A Ramsar-listed wetland of ancient man-made tanks, mangroves and coastal lagoon south of Puttalam, alive with resident and migratory birds.

Overview

Anawilundawa is a mosaic of freshwater tanks, mangroves, salt marsh and coastal lagoon set between Chilaw and Puttalam, and one of Sri Lanka's six wetlands of international importance. A cluster of ancient irrigation tanks sits beside the sea, creating a rare meeting of freshwater and coastal habitats that supports well over a hundred bird species, including herons, egrets, cormorants, whistling ducks and the globally threatened spot-billed pelican. Quiet bund-side paths and a small watchtower make it a rewarding, low-key spot for birdwatchers and photographers.

History

The chain of tanks at Anawilundawa is thought to date back over a thousand years to ancient Sinhalese irrigation works, later maintained for paddy cultivation. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1997 and designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2001 in recognition of its unusual convergence of freshwater, mangrove and marine ecosystems.