I’d rather spend a half hour here by the shore, taking photos of these stilt fishermen or just watching them, than shop in a mall. While it may seem odd to find these fellas fishing so near the shore, this fishing style is unique to Sri Lanka. In fact, this scene is one of the iconic images of this island nation called “the pearl of the Indian Ocean”.

We found 4 of them along this stretch between Weligama and Unawatuna, a small fishing village close to Galle. Genuine stilt fishermen or actors? I do not know, but they sure make a lovely picture with their fishing props called pettas, using a crossbar tied to a pole driven on the sand not far from shore.We were not accosted for tips though. Honestly? I’d understand if these men are “posers” than real fishermen. The tsunami of 2004 has changed the shoreline of this island country making it difficult to fish using this method. Fish catch must be so meager that “posing” for tourists and photography buffs must earn them more money. Still, it’s quite a sight. Contrived or not, one gets the idea of this fishing style unique only to this country. Part of their culture, though I’m not sure the tradition can be passed on to the next generation. All the more that I felt compelled to watch them, and document the experience.

(Photo Credit: Iyay I)

The morning after this scene, we woke up in our beachfront hotel seeing how the more traditional method of fishing is done. At 6am I took a video of this boat sailing off while my friends found a few fishermen with their morning catch. An assortment of sceneries that early morn — swimmers, surfers, joggers, fishermen, people just strolling by the shore, doing their morning exercises, playing with the stray dogs, etc.

. Photo Credit: Rick C
. Photo Credit: Rick C

If you’ve come to Sri Lanka for some sun, sand, surf and stilt fishing, your best bet is to stay in Weligama. Hotels by the bay offer a long shoreline and the morning activities (fishing, surfing, swimming, whale watching in nearby Mirissa) make for a great start each day. We didn’t do any whale watching but spent a lot of time just watching the palm trees by the shore from the comforts of our hotel balcony. Along the coast to Weligama, you’d even find these chintzy villas with ornately carved wooden eaves. Not too far from the capital of Colombo and neither is it as busy and frenzied as Negombo or Bentota. We loved our stay here and won’t mind heading back for a longer stay in this beachfront hotel. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa is NOT paying me for this but this hotel is FTW, no kidding. Even their buffets are TDF. 😘

Photo Credit: Iyay I.