Abstract:
Sri Lanka is traditionally divided into three main zones namely Wet
Zone, Intermediate Zone and Dry Zone according to the average annual rainfall. The
dry zone of Sri Lanka is very often faced with severe drought conditions and the
situation is becoming worse as time moves on. On the basis of surface water
availability, Hambantota area, which falls with in the dry zone, appears to be a
heavily affected area. Proper water management systems as well as preservation of
existing surface and ground water resources and recycling are essential measures to
overcome this problem. Hydrological analysis of the area is needed for a proper water
management system. Integration of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information
System (GIS) techniques provides a reliable, accurate and updated database on land
and water resources, which is a pre-requisite for a proper water management system.
Sooriyawewa was selected as the project area considering the average rainfall
variations in Hambantota District. The spatial data based hydrological conditions
such as, flow direction, catchments, drainage lines, drainage points, etc. were
interpreted in the area. The hydrological condition in Sooriyawewa area is adequately
delineated using these techniques, as pre-requisite to a proper water management
system.
