Kosgoda renowned for Turtle Hatchery

Text & pix: Ganga Pradeepa

The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery is fairly well known to those who travel down south and is spotted on a vast stretch on beach along Galle Road. Launched in 1978 when Dr T.S.U. de Silva, an ornithologist, visited the village some 45 miles off Colombo after receiving a $30,000 grant from a European industrialist to use on a wildlife project, he was inspired to build a hatchery where turtle eggs could be protected from birds, crabs, dogs and man.

De Silva, however had learned that a village patriarch Similius Abrew had a special love for turtles. If one got entangled in his fishing nets, Similius would set it free. De Silva suggested they use the grant’s money to build a hatchery and then pay poachers and fishermen more for their eggs than they could get by selling them to the markets.

Similius was even more pleased when the youngest of his seven children joined him in his work. Chandrasiri Abrew, a child of Similius dropped out to help his father with the hatchery. And as the years passed the young man came to love the turtles too. When his father died in 1990, Abrew had no hesitation to take over.

Not even Sri Lankans but also tourists visit this point. By charging a small entrance fee and by selling souvenirs he earned money. Chandrasiri knows that nature can be cruel, and possibly only three percent of the hatched will survive. But he is undeterred “When I release turtles I pray that the merit from my act will be transferred to my father.”

Sea turtles can be found in the coastal waters of nearly every ocean. The largest measures up to ten feet in length and weigh more than 100 pounds and they can live for well over 100 years. Some species prefer the high seas swimming thousands of miles to reach nesting grounds.

Chandrasiri has been releasing nearly three million turtles since 1980. He collects eggs from his own sea area. But most often he happens to buy eggs from the villages. Mrs Rangani, a teacher gives money to Chandrasiri to buy eggs. He takes just about 6,000 eggs from villages. Then he protects these eggs in holes.

After nearly 45 days to 65 days new-born turtles emerge from these eggs. Then he releases 80% of turtles to the sea and puts the other turtles into the tanks. People can see these turtles when they come to this turtle farm. Because of him these turtles are able to live longer. Then after 15 years these turtles come again to the shore to lay their eggs.

Every morning Chandrasiri takes a walk along the sea looking for the loves of his life. If he sees some he’s a happy man.

Perhaps you too can share some of Chandrasiri’s experience.