Sri Lanka's Greatest Rivers: A Journey Through Water | Travel go

The island country of Sri Lanka located in the South Asian region is fortunate enough to have numerous rivers flowing from its central mountain region to the Indian Ocean around it. Approximately 103 rivers exist on this island, which serve many purposes including farming, hydroelectric power production, transport and the daily activities of millions of people living in Sri Lanka. Here I will introduce to you some of the major rivers of this unique island.

The Mahaweli: Our Great Sandy River

When talking about rivers in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli comes out first. This is the biggest river in Sri Lanka, spanning around 335 kilometers from the peaks of the mountains all the way to the ocean. In its very name lies its description; "Mahaweli" literally means "great sandy river" in Sinhala.

This may come as a surprise to some, but the general belief among people is that the source of the Mahaweli is at the peak of the Sri Pada Mountain (better known as Adam's Peak). The belief, however, is wrong since the source of the Mahaweli lies within the Horton Plains in the Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola mountain ranges.

It meanders through Kandy. You can find it in the renowned Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, if you travel northeast from there through the lowlands. Ultimately, it makes its way to the sea, which is off the coast of Trincomalee, where it discharges itself into Koddiyar Bay. This particular journey takes the river through almost one-fifth of the total area of the island. Reflect on that statement for a bit; just one river system flowing through that much of the country.

The real game changer came in the form of the Mahaweli Development Project that took place in the 1970s. The authorities constructed six large dams on the river, which currently provides more than 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s power needs. However, the benefits don’t stop here; it also supplies irrigation water to almost 1,000 square kilometers of agricultural land in the dry region, which otherwise used to be arid land but now produces rice crops.

Malwathu Oya: The River of Ancient Kings

                                        

Malwathu Oya, which is among the most historically significant and sacred rivers of Sri Lanka, winds beautifully across the city of Anuradhapura, bringing along culture, civilization, and natural beauty

Encircled by serene greenery, ancient remains of civilization, and eternal rural scenery, this serene river is an ideal retreat for all those who love nature, photography, and peace – a reminder of the rich history and charm of Sri Lanka, in the form of serenity, The second longest river of Sri Lanka is the Malwathu Oya, which spans an approximate distance of 164 kilometers

Kala Oya: A River That Shares              

The Kala Oya river spans a distance of approximately 92 miles from Dambulla to Wilpattu in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka. The interesting thing about the Kala Oya is how much it depends on the Mahaweli river system, in that 75 percent of the water in the Kala Oya comes from the Mahaweli River while 25 percent comes from rainfall. It seems as if the rivers are cooperating, which I think is neat.

The farmers in the lower basin depend heavily on the Kala Oya river for their rice irrigation.

Kelani River: The Heart of Colombo

However, should anyone be asked to tell something about the rivers in Colombo, he would instantly name the Kelani River. Indeed, despite being only the fourth longest river in the country (about 90 miles long), it is probably the most economically significant. Why? Because it runs through the main commercial center of the country.

The Kelani River rises in the highlands of the Sri Pada Mountain Range, flows through numerous valleys and finally reaches the city. Being a very important place for the locals, the Kelani River is considered to be sacred. There is an amazing temple located on its banks, which attracts numerous pilgrims, and the river is of great significance in the Buddhist rites of the locals.

Thousands of people earn their living thanks to the Kelani fishermen, agricultural production, irrigated by the Kelani, as well as transportation services along the river. Power plants, situated on the Kelani banks, provide energy supply to the city of Colombo. However, I have to admit, that currently the river faces many problems.

However, there is also a bright spot, in that if you travel up the river to Kitulgala, you will have one of the most exciting whitewater rafting spots in all of South Asia.

The Others: Each One Unique

There are more than one hundred rivers in Sri Lanka, each with its own features. The rivers Yan Oya and Deduru Oya have a length of about 88 miles, while Deduru flows through four provinces. There is also a reservoir here that has become a popular place for family picnics and observing birds.

Walawe Ganga flows for 86 miles, while Maduru Oya is 84 miles long and has a dam that irrigates the nearby fields. Maha Oya, which is 83 miles long, is important since it provides water for a million inhabitants of Sri Lanka using different water systems.

There is also the Kalu Ganga or "Black River", named this way because of its dark colored water from the tannin flowing through the most beautiful rainforests of Sri Lanka such as Sinharaja. Kalu Ganga, which is 80 miles long, is a great destination for nature and bird watching fans, since it starts from Adam's Peak, passes through Ratnapura (known for gems), Kalutara and empties into the ocean.

Gin Ganga has a length of about 113 kilometers and flows from Gongala Mountains in the Galle district. Here you will see the longest bridge in Sri Lanka - Wakwella Bridge.

More Than Just Geography

A fact that you may be unaware of is that there are actually two distinct terms in the Sinhala language to refer to rivers. Rivers referred to as Ganga flow continuously whereas those referred to as Oya have a seasonal flow and can become dry during the dry season.

Our rivers are relatively short when compared with those found in larger countries. Rivers originate from higher elevations in the Central Highlands with some being as high as 2,400 meters above the mean sea level, flowing to the ocean. Southwest is the area with the highest density of rivers and hence it is the most fertile area on the island.

The Challenges We Face

There is no doubt that our rivers are facing danger. Due to deforestation in the hills, there will be increased erosion. Pollution enters our rivers via factories and residential areas. There is sand mining in the rivers, and pesticides used by farmers flow into the water. Also, the invasive species affect the ecosystems that have been there for thousands of years.

The Nilwala River, which can be found in the south and extends about 72 kilometers from the Sinharaja forest to Matara, is facing many of the same issues, even though it is important for the agricultural development of the southern area. This needs to change. Conservation is not only about wildlife but also about protecting our water supply.

Nilwala River

Why These Rivers Matter

Sri Lankan civilization wouldn't be possible without these rivers. Water has been an important part of our lifestyle since the days of the hydraulic kingdoms of Anuradhapura until today when we have hydroelectric power. It is not only the lines in the map but also a part of our culture, religion, economy, and life.

No matter whether you are rafting along the white waters of Kelani, praying at the riverside temples, fishing with your granddad just as he used to do before or just sitting on the bridge admiring the river flow, you are connected to it in some ways. These rivers know thousands of years of history and if we treat them properly, they will flow for thousands more years.

What is special about rivers? They are very patient. They never stop their flow, form the land, bring life and we should be worthy of it.