An iconic and highly photographed traditional Sri Lankan practice along the southern coast, Stilt Fishing (Ritipanna) features skilled local fishermen sitting perfectly balanced on wooden crossbars planted in the shallow ocean waves to patiently catch small fish.

Why visit Stilt Fishing (Ritipanna)

• Unique Fishing Technique: Stilt fishing (Ritipanna in Sinhalese) is a distinct traditional method of fishing where the fisherman balances precariously on a crossbar tied to a pole submerged in a shallow sea or riverbed, using a fishing rod and angled hook.
• Post-WWII Origin: This specific style of stilt fishing (Ritipanna) in the shallow coastal waters of the southern coast originated during or shortly after World War II, due to food shortages, overfishing, and the influx of British troops.
• Iconic Southern Coastal Tradition: The practice is an iconic cultural tradition exclusive to Sri Lanka’s southern coastal region, commonly seen (and sometimes performed for tourists) in areas such as Koggala (most famous), Ahangama, Weligama, and Mirissa.
• Photographic Spectacle: Ritipanna has become a major tourist draw, offering a breathtaking and unique photographic sight, especially during dawn and twilight hours.
• Commercialized Tourist Experience: The practice has become highly commercialized in many spots, with tourists often paying a small fee (approximately 500–3,000 LKR, varying by location and negotiation) for photos, posing on stilts, or short experiences with fishermen.