The main purpose of the barrage is to maintain the water level of Mahaweli river at a constant height to provide a uniform potential head at the intake to the underground tunnel which conveys water to Ukuwela powerplant.

Inundation of the barrage itself reaches the downstream edge of Warathenna - Hakkinda Environmental Protection Area.

The discharge waters of the Ukuwela power station also contributes to several mini hydro powerplants.

[3][1] Polgolla Reservoir Waterdrome operates a short distance upstream on the inundation created by the barrage.

Paranaganthota, a historical river crossing is also situated about 50m upstream of the barrage.