The Kalamatiya bird sanctuary is located just 1 km away from Ranna on he Ranna-Kalamatiya road. The Bird Sanctary in Kalametiya was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 (2.500 hectares) but this was abolished in 1946 due to the opposition of local residents. In 1984, a considerably reduced area was once again declared a sanctuary due to residencial opposition. The Sanctuary includes the Lunama and Kalamatiya lagoons, Karukalli Saltern and the surrounding marshy areas. The Kalamatiya areas records about 150 species of birds of which 54 are migratory.
Kalamatiya area records about 15 species of birds of which 54 are migratory. There are four nationally threatened birds found within the Sanctuary - Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and the Black-capped Purple Kingfisher. Out of these 4 species, the Jungle Fowl is the only endemic species. The Kalamatiya region also boasts 38 species of reptiles, a large number of which are nationally and globally threatened. The Lagoons comprise of 41 species of fish, about 20 species of mammals with 4 endemic (Shrew- Hikmeeya, Toque Monkey - Rilawa. bicoloured, Spiny Rat -Katu Miya and Tree Mouse) and a large number of plants have been recorded within the Sanctuary.