SIGIRIYA – A WORLD WONDER
Sigiriya, a heritage of Sri Lanka, is an unforgettable masterpiece of
hydro engineering. The water garden in Sigiriya has water fountains
that function even today, after 15 centuries. This itself is enough to
prove the pre-eminence of the ancient Sri Lankan engineers.
Sigiriya also has a well-planned underground tunneling system to
transport water. Same as Sigirya, Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) in
Anuradhapura also has an underground water tunnel from Thissa
wewa.
According to Mahawamsa, king Bhathiya who ruled Sri Lanka in
fist century A.D. had covered Ruwenmelise Stupa with flowers and
sprinkled water on them using a machine – which can be thought
equivalent to present day sprinklers. This is one of the world’s oldest
records of the existence of a hydraulic pump.
Undoubtedly, we are a nation with a proud and strong hydro engi-
neering history. The irrigation network in the dry zone very well
proves the fact. Even though its excellence is already proven, there’s
more of it yet to be discovered. It is evident that the ancient Sri
Lankan engineers were masters in hydro engineering and Sri Lanka
was once the wonder of Asia - a brilliance that will never be forgot-
ten.
Ravidu Daranagama
Second Year
Department of Civil Engineering
Source - www.srilanka-hotels.ws
References
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Source - www.srilanka-hotels.ws
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University of Peradeniya Gauge Magazine
Eng. Chandana Jayawardena (2013). City
Planning, Gardenscaping, Engineering & Hydraulic
Technology of Sigiriya. [Online] Available At:
https://www.youtube. com/
Kamalika Pleris (2017). Engineering skills in
ancient andmedieval Sri Lanka. [Online] Available
At: http://www.island.lk/
.Everlasting Radio (n.d.). Yoda Ela: An Ancient
Engineering Marvel. [Online] Available At: http://
www.everlasting.lk/
Amazing Lanka (n.d). Yoda Wewa at Mannar –
supporting the rice bowl of Sri Lanka. [Online]
Available At: http://www.amazinglanka.com/
Engineer - The Institute of Engineers, Sri Lanka
Vol. XXXI, 2008: Introduction to the Function of
Bisokotuwa in
Ancient Vewa by Kapila Peiris and Sanjeewa
Wijesinghe
Ancient Irrigation Works in Ceylon by R.L.Brohier
Peculiarities of Our Ancient Sciences,
Technologies & Engineering by Chandana
Jayawardana; lecture at Vidudev 2012.11.07 at
Maliyadeva College Kurunegala