An Inland wetland of Man-made origin located in the Intermediate Zone of the Sabaragamuwa province. Uda Walawe Reservoir is a large multipurpose storage tank constructed in the mid 1960s by damming the Walawe Ganga as part of a plan to develop the irrigation capacity in the dry zone of southern Sri Lanka. Apart from irrigating adjoining agricultural lands, it generates about 6GWh of hydroelectricity per year. The reservoir is situated within the Udawalawe National Park, and therefore plays a significant role in maintaining the rich biodiversity of the area, and is particularly important for water birds and elephants. The reservoir is on the boundary of the wet and dry zones. 94 species of plants, 21 fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 birds (including 33 migrants) and 43 species of mammals have been recorded. Among the invertebrates, 135 species of butterflies have been recorded. One endemic fish species (Garra ceylonensis) is recorded from the Walawe River within the park boundary. Introduced fish species (i.e. Oreochromis spp., Osphronemus goramy, Catla catla, Labeo rohita) that are found within the reservoir are important food species. An array of waterbirds inhabits the reservoir. Four endemic plant species (Hopea cordifolia, Memecylon petiolatum, Erythroxylon zeylanicum and Jasminum angustifolium) have been recorded. The dominant grass species Panicum maximum and Imperata cylindrica are important food sources for herbivorous species such as the elephant. Udawalawe National Park is the third most visited wildlife park of the country, and especially popular for its large elephant population.

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