The Twin ponds were built by king Agbo I (571-604 AD.) for the benefit of the monks in
Abhayagiriya monastery complex.

The size of the smaller one is 91 x 51 feet and the other one is 132 x 51 feet.

The stepped embankments around perimeter facilitated monks bathing.

Silt ejector chamber could be seen even today, which were used to filter sediments. This was a system to trap mud, dirt and sediments, and these impurities sank to the
bottom of the filter and clean water did flow to the pond.  Water was supplied from reservoirs around, which cannot be found today.
Both ponds were constructed with polished granite slabs. There were more than 20 ponds around this area.
There is a five hooded cobra figure on the inner wall of the small pond.
That is the symbol of the guardian and protector of water in ancient days.
Water is precious in this dry zone.