The biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s ecosystem in which the organism interacts with air, soil, water, and sunlight is amazing. It includes species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. A wide range of ecosystems are characteristic in the country. They are ranging from coastal and marine ecosystems, inland wetlands, grasslands, forests, agricultural ecosystems, low country inland wetlands include a complex network of rivers and freshwater bodies.

Estuaries and Mangroves

The estuaries and mangroves are the main features of the wetland ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The estuaries are formed in places where rivers enter the sea. Mangroves are tropical trees, found near water, whose twisted roots grow partly above grounds. The main characteristic of this ecosystem is the tidal fluctuation and the salinity between salt and fresh water.

 Ramsar sites

There are five wetlands in the island identified by the Ramsar Convention on wetlands that provide the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Sri Lanka on the 15th. October 1990. The 5 Ramsar wetland sites are Madu Ganga (Madu River), Annaiwilundawa and Vankalai Sanctuaries, Bundala, and Kumana national parks. 

Madu Ganga

Madu Ganga starts near the Uragasmanhandiya area in the Galle district flows 4.4 km before opening up into the Maduganga estuary and draining into the Indian Ocean at Balapitiya. Maduganga estuary is enriched with relatively undisturbed mangrove vegetation and joined to the sea by a narrow canal. It contains 15 islands of varying sizes, some of which are inhabited. The 15 islands cover 145 hectares whereas 770 hectares contain water.  Mangroves vegetation of Maduganga estuary act as a bio-lock to the area giving home for different kinds of aquatic plants, crabs, shrimps, fish, various invertebrates, and other animal life including crocodiles. There are 111 species of birds and 248 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the Maduganga estuary. The natural phenomenon of this ecosystem is the tide which makes the seawater come inland and mixed with freshwater during the low tide and in the high tide, it is another way around.

Kothduwa temple located in the Kothduwa island, one of the 15 islands in the Maduganga estuary is believed to be once sheltered the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Amarapura Nikaya, one of the three Buddhist sectors in Sri Lanka has held its first higher ordination ceremony on a fleet of boats anchored upon Madu Ganga in 1803.

Boat ride in Maduganga estuary

The boat ride traverse through dark-looking caverns formed by the thick mangrove forest and reach the open stretch of water would be a breathtaking experience. You will be able to witness some aquatic animals and birds in their natural habitat, the traditional pots created by the fishermen to catch prawns and shrimp and sometimes to hold a captive baby crocodile.  You can dangle your feet to get a massage treatment from fish at a fish massage parlour create by fencing part of the river.

You also like to know:

Madu Ganga, Boat ride: https://www.fantasiatours.com/activities/view-detailed-activity/101

Explore Bentota: https://www.fantasiatours.com/locations/view-individual/38

Itineraries to visit Madu Ganga:

https://www.fantasiatours.com/itineraries/view-detailed-iternery/26

https://www.fantasiatours.com/itineraries/view-detailed-iternery/48