 Magnificent ‘Madu Ganga’
A breezy boat ride on the Madu
Ganga will not only take your breath away but will invigorate your
senses and uplift your soul. The Madu River, situated in the Galle
District is a fitting example of the intricate river channels which
decorate our country’s south west coast.
In the global context, the ecological importance of this site has
garnered it the ‘Ramsar Wetland’ status in 2003 being the second largest
wetland in Sri Lanka with a colossal 915 hectares with 23 islands
inhabited by nearly 300 families. The Madu Ganga Sanctuary is now a
Tourist Development Area and a Special Area Managed (SAM) by the Coast
Conservation Department. Balapitiya is where the ‘Madu Ganga’ makes its
home.
 Along with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two
narrow channels, it forms the Madu Ganga wetland. Its estuary and the
many mangrove islets on it form a complex coastal wetland ecosystem. It
has a high value in ecological, biological and aesthetic significance,
home to 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248
species of vertebrates. Madu Ganga is possibly one of the last remaining
tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. Prawn farming stations
also exist along the Madu Ganga.
During the pre-colonization period, Madu Ganga was a pivotal point
where one of the main water ways connected cities and ancient Sinhala
kingdoms together. It is claimed that the main secret of the Madu Ganga
is its subtle tide. On any occasion during the low tide, the sea water
comes inland and blends with the fresh water and in the evening, the
opposite happens creating an exciting natural formation.
The Amarapura Nikaya had its first Upasampada (higher ordination
ceremony) on a fleet of boats anchored upon it in 1803. The Madu Ganga
santuary is also home to a wealth of flora and fauna. At Diga-duwa (Long
Island), bear witness to several plants which are used in ayurvedha
having stood the test of time.
Streaming and meandering along the way, the peace and solitutude at
Madu Ganga inspires you to be concerned about Mother Nature.
Further along the way, another small islet described as Satha Pahe
Dupatha has a nearly 800 years old Dewalaya but without a holy statue.
Koth Duwa has a temple which is called Kothduwa Raja Maha Viharaya. The
main treasure of Madu Ganga is its mangroves that act as a bio-lock to
the area by giving protection to the variety of aquatic plants and
animal life.
They provide a home for different kinds of aquatic plants, crabs,
shrimps, fish, various invertebrates and other animal life including
crocodiles. In earlier years, Madu Ganga and its islets were renowned
for their mangroves, but these are now increasingly under threat.
- ND
|
