodha ela, and it runs through this oya. This pond was situated near a land area at a distance of about 1.2 km away named Brahmanaya kanda which is now from Deduru oya. In this area, the top known as Makarayavila. width of the canal is about 10 meters and bottom width is about 4 meters. So it can The ancient Yan oya dam is situated about be assumed that a large capacity of water, 4km above the Horowpothana-Trincomlee had gone in this canal. There is clear road.

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The canal, starting about 35 meters above Canals, related to Ma oya the dam, runs to the jungle, being aside from the oya, can be identified. Clear facts This canal that originated about 100m could be identified to prove that there had away from the dam had supplied water to been ancient settlements in this jungle. an agricultural area that was known as Ruins of old temples, land areas with Makandura paddy lands. Cultivation of broken pieces of pots and tanks that are these lands had been initiated during the ruined could be seen. The object of this old reign of King Parakkramabhahu I. dam could have been to supply water for such settlements. Technical devices

By the ancient dam of Yan oya found at the When examining the ancient canal ways, end of Wile wewa, water had been the character that could be mainly by supplied to the left bank area. Remnants identified is, that canals were designed to of this canal are still seen and is known as match the environment. Even though at Yodha ela among residents. This canal has the start of the canal it takes an artificial provided water for a number of large look, after it runs a little distance begins tanks situated at the left bank of Yan oya. to resemble a natural canal. This is Wara wewa, Pothanegama wewa, because the ancient canals were Hambaregama wewa and Maha wewa are constructed following the natural slope among them. The main object of building and the contour system of the land. this dam could be identified as to supply Natural bends, islands, rocks and falls water to a large tank, situated at the were created on the way of these ancient Mekichchawakatuwa, an ancient village, canal ways and these could be identified adjacent to Habagama. It is the last one of when looking through the canals like above mentioned tanks. Elahera and Angammedilla

By the ancient dam, built by blocking the In many places, the dam of the canal is Yan oya at an area close to Wahalkada built only on one side, so as to protect the tank, water had been taken only for it's left lower side of the land. This dam in some bank. evidence for the canal can be seen places is about 9-10.5 meters high and about 20 meters above the wall. But, when the slope of the land is more, the according to, Vikcvor, there was a canal in height of the dam too had gone up. In the right bank of the oya, about 14 chains some lands, where even both sides of the above to the dam and it again joined the canal had been raised up and by that Yan oya, about 10 chains below the dam. spreading of the water from both sides at He says that, no any other canal was unnecessary places had been controlled. It found, joining to that and perhaps it may can be seen in ancient canal ways, in be covered with soil 15 . But no facts were several places, water spreading lands found in this study, to prove the idea of (Pitiya) and spillways made of stones. The Vikcvor. So, it can be thought that he has purpose of this, had been, to protect the quested, that a part formed by erosion of canal walls from pressure and erosion, the oya was the canal. It is clear that by the owing to extra water, that could be canal, identified in this study, water had collected into the canal during the rainy issued to a large land of the left bank, time and through that to protect the farm which was unable to get water from the lands and settlements below that. Brohier Wahalkada tank. says that the length of an ancient stone spillway, built in the Elahera canal way,

13 Withanachchi. Rajarata University Journal 2015, 3: 4 -16 was about 15.2 meters 12 . He further states dry zone than at present. As a result the that strong stone bunds had been put up to economy of the country was good and stop the damages from water that flowed also had created a self sufficient life style from the upper areas to the canal. for the people.

