Wemedilla Reservoir is a relatively new reservoir located in the Galewela Divisional Secretariat of Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka. Completed in 2009, it was constructed to irrigate approximately 2,000 acres of agricultural land. The reservoir has a capacity of 5.70 million cubic meters and features a 72-foot-high embankment dam with a 35-foot-deep clay core, built by the Department of Irrigation.

The reservoir is surrounded by notable peaks such as Kadigala, Dummalakanda, and Diyabariyagala, making it a picturesque location. A unique feature of Wemedilla Reservoir is the statue of Mother Mary situated near the spillway, reflecting the significant Catholic community in the area. In recent studies, the potential for enhancing the reservoir’s capacity by incorporating Piano Key Weir (PKW) type spillways has been explored. This modification could increase the reservoir’s capacity by approximately 11% without raising the bund level or requiring additional land acquisition. Visitors to Wemedilla Reservoir can access it via roads from Puwakpitiya at Galewela or from Wahakotte. The area offers opportunities for hiking and photography, with the reservoir’s serene environment and surrounding landscapes providing a peaceful retreat.

Historical Significance

1. Continuation of Sri Lanka’s Ancient Irrigation Legacy

• Sri Lanka has a rich history of hydraulic civilization, with reservoirs dating back over 2,000 years (e.g., Kala Wewa, Parakrama Samudraya).
• Though modern, Wemedilla follows the same principle of water conservation and distribution used by ancient Sinhalese kings.

2. Strategic Location

• Wemedilla lies in a historically significant region where early Sinhalese kingdoms flourished.
• The reservoir is located near Dambulla and Sigiriya, sites linked to King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) and Buddhist heritage.

3. Influence of Colonial & Post-Colonial Irrigation Efforts

• Large-scale reservoir construction declined during the colonial era (1505–1948), but after independence, Sri Lanka revived its irrigation tradition.
• Wemedilla was built as part of this post-independence effort, supporting 2,000 acres of farmland.

4. Religious & Cultural Importance

• Near the spillway, there is a statue of Mother Mary, signifying the presence of a Catholic community in the region. This mix of Buddhism and Christianity reflects the multi-religious heritage of the Matale District.