MUTHURAJAWELA VISITOR CENTRE

Muthurajawela visitor centre is a functional institution dedicated to promote true environmental tourism. it is equipped with all facilities and services to satisfy the demand of tourists, both local and foreign, who converge at the centre from various corners of the globe and who belong to different walks of life. Visitors include school children, university students, researchers and adventures and many wish to enjoy perfect relaxation away from the hustle bustle.

Boat rides provided by the centre to enjoy the scenic beauty and to study the aesthetic value of the landscape extending over the wet land from muthurajawela to the negombo lagoon, is one of the main tourist attractions available at this  institution. The boat rides are organized with  emphasis on the historical, international, social and economic importance of the wetland extending from muthurajawela to the Negombo lagoon.       

This institution was officially inaugurated on July 02, 1996 as a pioneer project under the central Environment Authority’s ‘‘Wetland Conservation Programme.’’ At the outset the centre ran under the sponsorship of the Government of the Netherlands which ended on December 31, 2003. Thereafter the management of the institution was handed over to the fully community based organization which is called “Muthurajawela And Negombo Lagoon Development Foundation”.

The institution is incorporated under the provisions of section 34 of the companies Act No.7 of 2007. A majority of its membership is drawn from the beneficiaries of the resources of Muthurajawela and Negombo lagoon wetland area. A Board of Directors elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting is responsible for its activities.

The two hour boat tour under the graceful guidance of one of our cordial Nature Guides is a feature greatly appreciated by our visitors. The boat ride starts from the ancient Hamilton Canal and winds through the swampy lands of Muthurajawela to reach the mangrove woods of the Negombo lagoon. The route is arranged in such a way to permit picturesque vista of the surrounding bio-diversity. As far as our visitors are concerned, this boat ride certainly will be a fantastic experience for them on board.

Telepone : +94 0114 030 150 Whatsapp : +94 077 704 3447 Email : muthurajawelavisitorcentre@gmail.com

Address : Muthurajawela Visitor Centre, Indigaslanda, Bopitiya, Pamunugama.

BIRDS

1. Little Cormorant 11. Purple Heron 21. White-bellied Sea Eagle 31. Greater Flameback

2. Great Cormorant 12. Little Heron 22. Indian Peafowl 32. White-bellied Drongo

3. Indian Cormorant 13. Pond Heron 23. Red-battled Lapwing 33. Red-vented Bulbul

4. Dater 14. White Brested Waterhen 24. Spotted Dove 34. Yellow-billed Babbler

5. Little Grebe 15. Purple Swamphen 25. Rose-ringed Parakeet MIGRANT BIRDS

6. Intermediate Egret 16. Common Morhen 26. Greater Coucal 35. Little Tern

7. Little Egret 17. Black-winged Stilet 27. Asian Koel 36. Brown Shrike

8. Great Egret 18. Pheasant-tailed Jacana 28. White-throated Kingfisher 37. Blue-tailed Bee Eater

9. Cattle Egret 19. Lesser Whistling-duck 29. Common Kingfisher 38. Whiskered Tern

10. Greay Heron 20. Brahminy Kite 30. Pied Kingfisher 39. Barn Swallow