Stilt fishermen

About Stilt fishermen

Perched on slender poles driven into the shallow waters just off the southern coast near Weligama, the stilt fishermen have become one of Sri Lanka's most recognisable sights. Fishermen balance on small wooden crossbars, casting their lines into the sea in a manner passed down through generations. The practice is closely associated with this stretch of coastline, where the calm, shallow waters proved particularly suited to the technique. Visitors typically come at dawn or in the late afternoon when the light is most favourable and activity most likely. Photographers find the scene especially rewarding, the silhouetted figures set against the Indian Ocean making for striking images. It is worth noting that some fishermen now charge a small fee for photographs.

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