How to Experience Negombo’s Rich Fishing Culture

Negombo, or Little Rome, is a coastal town in Sri Lanka. It is situated about 20 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport and 1 hour from Colombo. Negombo is famous for its rich fishing heritage and busiest fish market with quality fish in the country.  Other than fish, Negombo is famous for its colonial history and many churches. Here is how to experience Negombo's rich fishing culture.

What To Know Before Visiting

The best time to visit Negombo for an authentic fishing experience is between December and April. This is when the seas are calmer, and fishermen head out daily. From May to September, the seas are rough, but lagoon fishing remains an option. Finding the best accommodation will help you experience Negombo’s fishing culture smoothly. There are many luxury resorts in Sri Lanka, especially in Negombo. However, finding a place not far from the city centre like Bolagala Agro Floating Resort will make travelling easy, as Negombo is a busy city with a lot of traffic during office hours. This floating resort will offer a one-of-a-kind experience on the beautiful waters of Bolagala Lake. Since Negombo is quite warm, make sure to keep yourself hydrated, apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns and carry an umbrella or a hat.

Negombo Fish Market – The Heart Of The Fishing Trade

The Negombo fish market, locally known as lellama, is the largest fish market in the country and the best place to witness the fishing industry in full swing. It is located about 15 minutes from the town centre. The market is open at dawn when fishermen return with their fresh catch. The vendors will set up their shops, clean the fish and separate them depending on type and size. The best time to visit is around 5-6 AM when all the action is happening. You can capture the success stories of each fisherman arriving with a boatful of fish after their hard labour in the night. The view of boats and ships reaching the coast as the sun rises is a unique and breathtaking view worthy of being captured. But if you are not an early bird, you can always visit the market between 9 and 11 AM when customers arrive and when it's not too sunny to walk around.

Traditional Fishing Methods And Catamarans

Negombo’s fishing community still practices age-old techniques passed down through generations. One of the most unique sites along the coastline is the traditional Oruwa, an outrigger canoe used by local fishermen. These wooden boats are painted in bright colours and can be seen in the ocean early in the morning. Visitors can book a catamaran ride with local fishermen to learn how they cast their nets and pull in the fish.

Lagoon Fishing And Mangrove Tours

Negombo Lagoon serves as an important fishing hub. The lagoon is located about 20 minutes away from the Negombo town. It is filled with shrimp, crabs and various fish species. You can book a guided lagoon fishing tour, which will allow the visitors to catch fish using traditional methods while travelling through the mangroves. It is a very unique and unforgettable experience. You can also observe birds and take some amazing pictures of the mangroves.

Seafood And Local Cuisine

After exploring Negombo’s fishing culture, it is a must to enjoy the freshest seafood. The town is famous for its Negombo crab curry, a must-try dish cooked with spices and coconut milk. Other seafood dishes to try are prawns, sour fish curry called Ambul Thiyal in Sinhalese and squid stir-fry. Roadside vendors are selling Sri Lankan delicacies, or you can try high-end restaurants offering buffets.

Cultural Aspects And Fishing Festivals

Fishing is deeply integrated into the Negombo culture and religious life. Many fishermen follow Christian traditions, and St. Mary’s church hosts an annual blessing for fishing boats. The town also celebrates St. Anne’s festivals, where fishermen decorate their boats and offer prayers. If you visit during July or August, you may witness these grand religious processions that show the town's rich heritage.