Elahera Anicut was constructed by King Vasaba (65 - 109 A.C). King Aggabodhi II (608-618) is recorded to have improved it. Later King Vijeyabahu (1055 - 1110) repaired and improved the work. Some of the work carried out during 1856 -1900 had been recorded as failed attempts, since no proper policy and reconnaissance surveys had been done. This scheme was commenced in 1884 and by 1890 Rs. 54, 000 had been spent for restoration. The channel was running through a thick jungle, which was locally reputed as unhealthy. Due to engineering difficulties, it was found that the continuation of the project is not worthwhile and hence abandoned. Then, in 1945 it was re-commissioned.
The incredible relic of this original off take where the river was diverted is still to be seen. R.L. Brohier, scholar on our irrigation works says,