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Those fishing boats, with their sails afloat
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Pix and text by Reka Tharanganie Fonseka
The introduction of motor boats in the 1970s led fisher folk to deviate from using sailboats in the southern coast. However, the use of traditional sailboats have drawn the attention of tourists as the batik-like orange sails sway along the coastline of Negombo.
The colour of the sail is extracted from a boiled leaf. Fisher folk say that the colour strengthens the boat as it is painted every six to seven months.
The Sunday Times met with Kurukulasuriya John Cyril Fernando, a 92-year-old fisherman who has engaged in the industry for more than 80 years on sailboats.
He says that the best time to trawl would be off-season, as it requires strong winds. He added that fishermen with sailboats cannot fish in the deep sea.
Mr Fernando also stressed the dangers faced by venturing into the seas. “However, no lives have been lost so far. Given that boats do capsize, the fisherman could cling to the body of the boat until help arrives.
C M Ishmael of the ‘Al Aksha Rural Fisheries Association’ in Poruthota who has been in the industry for 40 years says that sailboat rides are available for travellers.
Former Mayor of Negombo Anton Ranaweera who was also in the fishing industry says that the sailing
of boats takes place in a limited area off the coast of Negombo.
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