Negombo Lagoon is a large estuarine lagoon in Negombo, south-west Sri Lanka.

Negombo Lagoon
Negombo Lagoon is located in Sri Lanka
Negombo Lagoon
Negombo Lagoon
LocationWestern Province, Sri Lanka
Coordinates7°09′N 79°51′E / 7.150°N 79.850°E / 7.150; 79.850
TypeLagoon
Primary inflowsJa-Ela
Attanagalu Oya
Old Dutch Canal
Primary outflowsIndian Ocean
Surface area35.02 square kilometres (13.52 sq mi)
Max. depth1 metre (3.3 ft)
Surface elevationSea level
SettlementsNegombo

The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers and the Hamilton Canal (also known as the Dutch canal). It is linked to the sea by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city. It is surrounded by a densely populated region containing rice paddies, coconut plantations and grassland. The land is used for fishing and agriculture. The lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets, gulls, terns and other waders. Negombo, Katunayake, Seeduwa are some nearby towns. Lagoon fishing is popular among the fishing community in Negombo. Lagoon crabs and lagoon prawns are in high taste and demand.

Negombo Lagoon natural harbour
Negombo Lagoon Wildlife

References

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  • S.W. Kotagama, Leonard Pinto and Jayampathi L. Samarakoon. "Sri Lanka" (PDF). Wetlands International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
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