Where is Tabbowa Wewa located?

Tabbowa Wewa is situated in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, close to the town of Puttalam. It lies within the Mee Oya river basin and is fed by the Nanneri Oya, a tributary of the Mee Oya.

Who built Tabbowa Wewa?

The reservoir is traditionally attributed to King Kavantissa, who ruled the Ruhuna kingdom in the 2nd century BCE. However, written records are limited and the attribution is based largely on regional chronicles rather than inscriptions or archaeological evidence.

How large is Tabbowa Wewa?

At full capacity, the tank covers approximately 461 hectares (around 4.6 sq. km). Its dam is 1,910 metres long and 9 metres high, with a total storage capacity of 19 million cubic metres and a catchment area of 384 square kilometres.

What birds can I see at Tabbowa Wewa?

The reservoir attracts wading birds and waterfowl including painted storks, open-billed storks, purple herons, and several kingfisher species. Early morning visits along the bund offer the best sightings, particularly during the dry season when water levels are lower.

Are there crocodiles in Tabbowa Wewa?

Yes, mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are present in the reservoir, as they are in many ancient tanks across Sri Lanka's dry zone. Visitors should exercise caution near the water's edge, especially at dawn and dusk when crocodiles are most active.

Is Tabbowa Wewa still used for irrigation?

Yes, the reservoir remains an active irrigation source for surrounding paddy fields, supplying water during both the Yala and Maha cultivation seasons. It was restored between 1913 and 1925 and again in 1969 to maintain this agricultural function.

How far is Tabbowa Wewa from Colombo?

The reservoir is approximately 140 kilometres north of Colombo, reachable via the A3 highway through Negombo and Chilaw towards Puttalam. The drive typically takes around two and a half to three hours depending on traffic conditions.

Can I combine a visit to Tabbowa Wewa with Wilpattu National Park?

Yes, Tabbowa Wewa is conveniently located near the approach routes to Wilpattu National Park, making it a natural addition to a Wilpattu-focused itinerary. Travellers heading north from Colombo to Wilpattu can stop at the reservoir en route without a significant detour.

Tabbowa Wewa Reservoir

The Tabbowa Wewa (also written as Thabbowa, Thabbova, Tabbova) is a ancient irrigation system in the Mee (Mi) Oya basin, constructed by damming the Nanneri Oya, a major tributary of the Mee Oya , for irrigation purposes. The reservoir was restored between 1913-1925 and then again in 1969. The Tank covers an area of of 461 hectares (4.6 sq. kilometers) at full capacity.

There is not much evidence on its construction and its history. However it is believed built by King Kawantissa.

Irrespective of the time in which it was built, Tabbowa Wewa holds a timeless significance as an irrigation lifeline. R. L. Brohier has quoted from a chronicle from ancient Sath Korale on Tabbowa.