The Udawalawe Dam is a large irrigation dam in Udawalawe, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The dam consists of an embankment section and a gravity section, combining the total dam length to approximately 3.9 km (2.4 mi). The dam is also used for hydroelectric power generation, powering two 2 MW units, commissioned in April 1969 (1969-04).[1]

Uda Walawe Dam
Left-bank view of the dam, with all four spillways open.
The dam with all four spillways open.
CountrySri Lanka
LocationUdawalawe
Coordinates06°26′02″N 80°51′15″E / 6.43389°N 80.85417°E / 6.43389; 80.85417
PurposeIrrigation, Power
StatusOperational
Dam and spillways
Type of damEmbankment dam
ImpoundsWalawe River
Length3.9 km (2.4 mi)
Spillways4
Spillway typeTainter gate
Reservoir
CreatesUdawalawe Reservoir
Total capacity267MCM
Maximum length8.6 km (5.3 mi)
Maximum width7 km (4.3 mi)
Udawalawe Power Station
Coordinates06°25′55″N 80°51′02″E / 6.43194°N 80.85056°E / 6.43194; 80.85056
Operator(s)CEB
Commission dateApril 1969 (1969-04)
TypeConventional
Turbines3 × 2 MW
Installed capacity6 MW

The water level of the reservoir is controlled by the five tainter gate spillways located at the eastern end of the dam, with two additional spillways located towards the centre of the dam. The reservoir measures approximately 8.6 km (5.3 mi) in length, with a maximum perpendicular width of 7 km (4.3 mi).[citation needed]

The four tainter gate spillways.
Road over the larger embankment dam.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "CEB Generation Network". Ceylon Electricity Board. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 13 February 2014.