More eyes keen to see sea mammals
Watching sea mammals in local sea territories has become increasingly popular among local and foreign tourists during the last five years, said Colombo University Zoology Department senior lecturer Dr Devaka Weerakoon.
 Dolphins can be frequently seen at Hikkaduwa |
He said that tourist institutes which provide facilities to watch sea mammals has shown a tremendous growth during the past five years.
He also observed that articles on whale watching in tourism related web sites in Sri Lanka have shown a significant rise. The Indian Ocean has also been declared as a sanctuary for sea mammals.
He said that 28 sea mammals including the blue whale, the largest animal surviving in the world, have been reported in sea territories around the country. Kalpitiya, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Trincomalee have been identified as more suitable places to watch sea mammals.
Dr Weerakoon pointed out that December to April is famous for dolphin and dugong watching at Kalpitiya, while whales and dolphins can frequently be seen in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Trincomalee.
"December, January and April are more suitable for sea mammal watching in the South West sea territory whereas June to September more suitable for sea mammal watching in the Eastern sea territory. Endangered species such as blue whale and fin whale can also be seen in our sea territory," he said.
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