On February 1, 2025, we visited Anuradhapura, the Basawakkulama was built by King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. Another name for the Basawakkulama Wewa is Abhaya Wewa.
We arrived in the morning, the colossal giant glistened in the morning sunlight. The water of this tank was like a cosy silver blanket. Trees danced in the sweet music of birds. Peacocks came to have a drink and danced at the edge of the water, spreading their feathers.
Tree leaves were soaked with droplets of water from last night’s rain. The land was as flat as paper. I looked into the water, it was musty and full of seaweed. Shoals of fish of all different sizes swam between the seaweed.
The cosy blanket of silver was replaced with golden beams of light, signalling the arrival of noon. The atmosphere was as hot as the blazing sun. Trees no longer danced in the music of birds. Far away, a herd of elephants splashed water at each other. Hawks circled the skies lazily.
Darkness began to arise, birds flew off to their nests. Trees were as still as mountains. The bright moon was like the only lamp in the sky. The bright moon and the twinkly and sparkly stars reflected in the tank’s water.
One can see the rich and vivid reflections of Ruwanvalisaya and Mirisawatiya on the tank’s water. The water of the Basawakkulama Wewa was like the Colossal Ocean.
Visiting the Basawakkulama Wewa was an amazing experience. It is a great way to spend one’s time leisurely without connecting to the urban lifestyle.
I love visiting it, and I am sure you will too.
Nadinsa Hansali Nakandala
Grade 6-G
Lyceum International School, Panadura
