Water from the reservoir is used primarily for irrigation in the Uva and Eastern provinces, in addition to powering a small hydroelectric power station.

Construction of the dam and reservoir began in August 24, 1949 (1949-08-24), completing four years later in 1953 (1953).

[1] The dam is constructed between two hills at the small town of Inginiyagala, measuring 3,600 ft (1,100 m) and 140 ft (43 m) in length and height respectively, consisting of 2,000,000 cu yd (1,500,000 m3) of soil.

The dam, built by Morrison-Knudsen company, creates the Gal Oya Reservoir.

Senanayake), has a total storage capacity of 770,000 acre⋅ft (950,000,000 m3) and a surface area of 35 sq mi (91 km2).