Basawakkulama reservoir, in other words, the Abhayawapiya wewa is one of the three men made reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Local and foreign Travelers to Anuradhapura never miss the tank, Abhayawapiya as they are awaiting to see the panoramic sunset over the Wewa . It is a better opportunity for tourists who are waiting to enjoy the tour. Swarnamali maha Dagoba besides the Abhayagiri wewa has added some colors to the scenery. Consequently, it was built by King Pandukhabhaya who ruled the kingdom around 377-307 B.C As a first step to the irrigation system of ancient Anuradhapura. Basawakulama is designed to restore water which is gained from rain and distributed throughout the kingdom. Abhayawapiya wewa is capable to bare of 1910 acre feet water capacity. The capacity of the tank is about 174 ha of water. The bund is 3900 feet in length and 15.5 in average depth. In Poson (Month of June) Anuradhapura is crowded with pilgrims.
The prime service of the wewa is to facilitate and provide safe water and sanitation services for the pilgrims and citizens while providing irrigation facilities for 450 acres. Even in the monsoon season, the Abhayawapiya Wewa hasn’t been flourished ever. The wewa contains a Biso kotuwa , Pita wana (Overt flow of water), Sorowwa (Out flow of water) which added a significance to the construction.
Evidence archeologists define that it as one of the proud ancient irrigation systems in Sri Lanka. In fact, it was the first ever built tank which is filled with up to 5 feet in height at any time. King Pandukabhaya built this wewa in 437 B.C after ending an everlasting battle with his uncles, to survive his legacy to the throne. He was the pioneer of building the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. He ruled the kingdom for 70 years. In addition to the concept ‘Wewai Dagebai Gamai Pancalai ‘ (Tank and Dagoba-Village and temple) which was originated and illustrated among Sinhalese was ensured. Sinhalese were advanced in building artificial reservoirs and canals with complex irrigation systems in the past. This knowledge was extended during the time of King Panudkabhaya as well as under King Parakrmabahu and King Dathusena. King Pandukabhaya is the creator of Abahya wewa, Jaya wewa and Gamini Wewa. It should be pointed out that the reigned kings have done a great service to the development of agriculture and Irrigation systems in Sri Lanka.