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The Mahaweli River is the longest river in Sri Lanka, measuring 335 km (208 mi),
and has the largest drainage basin in the country. It flows from its source in the central highlands
to its mouth in Trincomalee Bay, where it meets the Bay of Bengal.
The river is crucial for irrigation
and hydropower, with numerous dams built as part of the Mahaweli Development Project to provide water
to dry areas and generate electricity.it Historical evidence reveal that regionally the river was
known by numerous names, like for instance in Kotmale as Barakasnadi, in Kandy by the names of
Maha-ganga, and Maha-waluka-nadi, in Mahiyangana as Ma-wali- ganga, in Polonnaruwa as Kalinga ganga,
and towards the end point it was known by the name of Rohini.
The Mahaweli is the most important river
in Sri Lanka in terms of discharge and drainage area. It carries the largest volume of water amounting
to one seventh of SriLanka's total runoff and has a basin that covers 15 per cent of the country's land.
The Mahaweli River starts from Polwathura/Mahavila area with its water source starting from the Horton Plains National Park.
The Mahaweli is the most important river in Sri Lanka in terms of discharge and drainage area. It carries the largest volume of water amounting to one seventh of SriLanka's total runoff and has a basin that covers 15 per cent of the country's land.
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In 1961 the Sirimavo Bandaranayake government of Ceylon requested assistance from the Special Fund of the United Nations to survey the Mahaweli Ganga Basin and the Dry Zone areas. The funding was approved and the project operation started in 1964.
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The query is a misspelling of "Kelani River," which is a major river in Sri Lanka. It
is crucial for
Colombo, supplying about 80% of its water, and is vital for hydroelectricity, transport, and fishing.
The river is also known for its issues with pollution and flooding, especially in the lower parts of
the basin.
Location and length: The Kelani River is 145 km (90 mi) long and flows from the Central
Highlands, near the Sri Pada mountain, to the Indian Ocean near Colombo. Importance to Colombo: It is
the primary source of water for the city, supplying approximately 80% of Colombo's water needs.Economic
uses: The river is used for hydroelectricity, transport, fisheries, and sand mining.
Environmental
issues: It is considered the most polluted river in Sri Lanka and is prone to frequent flooding,
particularly in urban areas. Water quality: Water quality is poorer in the lower reaches, especially
near industrial areas, while the upper parts are of better quality.
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Due to the heavy rainfall and the steep terrain of the upper catchment, lower basin of the Kelani River is subjected to heavy floods. Especially, the Floodplain is formed below Glencourse gauge which is about 53 kilometers upstream of the sea outfall.
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The Kalani River or Kaali Nadi is a river flowing through Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. The river rises near Kushavali, a small village in Uttar Kannada district.
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The Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment for the groundwater of the Kelani River Basin has ranked the water as 'poor' for drinking purposes (Mahagamage et al. 2016), and the entire basin is known to be contaminated with total coliform bacteria (Mahagamage et al. 2020).
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Kalu Ganga is a major river in Sri Lanka that originates in the central highlands
and flows into the
Indian Ocean at Kalutara. It is known for its length of about 129 km, its path through Ratnapura and the
Kalutara District, and its high volume of runoff, which often results in flooding.
The river is
fed by
sources in the Sri Pada Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.Origin and
destination: It begins in the central hills, specifically the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary at an altitude
of 2,250 meters, and ends at Kalutara, where it meets the Indian Ocean. Course: It flows through the
cities of Ratnapura and Horana before reaching the coast.
Due to the heavy rainfall and the steep terrain of the upper catchment, lower basin of the Kelani River is subjected to heavy floods. Especially, the Floodplain is formed below Glencourse gauge which is about 53 kilometers upstream of the sea outfall.
The Kalani River or Kaali Nadi is a river flowing through Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. The river rises near Kushavali, a small village in Uttar Kannada district.
The Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment for the groundwater of the Kelani River Basin has ranked the water as 'poor' for drinking purposes (Mahagamage et al. 2016), and the entire basin is known to be contaminated with total coliform bacteria (Mahagamage et al. 2020).
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The Walawe River is a major river in southern Sri Lanka, originating from the central hills near Adam's Peak and flowing 138 km to discharge into the Indian Ocean at Ambalantota. Its basin is the third largest in Sri Lanka, covers an area of about 2,442 \(km^{2}\), and is crucial for the region's agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems, particularly with dams at Udawalawe and Samanala providing irrigation and hydropower. It flows through Udawalawe National Park, supporting a diverse range of wildlife.
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The river basin is linked to the epic Ramayana, with Sri Lankan legends and the text itself claiming King Ravana ruled parts of Sri Lanka from the Walawe basin around 1500 BC.
