The Nilwala is a river in Southern Province in Sri Lanka.

It originates in Sinharaja Forest Reserve[1] and discharges into the sea at Matara.

It is believed that the river got its name because, in the past, the river's water was very pure blue and flowed like a blue cloud.

The Nilwala River was mentioned as Neelavahini and Neelawalanadi River in ancient sources.

The most straight forward meaning is 'blue bearer,' 'Blue River.