Preserving the past โ researching the full story of our coastal heritage, one record and one story at a time.
Stilt fishing is more than a technique; it is the echo of generations standing on the edge of the Indian Ocean. My deepest hope is to research this history with the care it deserves โ tracing forgotten records, listening to the voices of elder fishermen, and weaving together the true origins of this unique tradition.
Four generations of our family have practiced stilt fishing continuously. My father (passed 2001) was a respected teacher of this art, and my mother holds deep traditional knowledge of hook-making and fishing methods.
According to elders in Koggala and Maradurawala, stilt fishing has been practiced in this region for at least 150โ200 years, possibly longer. Fishing spots are traditionally inherited through families, with records maintained by the Divisional Secretariat dating back to the early 1900s.
Koggala and Maradurawala are recognized as important historical fishing spots, closely connected to the heritage of stilt fishing in Sri Lanka's Southern Province.
If you have information, books, articles, or documents related to the history of stilt fishing in Koggala, please consider sharing them โ every contribution helps preserve this heritage.
Do you have old photographs, books, newspaper clippings, or family stories about stilt fishing in Koggala? We welcome contributions from researchers, travelers, and anyone who has documented this unique tradition.
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