Due to the water level decrease in the Parakrama Samudraya, ancient ruins of the “Cold Palace” built by King Parakramabahu which had been immersed in the waters has surfaced. The palace known as the Cold Palace is said to be built by the king to be used in the summer.
Built by King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD) and translated as the Sea of Parakrama, the Parakrama Samudraya is considered as one of the largest and most ancient reservoirs in Sri Lanka. It was built by combing three reservoirs by the name of Topa Wewa, Eramudu Wewa and Dumbutula Wewa. Encompassing an area of about 75 square kilometers, it perfectly portrays the irrigation feats achieved by great kings of ancient Sri Lanka. The water of the tank is mainly controlled by the amount of rainfall and during periods of heavy rain, the flood-gates are opened to release water in order to regulate the level of water in the catchment.