Jõed

Sri Lanka jõed saavad alguse keskmägismaalt. Sealt laskuvad nad tasandikele ja suubuvad merre. Jõed on oma kõrgemates osades tavaliselt laevatatamatud, kus nad voolavad kiiresti ja turbulentselt läbi tugevalt erodeerunud käikude allpool asuvatele tasandikele. Paljud jõed laskuvad üle järskude kaljude, moodustades suurejoonelisi jugasid. Alamjooksul looklevad jõed aeglaselt läbi üleujutuslagede ja deltade.

Sri Lanka pikim jõgi Mahaweli läbib umbes 330 km (umbes 205 miili). See voolab kirdesse üle keskmägismaa ja suubub Bengali lahte Trincomalee sadama lähedal idarannikul. Riigi teine pikim jõgi on Aravi Aru, mis läbib umbes 220 km (umbes 135 miili) loodes keskmägismaalt Mannari lahte.

Sri Lankal pole looduslikke järvi. Mahaweli ja teiste jõgede tammid on loonud suured veehoidlad. Lisaks paikneb põhja-kesktasandikel rida väikeseid veehoidlaid, mida nimetatakse tankideks ja mis hoiavad vett kuival aastaajal. Mõned tankid ehitati koguni 2000 aastat tagasi.

Suur osa Sri Lankast on kuiv ja seal on vaid mõned püsivad jõed. Edelaosa piirkonna „märgtsooni” iseloomustavad aga arvukad jõed, mis algavad saare keskosa kõrgetes mägedes. Need mitmekesised jõevalgad toetavad veetaimede, karpide ja kalade endeemilisi populatsioone.

Sri Lanka teadaolevate mageveeliikide hulka kuulub 90 kala (millest 26 on endeemilised) ja 21 krabi, kuid käimasolevad uuringud näitavad, et kirjeldamata liikide arv on potentsiaalselt üsna suur.

  • Explore the majestic Mahaweli River, Sri Lanka’s longest river, offering serene boat rides and opportunities for birdwatching and nature adventures along its winding course through scenic valleys.

    Mahaweli River 

  • The Kelani River is a 145-kilometre-long (90 mi) river in Sri Lanka. It flows through or borders the Sri Lankan districts of Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Gampaha and Colombo.

    Kelani River 

  • Kalu Ganga is a river in Sri Lanka. Measuring 129 km (80 mi) in length. The mountainous forests in the Province and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve are the main sources of water for the river.

    Kalu Ganga 

  • The southern region of Sri Lanka is exalted by a bushel of enthralling and glorified rivers and the Walawe River is one of them. Gently flowing through the Udawalawe National Park, the Walawe River provides water for a multitude of species of mesmerising fauna.

    Walawe River 

  • The Deduru Oya Dam is an embankment dam built across the Deduru River in Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. Built in 2014, the primary purpose of the dam is to retain approximately a billion cubic metres of water for irrigation purposes, which would otherwise flow out to sea.

    Deduru Oya 

  • The Malvathu River  long river in Sri Lanka, connecting the city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital of the country for over 15 centuries, to the coast of Mannar. It currently ranks as the second longest river in the country, with a great historic significance.

    Malwathu Oya 

  • It was around these ancient tank (water storage reservoir) irrigation systems that the economy and human settlements of early Sri Lankan society were organised into a “hydraulic civilization”.

    Kala Oya 

  • Discover Gal Oya, a tranquil sanctuary in Sri Lanka, known for its lush landscapes, rich wildlife, and serene boat safaris, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and wildlife.

    Gal Oya 

  • The Gin Ganga, is a 115.9 km (72 mi) long river situated in Galle District of Sri Lanka. The river's headwaters are located near Deniyaya, bordering the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

    Gin Ganga 

  • Experience the serene beauty of Kirindi Oya, a tranquil river in Sri Lanka. Enjoy scenic boat rides, lush landscapes, and opportunities for birdwatching, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

    Kirindi Oya 

  • The Kumbukkan Oya is the twelfth-longest river of Sri Lanka. It is approximately 116 km (72 mi) long. Its catchment area receives approximately 2,115 million cubic metres of rain per year.

    Kumbukkan Oya 

  • The Maduru Oya is a major stream in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is approximately 135 km (84 mi) in length. approximately 3,060 million cubic metres of rain per year

    Maduru Oya 

  • The Maha Oya measures approximately 134 km (83 mi) in length. It runs across four provinces and five districts. Maha Oya has 14 Water supply networks to serve the need of water.

    Maha Oya 

  • Explore the peaceful Manik River, surrounded by lush greenery and rich wildlife. Enjoy scenic boat rides and nature walks, offering a serene and refreshing experience.

    Manik River 

  • The Yan Oya, 142 km long and receives 2,371 million cubic meters of rainfall annually, with 17% flowing to the sea. Its catchment area covers 1,520 square kilometers.

    Yan Oya 

  • The Mi oya is a 108 km (67 mi) long river, in North Western of Sri Lanka. It is the fifteenth-longest river in Sri Lanka. It begins in Saliyagama and flows northwest, emptying into the Indian Ocean thru Puttalam.

    Mi Oya