News
Morawala, Negombo beach in need of Clean Sri Lanka
View(s):Negombo, a top tourist destination in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its sunny beaches, luxury hotels, and landmarks like the colonial-era Hamilton Canal (Dutch Canal). Adding to its appeal is Morawala, a serene spot near the famous Duwa Church, known for its Passion Play — second only to Oberammergau in Germany.
Historically significant during the Polonnaruwa era, Morawala with nearby ports like Kalpitiya, Kammal Thota, and Negombo, served as a key role in trade and military purposes.
The beach attracts local and foreign visitors
Bronze coins found along the Pitipana coastline depict rulers like Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu the Great, and Nissankamalla. Many of the coins, attributed to King Nissankamalla, display his image and name inscribed in Dewanagari script, Duwa passion play director Clement Fernando says.
Today, Morawala attracts visitors for its safe bathing and tranquil beauty. However, neglect by authorities has led to pollution and poor maintenance.
Ushan Fernando, a 36-year-old musician working at Rolanka Hotel, voluntarily cleans the beach daily. “With the low tide, rubbish washes down from the lagoon through the Duwa estuary. I gather and dispose them,” he says.
A Czech national currently residing near Morawala, Kami Helcl, highlights the area’s historical importance and recalls a shipwreck (Express Pearl) that caused a flood of plastic balls, still floating in the ocean due to lack of clean-up.
Despite its popularity, Negombo’s beaches are often criticised for poor cleanliness. Clean-up efforts reveal alarming waste like syringes, medical supplies, and even chicken heads.
Locals urge the government to clean the beach regularly, add trash cans, install lighting, and enforce rules against littering to preserve this natural treasure.
Pix and text by Richard Walter Perera
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!