Page 343 - Proceedings book

GIS-Based Analysis of Ancient Hydraulic Systems in Sri

Lanka : special focus on Kala Oya Basin

B.P.G.S.Y Weerasinghe
Undergraduate, University of Ruhuna
yasas0626@gmail.com

Keywords Abstract

Ancient hydraulic systems
The Kala Oya Basin, which is located in dry zone of Sri lanka,
Dry zone holds immense archaeological significance as it was a critical
area for ancient hydraulic engineering. This study integrates GIS
Environmental
technologies with environmental archaeology to examine the
archaeology spatial dynamics of ancient water management systems and their
GIS interactions with environmental changes focusing on Kala Oya
Basin of Sri lanka. The objectives of the particular research is to
Kala Oya map ancient reservoirs (tanks), irrigation canals, and agricultural

landscapes to evaluate how the Kala Oya Basin get adapted to
climatic variability and anthropogenic impacts during the
Ancient periods. A significant research problem which identified
was the limited understanding of how environmental changes
influenced the long-term sustainability of this hydraulic network.
The research highlights a Mixed research methodology by
combing with high-resolution satellite imagery, GIS spatial
analysis, and ground surveys to reconstruct the spatial extent of
ancient water systems. Geoarchaeological techniques, including
sediment analysis and dating, were applied to reservoir sediments
to infer paleo environmental conditions. The results reveal
evidence of a well-organized hydraulic system that maximized
water storage and distribution during dry periods but became
vulnerable to deforestation, soil erosion, and sedimentation over
time. GIS mapping identified correlations between land-use
changes and environmental degradation, highlighting critical
areas of ecological stress. This study underscores the significance
of integrating GIS in environmental archaeology to understand
past human-environment interactions and offers insights for
modern water resource management in the Kala Oya Basin.

Introduction
Sri Lanka, historically known as a cradle of hydraulic civilization in South Asia,
boasts an extensive network of ancient irrigation systems that transformed its dry zone

into a fertile agricultural heartland. Among the many river basins, the Kala Oya

Basin stands out for its sophisticated water management infrastructure and ecological

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