The greatest show on earth
Of all the wildlife experiences available in this country, perhaps that of seeing whales and dolphins in our waters is the most memorable.
The Chief Incumbent of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya, Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Ven. Palatuwe Jinarathana Thera and Ven. Dr. Pallegama Rathanasara Thera were among those who had this experience aboard the Princess of Lanka last month, on the whale watching expeditions conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy.
On our arrival at the Galle port we were warmly welcomed by senior officials of the Sri Lanka Navy. Nearly 250 local and foreign tourists were on board the Princess of Lanka, a modern fully equipped vessel which sailed at 7 a.m. from Galle port.
Within 30 kilometres into the deep sea we could see a pod of dolphins hovering close to the craft and hundreds of seagulls in the sky above. The dolphins entertained us, leaping into the air and spinning back into the water. A pod of spinner dolphins had everyone excited with their performance as the craft anchored briefly to allow a full view.
And then it was time to sail on to deeper waters where we were privileged to see the largest living mammals on earth, appearing sometimes alone and sometimes in pairs. They moved gracefully on the surface for 10-15 minutes, fluking and then diving, only to reappear about 15 minutes later. We were lucky enough to spot around 12 whales during the cruise.
Project Manager of the ‘Princess of Lanka’, Commander Indika De Silva and Deputy Project Manager Lieutenant Commander Duminda Athukorala said the Navy had launched its whale watching cruises in 2011, with the intention of letting the public know that after the end of war the country had gained peace not only on land but at sea as well. “This effort is also aimed at exposing the beauty of the Sri Lankan territorial waters that are well worth a visit,” they said.
The Commander added that Sri Lanka can boast of 26 marine mammal species within our waters.
The whales sighted that morning were Blue Whales which can grow to be 30 metres long. Situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, Sri Lankan waters are the most bountiful areas for them to find food, which may be one reason for the whales to be here. That we can reach waters that have a depth of 500-2000 metres by sailing only five to six kilometres from land is another special feature here, the Commander said.
Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera
“Our people are deprived of enjoying this beauty as they are not aware of the opportunities, though tourists do find them out and come. We can enjoy whale watching almost all year round either from Dondra, Weligama or Trincomalee,’’ said Ven. Galaboda Sri Gnanissara Thero adding that the Sri Lanka Navy is providing an excellent service and it will be an encouragement for them to proceed with this venture if they are better patronised.
The Whale and Dolphin watching cruises by the ‘Princess of Lanka’- the only craft used by the SL Navy for this purpose, leaves the Galle port at 7 a.m. every weekend. The craft can carry 300 passengers and sails some 120 km before returning to the port at 12 noon. The whale watching tours are in operation at the Galle port from October to April and from the Trincomalee port from May to September. Local adults are charged Rs.3,500 whilst a child between 6-12 years of age is charged Rs.2,000. Children below six years travel free of charge.
According to the officials, a small group can join the cruise if they come to the port before 7 a.m. No advance payment is required. For more details contact 0777 323050 or see their website: whalewatching.navy.lk