Historical
Significance
 There
is historical evidence to that this area had
been inhabited by man during the ancient sinhala
kingdoms in BC. Giant canal of kalinga (Kalinga
Yodha Ela) built in the reign by king parakramabahu
in the 12th century while the remains of Malagamuwa,
Wilmitiya, Wasgamuwa and Dasthota tanks bear
witness to the past prosperity of the area.
Kalinga island (Kalinga Duwa) too is an interesting
place to visit.
Kadurupitiya, Dagoda, Baduruwayaya Buddha
Statue, Malagamuwa stone pillars and other
ruins also bear witness to the past glory
of the area.
Yudanganapitiya where the armies camped
during the battle of kings Durugemunu and
Elara is yet another place of historical
importance within the Wasgamawa National
park.
Fauna and Flora
Twenty three (23) species of mammals in
Sri Lanka have been reported from this park.
The most important of them is the wild elephant
( Elphas maximus) the population of which
is approximately 150. in addition, one could
see the wild buffaloes ( Babalus bubalis)
grazing in the grassland while spotted Deer
(Axis axis) roaming in the open areas. Occasions
where one comes across a Leopard (panthera
Pardus) or a sloth bear (Melursus Ursinus)
are nor rare. There are also water Monitors
(Varanus salvator) and crocodiles (Crocodylus
palustris) roaming very often in the water
holes within the park.
Of the 428 species of birds reported to
be found in Sri Lanka, 143 species are found
in this park. |
