Fish is considered as one of the major protein sources of Sri Lankans and at the same time fishing and support services are major income generation source of certain communities in Sri Lanka. Fishery, being an income source of certain marginalized communities of Sri Lanka, is practiced in various methods such as "Karaivalai", large pocket like nets, traditional fishing baskets made out of cane, baby prawns, crab fishery and cockle fishery around the district.
Cockle fishery in Panichankerny
Clam and cockle meat are a favourite delicacy in Batticaloa. Cockles are caught from the lagoon using cane baskets and this fishery is done by both men and women along Panichankerny lagoon. This can also be found in various other places around Batticaloa. However, clams and cockles are a favourite delicacy and a well known protein source in Batticaloa. Since these bivalaves are handpicked from the ecosystem most of the time, this is considered one of the fishing methods with less harm to the ecosystem.
Karaivalai - Pocket nets in Kallady beach
Karaivalai grabs the meaning of net from the shore from tamil language is a traditional fishing activity widely practiced by fishermen in Batticaloa. This fishing activity can be frequently spotted in Kallady beach during early morning hours. This involves a pocket like net that is taken in to the sea by a canoe or a motor boat and the other end is brought to the shore once the fish groups are caught in the net. Once the other end of the net is brought to the shore large number of men get together and pull the heavy pocket filled with fish.
Traditional fishing baskets in Kaluthavalai
Kaluthavalai, is commonly known for its famous temple of lord Ganesha. Apart from these it has a unique collection of yams and vegetables that are grown in abundance since agriculture is the major income source of communities over there. Besides these vegetable farms, there is this traditional fishing activity undertaken by mature fishermen from the village. Cane basket like traps are used to capture fish by this fishermen. They even specify the number of canes used to make a basket mostly its 102. This traditional gear is known as "Karappu" in tamil.
Fishing women in Kallar
Kallar, is famous for its baby prawns that is locally known as "Kooni" in tamil language in Batticaloa. Capturing of these tiny species of prawn species are mostly done by women who use their clothes and various similar gears for fishing. Apart from this tiny sized prawns species, there's another food fish named "Aiyamaasi" in tamil, which is a tiny sprat or anchovy like fish species that is widely used among rural cuisine and is popularly known among these rural communities as an intensive protein rich food to be fed for children.
