The Aquaculture Development Centre at Dambulla was established in 1982. The Mahawali Authority constructed this centre with the financial assistance of the World Bank. It is situated around 148 miles away from Colombo, along the Kurunagala-Dambulla road and covers an extent of 55 ha. Approximately 28 ha have already been utilized for the construction of ponds, hatchery and other buildings, etc. and a part of the remaining land is presently used for agricultural activities. The centre is located in a flat terrain below the earth dam of Ibbankatuwa reservoir. Therefore, availability of year round gravity fed water is the main advantage for the centre.

The centre has breeding and rearing facilities for Indian Carps, Chinese Carps and Tilapia. In addition, the centre has training facilities to undertake training programs on aquaculture with practical sessions. At present, there are 30 concrete lined and mud ponds; 22-cemente cubicles and a hatchery at this centre. Details of the rearing facilities available in the Dambulla Centre are given in the table.