Lanka Mangrove Museum

The Lanka Mangrove Museum is a dedicated environmental education center focused on preserving and promoting the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s mangrove ecosystems. Located near the vibrant wetlands, the museum offers interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational resources that showcase the ecological significance of mangroves and their role in coastal resilience.

The fishing gear known as the cast net derives its name from its method of operation, as the fisherman throws the circular net over the water by holding it evenly with both hands. Once the net is cast, it spreads out in a circular shape and sinks rapidly, trapping fish or shrimp beneath it. A weighted line attached around the edge of the net helps it close as it is retrieved, preventing the catch from escaping. This traditional fishing method requires considerable skill and experience to ensure that the net opens fully and lands accurately over the target area.

Cast net Throwing net විසි දැල

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The fishing gear known as the cast net derives its name from its method of operation, as the fisherman throws the circular net over the water by holding it evenly with both hands. Once the net is cast, it spreads out in a circular shape and sinks rapidly, trapping fish or shrimp beneath it. A weighted line attached around the edge of the net helps it close as it is retrieved, preventing the catch from escaping. This traditional fishing method requires considerable skill and experience to ensure that the net opens fully and lands accurately over the target area.

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Traditional Athanguwa fish trap, wooden frame with mesh netting, shown indoors.

Athanguwa අතංගුව

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During the 1970s and 1980s, the Athanguwa, a traditional lagoon fishing gear, played a significant role in the collection of ornamental fish from Sri Lanka’s coastal lagoons. These fish were primarily harvested for export to the international aquarium trade, providing an important supplementary livelihood for many fishing households. Different species commanded different market prices; for example, Ilatthiya was purchased by exporters for approximately 25 cents per fish, while Kapu Handa was purchased for around 30 cents each.

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The programme focused on the importance of mangrove ecosystems, their role in protecting coastal environments, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through interactive sessions and educational activities, participants gained valuable knowledge on the importance of conserving mangroves and protecting Sri Lanka's coastal ecosystems.

International Mangrove Day Awareness Programme for School Students and Young Scouts

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International Mangrove Day Awareness Programme for School Students and Young Scouts

On 18 July 2026, in celebration of International Mangrove Day, the Lanka Mangrove Museum & Learning Center organized an environmental awareness programme for school students and young scouts.

The programme focused on the importance of mangrove ecosystems, their role in protecting coastal environments, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through interactive sessions and educational activities, participants gained valuable knowledge on the importance of conserving mangroves and protecting Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems.

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In celebration of International Mangrove Conservation Day, a mangrove restoration programme was successfully carried out today at the Kalpitiya Lagoon, where 960 Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) saplings were planted.

960 Mangrove Saplings Planted in the Kalpitiya Lagoon to Mark International Mangrove Conservation Day

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In celebration of International Mangrove Conservation Day, a mangrove restoration programme was successfully carried out today at the Kalpitiya Lagoon, where 960 Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) saplings were planted.

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On 09th July 2026, we were pleased to welcome Ms. A.A.M. Anuradha M. Nanayakkara, an MSc student in Environmental Science from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, to the Lanka Mangrove Museum & Learning Center, Pambala.

MSc Research Student Visits the Lanka Mangrove Museum & Learning Center

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MSc Research Student Visits the Lanka Mangrove Museum & Learning Center On 09th July 2026, we were pleased to welcome Ms. A.A.M. Anuradha M. Nanayakkara, an MSc student in Environmental Science from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, to the Lanka Mangrove Museum & Learning Center, Pambala. Ms.

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21st June 2026 The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center conducted a community shramadana (voluntary cleaning program) today to protect and maintain the beauty of the mangrove ecosystem surrounding the museum. As part of this initiative, the museum team came together to clean the mangrove environment and remove waste materials that could negatively affect this valuable coastal ecosystem. The program highlighted the importance of keeping natural habitats clean and preserving the health of mangrove forests. The cleaning activities received support from the Chilaw (Halawatha) Pradeshiya Sabha, assisted by collecting and removing the gathered waste from the area. The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center appreciates the support and cooperation of everyone who contributed to this environmental initiative. Together, through awareness and action, we can continue to protect Sri Lanka’s precious mangrove ecosystems.

Cleaning Program at Lanka Mangrove Museum

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21st June 2026
The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center conducted a community shramadana (voluntary cleaning program) today to protect and maintain the beauty of the mangrove ecosystem surrounding the museum.
As part of this initiative, the museum team came together to clean the mangrove environment and remove waste materials that could negatively affect this valuable coastal ecosystem. The program highlighted the importance of keeping natural habitats clean and preserving the health of mangrove forests.
The cleaning activities received support from the Chilaw (Halawatha) Pradeshiya Sabha, assisted by collecting and removing the gathered waste from the area.
The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center appreciates the support and cooperation of everyone who contributed to this environmental initiative. Together, through awareness and action, we can continue to protect Sri Lanka’s precious mangrove ecosystems.

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Continuing her six-week educational and research journey at the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center, the young volunteer from India participated in an educational session focused on mangrove plants and their importance. During the session, she was introduced to the unique characteristics of mangrove species, their adaptations to coastal environments, and the important ecological services provided by mangrove ecosystems. The session included discussions on mangrove diversity, conservation methods, and the role of these valuable coastal forests in protecting biodiversity and supporting coastal communities.

Indian Volunteer Continues Learning Journey on Mangrove Conservation at Lanka Mangrove Museum

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Continuing her six-week educational and research journey at the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center, the young volunteer from India participated in an educational session focused on mangrove plants and their importance.

During the session, she was introduced to the unique characteristics of mangrove species, their adaptations to coastal environments, and the important ecological services provided by mangrove ecosystems. The session included discussions on mangrove diversity, conservation methods, and the role of these valuable coastal forests in protecting biodiversity and supporting coastal communities.

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A scientific research study focusing on the medicinal and biological potential of mangrove plants has been conducted using samples of Rhizophora mucronata, one of the important mangrove species found in Sri Lanka.

Scientific Research on Rhizophora mucronata Highlights the Potential of Mangrove Plants in Antioxidant Studies

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A scientific research study focusing on the medicinal and biological potential of mangrove plants has been conducted using samples of Rhizophora mucronata, one of the important mangrove species found in Sri Lanka.

As part of this research, leaf and stem samples of Rhizophora mucronata were collected from the Pambala–Chilaw Lagoon area to evaluate their antioxidant properties. The study assessed the antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts prepared from the leaves and stems of this valuable mangrove species.

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The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center is pleased to witness the positive impact of its mangrove conservation training programs, as community members from Munaikadu, Batticaloa, have successfully established a mangrove nursery following a recent workshop conducted by the museum. The workshop provided participants with practical knowledge and hands-on training in mangrove ecology, seed collection, nursery establishment, seedling care, and the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastal communities and supporting biodiversity. Participants actively engaged in the sessions and demonstrated a strong commitment to applying their newly acquired knowledge.

Munaikadu Community Members Establish a Mangrove Nursery Following Conservation Workshop

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Munaikadu Community Members Establish a Mangrove Nursery Following Conservation Workshop 19th June 2026 The Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center is pleased to witness the positive impact of its mangrove conservation training programs, as community members from Munaikadu, Batticaloa, have successfully established a mangrove nursery following a recent workshop conducted by the museum. The workshop

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