Tissa Wewa, Reservoir in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

Tissa Wewa is a reservoir in Tissamaharama, in Sri Lanka's Hambantota District, formed by an earthen bund on its southern shore. That bund carries the Tissa–Kataragama road (B464), lined with old Indian rain trees planted by the British for shade. The tank is thought to date from the 3rd century BC and was restored in 1871; it now extends over about 652 acres and irrigates paddy fields around Tissamaharama.

Tissa Wewa was built in the 3rd century BC, most likely by Mahanaga of Ruhuna or his successor Yatala Tissa, to irrigate paddy fields and supply water to the city of Tissamaharama. The reservoir was restored in 1871, and its southern bund now carries the Tissa-Kataragama road (B464).

The reservoir lies beside Tissamaharama, and its name is linked to the Ruhuna kings credited with building it, Mahanaga or his successor Yatala Tissa. Local people use the tank for bathing, and the landscaped bund with its large trees is a well-frequented spot in the area.

The area around the lake is accessible year-round and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, with the path along the dam offering a good vantage point over the water. Early morning is a good time to visit, as bird activity is high and the light over the lake is at its best.

The southern bund carries the B464 Tissa–Kataragama road, shaded by old Indian rain trees planted by the British. The reservoir was restored in 1871 and today covers about 652 acres, irrigating the paddy fields around Tissamaharama.