Conclusion Some canals, relating to ancient tanks and dams have been reconstructed so as to When studying ancient canals, it became protect the ancient structure. These clear that the main objective of making canals made according to the new them was not only to supply water to a engineering methods could resemble the tank, but also to feed water, direct to the ancient canal ways that have been farm lands. While examining the destroyed. The new canal ways, relating relationship among the tanks that were to the dams like Elahera, Angammedilla mentioned earlier in the paper, it became and Halpanu of Malwatu oya can be clear that the tank was always kept identified, made again through the old creative, due to support of canals and the canal ways. But damages have occurred dam. According to the sizes of many tanks because of present canal way, for the and the number of farm lands that were fed Yodha Ela, starting from Kala Wewa, and by them, it appears that there would have the Yodha Ela that carries water from been insufficiency of water capacity to Thekkam dam of Malwatu Oya and also at irrigate farm lands As such a constant some places in the ancient canal that water supply had been given to those tanks carried the water of Deduru Oya to to overcome this deficiency. Because of the Magalle Wewa. This study has shown ability to issue the full requirement of that many tanks, dams and canals had water, needed for farm lands, there may been destroyed mainly due to settlements. not have been bare lands in ancient times An example for this is the destruction of due to scarcity of water like now. The ancient Kalinga Ela that is starting from a large tanks fed by dams could have been dam of Ambanganga. needed as water stores and because of the ability of supplying water from them to the Acknowledgment neighboring small tanks through the canals, the farm lands under those small I am grateful to Professor Gamini tanks may have been cultivated Adhikari of Postgraduate Institute of successfully. Archeology, Colombo and Mr. Pemasinghe Bandaranayeke, Due to constant water circulation among Agriculturist, for their valuable the dams, canals, tanks and farm lands comments. during the period in which the irrigation systems were creative and coupled with References absorption and transpiration of water the areas would have been cold. Further, 1. Paranavitana S. Inscription of because of water absorption, the Ceylon Vol. i. Part. i. Colombo: underground water level was also at a Department of Archaeology, 1970. higher level, than now. This situation 2. Paranavitana S. Epigraphia helped to create jungles and to grow long Zeylanica Vol. iii . Published for time crops and at this time may have the Government of Ceylon. experienced a suitable climate and London: Oxford University environment for the people to live in the Press, 1933.

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3. Paranavitana S. Inscription of 11. Adams AY, Churchill JF, Bailey J. Ceylon Vol. ii. Part. i., Colombo, 'Report On the Canal From Department of Archaeology, 1983. Ellehara near Matelle,to Minnery. And Thence to Gantalawe, near 4. Bertalanffy LV. General system Trincomalie'., Ceylon Almanac, theory: Essays on its foundation a n d Colombo: Government Press, development. rev. ed. New York: 1857, Appendix.: 1–13. George Braziller, 1968. 12. Brohier RL. Ancient Irrigation 5. Arumugam. S. Water Resources of Works in Ceylon. Colombo: The Ceylon. Colombo: Water Resources Ministry of Mahaweli Board Publication, 1969. Development,: 1934 (1979), Part I – II. 6. Cooray PG. An Introduction to the Geology of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), 13. Fernando ADN.'Major Ancient Colombo: National Museums of Sri Irrigation Works of Sri Lanka, Lanka, 1984. Journal of Royal Asiatic Society Ceylon Branch, New Series, 1980: 7. S u m a n g a l a t h e r o . Special No. Vol. XXII,:1 – 24. Batuwanthudawe. (Ed). Mahawamsa, Sinhala edition., 14. Ward HG, Extract from a Minute Colombo, 1969. by His Excellency the Governor on the Eastern Province, Ceylon 8. Nicholas CW. Historical Almanac, Appendix, : 1857,18-23. Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon, Journal of the Royal 15. Begly. V.'Excavation of Iron Age Asiatic Society (NS) 1959; Vol. vi Burials at Pomparippu 1970. 9. Suraweera AV. Rajawaliya. Ancient Ceylon, Colombo: Sinhala edition , C o l o m b o : Department of Archaeology, Department of Educational :1981, No 4,:49 – 95. publication, 1997. 16. Administration Report , Wickwar 10. Nicholas CW. Addition and AJ. Colombo: Survey Amendments to the Historical of Department, 1897. Ancient and Medieval Ceylon, Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (NS) 1961;Vol. vii, ii.

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Figure 1. Part of ancient canal beginning from Figure 4. Right bank of canal that commence Elahara dam from Neelabamma dam of Kala Oya

Figure 5. Ancient Halpana Ela that Figure 2. commenced from Malwatu Oya Canal from Kala Oya at its starting point

Figure 3. Ancient canal that commenced from Kala Oya.

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