Medagama River Retreat - BOLGODA
Environment

Location - Bolgoda Area Map
Bolgoda, presumed to be the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka , covers almost two thirds of the Kalutara district, extending from Anguruwatota to Piliyandala. It is also the largest fresh water lake in Sri Lanka The lake's depth is said to range from 20-50 feet.
The Bolgoda lake system is situated in the low country wet zone of Sri Lanka between longitudes E . 79 . 55'-79 . 58'and latitudes N . 6 . 40' – 6 . 48' This system is made up of two interconnected lakes and their waterways. The North Lake , parts of which belong to both Colombo and Kalutara districts, is the larger .It is fed by Weras Ganga and Bolgoda Ganga which bring water from the South Lake . It discharges to the sea through the Panadura estuary. The South Lake is situated in Kalutara district and is fed by Panape Ela It is connected to the sea via Thalpitiya Ela . The Bolgoda Ganga , the channel which connects these two water bodies, is joined by Rambana Ela , which drains the water of Maha Oya in to the lake system. This lake system drains a substantial area (about 374 Km 2 ) wedged between the western part of the Kalu and Kelani river basins.

History

During the Dutch period of Sri Lanka 's history,(1624 - 1798) Bolgoda Lake was extensively used to transport people and goods from the upper stream of Kalu Ganga, particularly, from Ratnapura District. It was utilized as a very popular and convenient mode of transport of logs from the Sinharaja forest, in the upper reaches of the river to the many timber mills in Moratuwa. The islands on the lake served as resting places for ferrymen. During the British period, Bolgoda Lake was a popular and famous hunting ground for birds and as a place of recreation for the British officers and adventurers who were stationed in Colombo city.

Some aspects of the history of Bolgoda Lake is shrouded in mystery, one of which is woven around a prince called Reevidev, who lived in the Bolgoda area during the time of king Parakramabahu II's reign. The prince, who was said to be a voyeur, was in the habit of observing women bathing on the lake. It is said that the granite seat from which he is believed to have observed the women could still be seen when the water level in the lake is low.
A belief about the Angulu Eliya Devale , mentioned above, is that, it never goes under water even when the lake is filled to capacity' There is also a legend about a large fish on the lake with luminous fins, which had been spotted by people near the devale long ago.

Natural beauty and utility value

The Bolgoda Lake in Sri Lanka has an eco system, which is rich in bio diversity. It is full of mangroves, many aquatic living things and birds which add beauty to the lake.

Climate

The lake area receives an annual rainfall of about 2569.3mm and the mean annual temperature is around 27.1 . C according to the Ratmalana Meteorological Station of the Department of Meteorology. The rainfall is more or less evenly distributed through out the year. However, in the months of May and October there are two peaks, when most of the surrounding areas become seasonal swamps These provide the fish, seasonal breeders in particular, with a spawning area filled with allochthonous foods.
Mean day relative humidity is around 72% and mean night relative humidity is 87% Mean wind speed is 8.3 km/h (at 0830h) and 11.4 km/h (at 1730h). Effective temperature of the area is 24.6 . C.

Bolgoda Lake has an eco system, which is rich in bio diversity It is full of mangroves, many aquatic living things & water birds.

It has

• 45 varieties of fish of which 5 are hereditary
• 40 varieties of reptiles of which 7 are hereditary
• 15 varieties of amphibia of which 2 are hereditary
• 31 mammal varieties

The lake presently serves many useful functions, such as:

• Providing irrigation facilities
• Production of fish
• Water for industrial usage
• Controls flooding
• Digestion of the waste