An Inland wetland of Semi-Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Central province. The wetlands within Maduru Oya National Park constitute the immediate catchments of five reservoirs developed under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Programme. The water bodies include the Maduru Oya (6,100 ha), Ulhitiya (2,270), Ratkinda (1,100 ha), Kadupaharaella (700 ha), and Henanigala (800 ha) reservoirs and tributaries of the Mahaweli and Maduru Oya river systems. The park provides a refuge for elephants and a large number of water birds. Characteristic floral species include Drypetes sepiaria, Chloroxylon switenia, Manilkara hexandra, and Pterospermum canescens. To the west and north of the park is the Mahaweli development area (System B) where paddy cultivation and homesteads are prominent. Freshwater fish in the reservoirs are dominated by exotic species (Oreochromis mossambicus and Osphronemus goramy). Aquatic reptiles include Crocodylus palustris, Melanochelys trijuga and Lissemys punctata. Water birds include large flocks of cormorants (Phalacrocorax spp.), Anhinga melanogaster, Pelecanus philippensis, Anastomus oscitans, Mycteria leucocephala, Threskiornis melanocephalus and Platalea leucorodia. Mammals include Elephas maximus, Canis aureus, Prionailurus viverrinus, Lutra lutra, Cervus axis and Sus scrofa. Vatica obscura (rare and endemic) is the only species of the Dipterocarpaceae to occur in the dry zone and is found in restricted locations on the banks of the Maduru Oya. Other woody species around the reservoirs include Drypetes seperia, Chloroxylon sweitenia, Manilkara hexandra, Diospyros ebenum, Trema orientale, Zizyphus oenoplea, Pterospermum canescens, Feronia limonia, Cassia fistula, Dimophocalyx glabellus, Vitex altissima and Sterculia foetida. Ruins found at Henanigala, Kudawila, Gurukumbura, Ulukentangoda, Werapokuna and several other places include ancient Buddhist shrines, temples, dagobas, statues and hermitages from different eras in Sri Lanka ?s history. An ancient sluice more than 9 centuries old was found on the old breached earthern bund of the Maduru Oya, while early Brahmin inscriptions from the 1st to the 3rd centuries have been discovered at Kandegamakanda. A community of Veddas, the adivasi people of Sri Lanka, live within the park boundary in Henanigala.

Maduru Oya National Park Related references