wewa (tank)

The small tank (wewa) based villages are a unique feature in the landscape of Sri Lanka Dry Zone in particular. The tanks occur in clusters called cascades within which are many different types of tanks with some of them are mere water holes yet performing a significant role. In no other place human were living in full harmony with the environment than in the small tank based villages in Sri Lanka. The tanks in fact are people-centered eco-systems. The eco-system itself consists of tree clad forest catchments, submerged areas with other types of plants, water body protected by water plants, the earthen and other structures well protected by plant species, drain water area, unknown plant and wildlife relationships supporting the equilibrium of the eco-system, highland areas, and domesticated animals.