Hydrogeological aspect of Mahaweli G settlement systems : a research report

Abstract

Mahaweli settlement system G is surrounded by wild The area is reminiscent of our ancient It lies in the administrative covering an area of 9000 bounded on the East and South but tributary of the river life country, hydraulic civilization. district of Polonnaruwa, hectares, and is the meandering Ambanganga a Mahaweli, on the West by Elahera Minneriya Yoda Ela and on the North by Radavige Oya. The area covers the old Elahera Colony of 1947 where families were settled in an irrigable area of 2208 hectares and the new settlement in an irrigable area of 2952 hectares.

The gross extent of the Mahaweli G area is 9592 hectares. The old Minneriya - Elahera canal, a great engineering the diversion of the Mahaweli stands ancient hydraulic engineers. feat of as a living testimony to our The canal called Yoda Ela was built during the reign of king Mahasena (275-301 AD) as a result of an anicut across the Ambanganga. The area is presently irrigated from Elahera - Minneriya Fourty Two outlets distribute water to 46 irrigated areas referred to as 'tracks’. The outlet gates are in a bad state.