🌊 Traditional Fishermen
of Southern Sri Lanka
Deep roots of coastal legacy
The traditional fishermen of southern Sri Lanka are deeply rooted in history, culture, and heritage. Most of these coastal communities are Buddhist and have followed fishing as their main livelihood for generations, passing down their knowledge, skills, and traditions from father to son. From ancient times, these fishermen created all their equipment by hand. Their craftsmanship is unique — from fishing nets to boats, everything was built using natural materials found in their environment.
In Koggala Lake, they designed their own special boats, while for deep sea fishing they built large traditional vessels known as “Wallama.” By the late 19th century, around 20 Wallama boats were used along the southern coast. These boats were made using the Pulun plant, with smaller parts crafted carefully for balance and strength. Fishermen used paddles made from reeds to steer both small boats and large Wallama vessels.
Ingenious techniques & maritime mastery
Their fishing techniques were highly advanced and creative. Large fishing nets were decorated with feathers to attract and deceive fish. Special methods were also used to catch shrimp, and many of these traditional techniques are still practiced today. Canoes were used for deep-sea fishing, often led by a master fisherman known as the “Marakkala.” In earlier days, fishing crews included young helpers, and together they caught a variety of fish including eel and other species.
🎋 Bamboo tools & nets
Bamboo was also used as a fishing tool. Fishermen even created their own nets and traps, some of which are still used in shallow coastal waters today.
⛵ Ancient shipbuilding
Historically, these communities were skilled shipbuilders. They built large sailing ships and used them for trade with foreign countries. Even today, remnants of these ships can be found beneath the southern seas, reflecting a rich maritime past.
Sacred rules & nature's balance
Fishing was not only a livelihood but also governed by a strict system of traditional rules and respect for nature. Fishermen were careful not to disturb or frighten fish. Poles had to be placed only in designated family-owned areas, and certain traditional knowledge and secrets were never shared outside the community. This unwritten code preserved the marine ecosystem for centuries, ensuring that future generations could also rely on the ocean's abundance.
Today, while modern boats and machines are used, the spirit of traditional fishing still lives on. The famous stilt fishing method stands as a symbol of this enduring heritage — a unique practice that continues to connect the past with the present. The balance between innovation and ancestral respect remains the soul of Southern Sri Lanka's fishing villages.
The Wallama legacy & deep-sea voyages
By the late 1800s, the impressive Wallama vessels dominated the southern coastline. Built using the Pulun plant and reinforced with naturally carved joints, these traditional boats could carry crews into deep waters for days. The "Marakkala" (master fisherman) passing down oral maps through generations. Alongside fishing, these communities cultivated a symbiotic relationship with Koggala Lake and the ocean.
“From father to son — the rhythm of the waves, the weave of the net, the stance on the stilt. This is not just fishing; it’s a living heritage.”
Even now, remnants of ancient shipbuilding lie beneath clear southern waters — silent witnesses of a sophisticated maritime culture that traded , from Southeast Asia to East Africa. The stilt fishermen of today honour that legacy, standing on poles as their ancestors once mastered the seas.
Experience the living tradition
Visitors to the shores of Maradurawala, Koggala and Habaraduwa can witness the iconic stilt fishermen balancing on planted poles — a skill perfected over centuries. The community warmly welcomes cultural explorers to learn about their sustainable fishing methods, handcrafted equipment, and the unique Buddhist philosophy that respects every creature of the sea. Through stilt fishing, the past breathes alongside the present.
🌴 Plan your heritage journey: Observe sunrise stilt sessions, interact with local fishermen, and discover authentic rituals preserved for over a hundred years. Contact our team to arrange respectful village tours.