The Complete List of Lakes in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s inland waters have long shaped its farming, wildlife and settlement patterns — from ancient irrigation tanks near temple towns to large modern reservoirs used for power and drinking water. Lakes here are practical features of the landscape as much as scenic ones, supporting fisheries, birds and local economies.

There are 22 Lakes in Sri Lanka, ranging from Basawakkulama (Abhaya Wewa) to Victoria Reservoir. For each entry the data is organized with Type,Province (District),Area (km^2) so you can quickly compare purpose, location and size — you’ll find below.

How are the lakes categorized and what do the columns tell me?

“Type” indicates whether a waterbody is a natural lake, irrigation tank or reservoir; “Province (District)” gives the administrative location for travel and management context; and “Area (km^2)” is the surface area, useful for comparing scale and habitat potential.

Are these lakes open to visitors and are there any access considerations?

Many are accessible for sightseeing, birdwatching or fishing, but some are on restricted reservoir sites or protected wetlands; check local regulations, visitor facilities and seasonal access before planning a visit.

Lakes in Sri Lanka

Images and Descriptions

Koggala Lake

Koggala Lake is a large coastal lake and lagoon in Southern Province (Galle). It is natural and fed by small streams and tidal flows. It holds many small islands and rich wildlife. It fits the list as a notable natural lake and popular visitor spot near Galle and the coast.

Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake is a small, scenic lake in Nuwara Eliya, Central Province. The lake is artificial, created in the British colonial era for recreation. It sits in the town center and supports boating and walking paths. Include it as a well-known lake in a major hill-town.

Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake lies in the heart of Kandy city, Central Province. It is a man-made lake built in the 19th century next to the Temple of the Tooth. The lake provides an urban green space and cultural views. Include it for its historic and touristic importance.

Parakrama Samudra

Parakrama Samudra is an ancient, large reservoir in Polonnaruwa, North Central Province. Built by King Parakramabahu, it links older tanks and stores agricultural water. It is historic, ecologically important, and a landmark in the ancient city.

Kala Wewa

Kala Wewa is a major ancient reservoir in Anuradhapura, North Central Province. It stores water for irrigation and links to a historic canal, the Jaya Ganga. It is included for its size, age, and role in Sri Lanka’s irrigation history.

Minneriya Tank

Minneriya Tank is an ancient reservoir near Minneriya National Park, North Central Province. It fills seasonally and attracts large gatherings of wild elephants. Include it for wildlife viewing and its function as a historic tank.

Kaudulla Reservoir

Kaudulla Reservoir sits in Polonnaruwa area, North Central Province. It is a modern reservoir that also supports wildlife, especially elephants during dry months. Include it as a tourism and conservation-linked water body.

Randenigala Reservoir

Randenigala Reservoir is a hydroelectric reservoir on the Mahaweli River in Central Province (Kandy area). It forms part of a cascade of dams for power and irrigation. Include it for its role in national hydroelectric and water management.

Rantembe Reservoir

Rantembe Reservoir lies on the Mahaweli River in Central Province near Rantembe. It functions for hydroelectric power and irrigation. The site is important for river management and is often listed among major reservoirs.

Victoria Reservoir

Victoria Reservoir is a large hydroelectric reservoir on the Mahaweli River in Uva/Central region. It forms behind the Victoria Dam and stores water for power and irrigation. Include it for its size and role in Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric system.

Kothmale Reservoir

Kothmale Reservoir sits in the hill country of Central Province. It is a hydroelectric and irrigation reservoir created by damming the Kothmale River. Include it for its contribution to power generation and regional water supply.

Samanala Wewa

Samanala Wewa is a reservoir in Sabaragamuwa Province near Ratnapura. It provides irrigation and hydroelectric support in the wet zone. Include it for regional importance and proximity to tea and gem country.

Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa is an ancient reservoir in Tissamaharama, Southern Province (Hambantota area). It is part of the historical irrigation network in the south and lies near important Buddhist sites. Include it for history and tourism.

Basawakkulama (Abhaya Wewa)

Basawakkulama, also called Abhaya Wewa, is an ancient reservoir in Anuradhapura, North Central Province. It serves the nearby city and dates from early Sri Lankan history. Include it as a key ancient tank in the cultural triangle.

Nuwara Wewa

Nuwara Wewa is a historic reservoir in Anuradhapura, North Central Province. It supplies water to the city and nearby agriculture. Include it for its age, urban role, and link to ancient water systems.

Maduru Oya Reservoir

Maduru Oya Reservoir lies near Maduru Oya National Park in the eastern-central region (Uva/Eastern border). It supplies irrigation and supports wildlife habitats. Include it for its conservation value and park adjacency.

Senanayake Samudraya

Senanayake Samudraya is the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, in the North Central Province near Polonnaruwa. It stores vast irrigation water and forms a large freshwater lake. Include it as the country’s largest man-made lake and a major landmark.

Kantalai Tank

Kantalai Tank is a historic irrigation reservoir in Trincomalee District, Eastern Province. It serves paddy cultivation in the dry zone and has roots in ancient engineering. Include it as a notable eastern tank with long history.

Padaviya Tank

Padaviya Tank is an ancient reservoir in the North Central region. It supports agriculture and local settlements in the dry zone. Include it for its role in the rural irrigation network.

Lunugamvehera Reservoir

Lunugamvehera Reservoir sits in Uva Province near Yala and Lunugamvehera National Parks. It stores water for irrigation and helps sustain nearby wildlife. Include it for its ecological link to protected areas.

Deduru Oya Reservoir

Deduru Oya Reservoir is a major water storage project in the North Western or North Central region along the Deduru Oya river. It provides irrigation and local water supply. Include it as part of the national network of modern reservoirs.

Udamalala Wewa

Udamalala Wewa is a local reservoir in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It functions for irrigation and village water needs. Include it as an example of smaller regional tanks that support local farming.

Lakes in Other Countries