Ancient Irrigation System of Dry and Intermediate Zones as Revealed from Ancient Canals

Abstract

Abstract The ancient irrigation system was a result of experiences. Irrigation systems meet its maximum level effectively and efficiently through this experience based establishment. Role of the canal was more centric by the means of connecting people with the tanks and dams. The reason for that was the water of the tanks and dams influxes in to fields by the canals. Many evidences about canals can found from literary sources and the inscriptions. In addition to this, records on ruined canals are available as well. When examining these data it is clear that there had been a unified irrigation system linked by canals in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. In the operational level canals behaved as veins transmitting water from one end to another end or to many ends. It was not an isolated structure that existed on earth surface, but a main part of complex system. Especially it has a inter and intra role in cultural systems - ecological systems. Operational system of canals was formed considering these same roles. In this research it is expected to do an examination about the ancient canals and their operation in the dry zone.