A key feature of the Walawe River is its importance for irrigation and hydropower, supported by major dams like the Samanala and Uda Walawe reservoirs. It is also crucial for wildlife, as it flows through the Udawalawe National Park and sustains a diverse ecosystem. Furthermore, the river basin is characterized by its role in the country's agriculture and the use of ancient village tanks for water management.
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The river flows through Udawalawe National Park, famous for elephants, buffalo, birds, and other wildlife.Boat rides and river safaris are popular along parts of the river.The area is also ideal for birdwatching, photography, and nature exploration.
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The Gin Ganga River is a 115.9 km (72 mi) long river in southern Sri
Lanka, flowing from the Gongala
mountains near the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and emptying into the Indian Ocean at Gintota. Key
features
include its passage through villages like Baddegama, the Wakwella Bridge (the longest in Sri
Lanka), and
a dam at Thelikada.
Its catchment area is approximately 932 km², and it is subject to
flood management
projects, says the JICA report.Source: Gongala Mountain range near Deniyaya, bordering the
Sinharaja
Forest Reserve Mouth: Gintota, north of Galle, where it flows into the Indian Ocean.Gin river,
its
catchment location, and Baddegama river.Gin River's catchment area includes approximately 932 km
2 .
The catchment includes the administrative districts of Galle (83%.ResearchGate:Gin River ,
Southern
Province Podcast - LoquisJan 3, 2025 — 3 Jan 2025 · Located in the Galle district, the Gin Ganga
River
flows for about 116 kilometers through fascinating land.
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To divert water from the Gin and Nilwala rivers to the dry southeastern part of Sri Lanka for drinking, industrial, and irrigation use.
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Involves building reservoirs, tunnels, and canals to transport water.Status: A large-scale infrastructure project with specific details on reservoirs and tunnels. Gin Oya River (Sri Lanka)Activities: Popular for boat safaris, guided tours, and fishing.
USD $150 (includes boat ride).Lunch Supplement: USD $50 per person.Fresh Water Fishing: USD $100 (includes a 2-hour boat trip, accommodates up to 4 people).Best time to visit: During the dry season from December to April.
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The Menik Ganga, or "River of Gems," has a history deeply intertwined
with Sri Lankan culture and
religion, originating in the Uva Province and flowing through the sacred city of Kataragama
before
emptying into the Indian Ocean at Yala National Park. Its history is mentioned in ancient
Pali
chronicles, which referred to it as Kappakandara-nadi, and later inscriptions from the 10th
century
AD refer to it as Kapikandur-ho.
The river is a vital source of water for
agriculture and a sacred site
for religious rituals, where devotees perform purification by bathing before visiting the
Kataragama
temple.
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Sacred River: Considered Sri Lanka's equivalent to the Ganges River due to its sacred status. Pilgrimage: Pilgrims cleanse themselves in the river before visiting the holy city of Kataragama, a practice performed by devotees of various religions. "River of Gems": The name comes from legends that precious gems can be found in its gem-rich soils.
Biodiversity: The river sustains a rich ecosystem, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, particularly within Yala National Park. Agriculture: It supports the livelihoods of many agricultural communities in the region.
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Ancient name: The river was historically referred to as Kappakandara-nadi in ancient Pali chronicles. Royal inscription: A 10th-century inscription, the Kataragama-Detagamuwa pillar inscription of King Dappula IV (923-935 A.D.), mentions the river as Kapikandur-ho.
The Madu Ganga is a complex coastal wetland ecosystem in Sri
Lanka, known for its mangrove
forests, 64 islands, and rich biodiversity. It is a popular tourist destination for boat
safaris, which
allow visitors to explore the area's lush scenery, spot wildlife like monkeys and birds,
and visit
islands with temples, spice gardens, or local communities.
The ecosystem is a
vital Ramsar site,
comprising the river, lake, and surrounding wetland.Location: Situated in the Balapitiya
area, about 80
km south of Colombo.Ecosystem: A complex coastal wetland that includes the Madu Ganga
river, Madu
Lagoon (Sri Lanka's largest natural lake), and numerous mangrove forests.
It is home to a wide array of life, including 14 of the 24 mangrove species found in Sri Lanka, 303 plant species, 248 vertebrate species, and over 111 bird species.
The main attraction is the Madu River Boat Safari, where tourists can glide through the mangroves, spot wildlife, visit islands, and potentially experience activities like a fish spa.
A popular tourist spot for experiencing nature, with boat trips offering views of the tranquil waters and surrounding lush greenery. Swimming is not allowed during safaris for safety reasons. Significance: The Madu Ganga wetland is listed under the International Ramsar Convention for its conservation importance.