Twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)

"Kuttam Pokuna (Twin ponds or pools) are well preserved old bathing tanks or pondsin the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They form part of the Abhayagiri vihāra complex and are an example of the works in the field of hydrological engineering, architecture and art of the ancient Sri Lankans.The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608 A.D). It can be seen that the smaller pond (the northern) one has been constructed first and the larger one at a later stage from the fine architectural differences between the two. They are connected through a pipeline at the bottom. One measuring 132 feet by 51 feet, and the other 91 feet by 51 feet. Both ponds are connected by an underground channel and are made of finely cut limestone blocks. The ponds were designed to collect rainwater, which was then filtered through the beds of aquatic plants before being used for bathing and other purposes."