Wasgamuwa

Wasgamuwa National Park is situated 225 kilometers from Colombo, 50 kilometers from Kandy, and 10 kilometers from Polonnaruwa. It is 39,322 hectares in extent and entirely bordered by rivers - to the east by the Mahaweli Ganga, to the west and north by the Amban Ganga and to the south by the Duniwila Oya. The Sudukanda Range (535 meters) in the west of the park, which forms the divide between the Amban Ganga and Mahaweli Ganga, is the dominant feature of the landscape. Wasgamuwa is adjacent to the Riverine Nature Reserve (920 hectares) on the right bank of the Mahaweli Ganga.

This history of the Wasgamuwa National Park began in 1907 when the area was declared a game sanctuary. Then in 1938 it was converted into a Strict Nature Reserve, and an adjoining section was declared an Intermediate Zone in 1945. With the clearing of vast stretches of forest in the 1970s to make way for the Mahaweli development scheme, the area became a vital refuge for wildlife. Consequently, the two conservation areas, along with additional land, were brought together as one and declared a national park in 1984.

One of the unique facets of Wasgamuwa is the cultural heritage contained within its borders. The most important site is Buduruwayaya in the southeast corner. The ruins here, which are estimated to be 1,800 years old, feature a reclining Buddha statue. There is another such statue across the Amban Ganga, although it is outside the park boundary. In addition, remains of an ancient irrigation system, including the famous Yoda Ela canal constructed by King Parakrama in the 12th century, provides evidence of early human habitation and cultivation in the area.

Flora
Tropical mixed evergreen forest is predominant. Common trees include weera, palu, va, ehela or Indian Laburnum, burutha or Satinwood, welang or Fishing Rod Tree, milla and kaluwara or Ebony. The riverine forest of the park, however, is dominated by kumbuk. Other prevalent species include ovila, mi or Honey Tree and thimbiri.

Fauna
23 species of mammal have been recorded at Wasgamuwa. Apart from the population of around 150 elephants, other species present are the Sri LankaLeopard, Sri Lanka Sloth Bear, Sri Lanka Jackal, Water Buffalo, Indian Wild Boar, Sri Lanka Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sri Lanka Sambur, Indian Fishing Cat, and Slender Loris.

Avifauna
Encompasses no less than 143 species, eight of which are endemic. They include the Red-Faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Sri Lanka Trogon, Racquet-Tailed Drongo and Yellow-Fronted Barbet.

Reptiles
35 species have been recorded, seven of which are endemic. They include the Water Monitor or kabaragoya, Sri Lanka Swamp Crocodile or kimbula, Sri Lanka Estuarine Crocodile, and the Sri Lanka Python or pimbura. Endemic species include the Red-Lipped Lizard and Earle’s Lizard.