Water shapes both the geography and the agricultural soul of Sri Lanka.
* **Rivers:** The **Mahaweli River** is the longest in the country, vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The **Kelani River** flows into Colombo and is popular for white-water rafting upstream at Kitulgala. * **Lakes & Tanks:** The island is dotted with thousands of ancient, man-made irrigation reservoirs called *wewas* or tanks. The **Parakrama Samudra** in Polonnaruwa is one of the grandest. Scenic urban lakes include **Kandy Lake** and **Gregory Lake** in Nuwara Eliya. * **Waterfalls:** The central highlands are rich with cascades, including **Bambarakanda Falls** (the tallest), **Diyaluma Falls**, and **Baker's Falls**. * **Beaches:** Sri Lanka is ringed by pristine, golden-sand beaches facing the Indian Ocean, ranging from the calm bays of **Pasikudah** and **Nilaveli** to the lively shores of **Unawatuna**.