Thekkama Anicut

Thekkama Anicut Thekkama Anicut Thekkama Anicut

This is the second largest reservoir made in the ancient Sri Lanka with a 7.4 km long curving dam is attributed to king Dhatusena (459-477) who diverted water from Malwathu Oya and a built a 25km long canal along the flat land to built Yodha Wewa.

The water was diverted at a location know as Thekkama on Mawathu Oya. The Thekkama Anicut is constructed with giant granite blocks using a rocky foundation at an angle across the river. This anicut is about 640 feet (approx 200 meters) long, 90 feet wide (27.5 meters) and rises up to 12 feet (3.7 meters). On the northern side of the anicut, there are 3 large openings to release excess water.

History Some historians have speculated that Giant's Tank is the same as the Mahanama Matha Vapi tank built by King Dhatusena in the fifth century and restored by King Parakramabahu I in the twelfth century.

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