NEGOMBO

 Its closeness to Katunayake airport makes Negombo a very popular resort. Here an old world atmosphere of 17th Century churches and forts, hotels, guesthouses and restaurants have sprung up along the beach.

Like many other coastal towns in this country, Negombo was an important spice port long before the Portuguese set foot on the island. The Portuguese took possession of Negombo about 1600 and raised a small fort. The Dutch claimed the strong hold in 1640 and re-fortified it providing their initial foothold in Sri Lanka. When the British arrived in 1796 they found the fort abandoned so they tore most of it down and put up a large jail. A few other Dutch relics still remain, the main one being the canal system from Colombo to Puttalam, nearly 80 miles.

A good place to watch the "Karava" fishermen at work. Their principle craft is the "Oruva," a dugout outrigger canoe. You will see these fishermen bringing in their daily catch of crabs, prawns, seer and other fish to the fish markets. During the day they are mending their nets on the beach. Many make their homes on the small island of Duva, across the lagoon from Negombo but connected by motor able causeway.