Rivers of Sri Lanka

Ranked as the longest river in Sri Lanka, Mahaweli River which translates into 'The Great Sandy River' has a length of 335 kilometres which has a drainage basin that covers almost one-fifth of the island. The origin point is found in Horton Plains National Park and reaches the Bay of Bengal in the Trincomalee side.

Ranking as the second-longest river in Sri Lanka with a length of 164 kilometres, the Malvathu River is known for its historical significance connecting century-old cities of Anuradhapura from where it originates to the coast of Mannar. For centuries its water fed the tanks and canals that irrigated the Anuradhapura kingdom, and the ruins of that old capital still stand along its upper course.

The fourth-longest river in Sri Lanka with a length of 145 kilometres, the Kelani River stretches from Sri Pada Mountains to Colombo and flows through the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Gampaha and Colombo. With secure connections to the Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka as the river flows through Sri Pada and by Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya, people even live in proximity to the river in the Kelani Valley.

The fifth-longest river in Sri Lanka with a length of approximately 142 kilometres, Yan Oya, originates from Ritigala, a mountain that is 42 kilometres away from Anuradhapura. Ritigala is both a strict nature reserve and the site of an ancient forest monastery, so the river begins in one of the least disturbed corners of the dry zone before running north-east to the sea.

The sixth-longest river in Sri Lanka with a length of 142 kilometres, Deduru Oya, runs across four provinces and five districts. The origin point was found to be at Kurunegala in the region of Kurunegala. From there it flows west across the coconut country of the north-western dry zone and reaches the sea near Chilaw, and a large reservoir now holds back part of its flow for irrigation.

Flowing through the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Maduru Oya has an approximate length of 134 kilometres which originates from Maduru Oya National Park. The river has an irrigation dam built over it which provides water to the surrounding area.

The Maha Oya serves about 1 million people living by the river with water taking the help of 14 water supply systems. The river measures approximately 134 kilometres in length, and is situated in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka with its origin point in Nawalapitiya and runs through four provinces and five districts.

With a length of 129 kilometres, the Kalu Ganga river in Sri Lanka originated from Adam's Peak and drained into the sea at Kalutara. Called the Black River, the river flows through Ratnapura and Kalutara districts of Sri Lanka. Sinharaja Rain Forest and the Central Province forests are also considered as the source of water forming the river.

Situated in the Galle district of Sri Lanka, the 160 kilometre Gin Ganga river originates from the Gongala Mountains in Deniyaya. The longest bridge in Sri Lanka, the Wakwella Bridge is constructed over this river, and the river also has a dam built on its way to Thelikada village.

Running across two provinces and two districts, the Kumbukkan Oya has an approximate length of 116 kilometres originating from Dombagahawela in the Uva province of Sri Lanka. It then runs south-east into the dry lowlands, where it forms part of the boundary between the Yala and Kumana protected areas before reaching the sea, which is why elephants are a common sight along its lower banks.

With a length of 76 kilometres, Attanagalu Oya river in Sri Lanka is situated in the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka and originates from Galapitamada in the Sabaragamuwa Province which then drains into the Negombo Lagoon. It passes the town of Attanagalla on the way, where the Attanagalla Raja Maha Vihara stands on its bank, and its lower reaches spread into paddy land behind the lagoon.

Originating from the hills at the edge of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Nilwala River in Sri Lanka is approximately 72 kilometres long and lies mainly in the Southern Province, draining directly into the sea at the principal city of Matara. It carries a heavy flow in the south-west monsoon, and a flood-protection scheme was built along its lower course to shield Matara.