From historic novels to contemporary literature, there is plenty to read about Sri Lanka. Authors Michael Ondaatje, Shyam Selvadurai, Carl Muler and Ashok Ferrey are just some of those who bring the country to life in their books. Discover the teardrop island from the pages of a novel before getting on the plane
Nuwara Kalaviya is a thoughtful exploration of one of Sri Lanka’s most historically significant yet often overlooked regions. The book delves into the rich agricultural and irrigation heritage of the Nuwara Kalaviya area, a landscape shaped over centuries by an advanced network of tanks, canals, and water management systems that sustained village life and paddy cultivation.
Through historical insight and careful observation, the author highlights the ingenuity of Sri Lanka’s ancient hydraulic civilization. The narrative brings attention to the sophisticated cascade tank systems, gravity-fed canals, and reservoirs that demonstrate a deep understanding of ecology, engineering, and sustainability. These systems not only ensured food security but also supported social harmony and rural prosperity.
The book also reflects on the gradual decline and neglect of these traditional irrigation networks in the modern era, examining the social and environmental consequences of this loss. By connecting past wisdom with present challenges, Nuwara Kalaviya encourages renewed appreciation for indigenous knowledge and sustainable land use practices.
Rich in cultural, historical, and environmental value, this work is essential reading for those interested in Sri Lanka’s agrarian history, water heritage, and rural development.
