Kotmale Dam, Hydroelectric dam in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka

Kotmale Dam is a hydroelectric and irrigation dam in the Kotmale village of Sri Lanka. The structure spans 600 meters (1,969 feet) and holds back a reservoir that supplies water for power generation and farming.

Construction of the dam began in August 1979 and was completed in February 1985 with a ceremony. In 2003, the reservoir was renamed Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir in honor of a former minister.

Local families often come to the reservoir shores for picnics and to fish, keeping a tradition of angling that dates back to the dam's early years. The nearby Kadadora Vihara, a Buddhist temple, draws pilgrims who combine a visit to the dam with a stop for reflection.

The dam is easy to reach by road from Nuwara Eliya or Kandy, and the area is open to visitors during daylight hours. Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the viewpoints and bring sun protection, as shade is limited around the main structure.

The reservoir is home to several species of mahseer, a fish prized by anglers for its fighting spirit. The surrounding green belt, about 20 miles long, was created as part of the dam project and now supports a variety of wildlife, including water buffaloes and mongooses.