A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Eastern province. The Batticaloa estuary is the third largest brackish water system in Sri Lanka. The estuary also served as an important seaport for trade during the 19th century. Habitat degradation, pollution and land reclamation are threatening the biodiversity and hydrological functions of the lagoon. The estuary stretches 56 km from north to south with a maximum width of 4 km. The water body shows the characteristic features of a bar built estuary, indicating a high rate of siltation. It opens to the sea via two narrow channels during the wet season when the tidal amplitude is about 10 cm. The salinity varies from nearly 40 ppt near the mouth in some seasons, to 0 ppt in locations furthest from the mouth and close to freshwater sources. Generally, the northern half of the estuary is more saline than the south, and there appears to be two distinct sections separated by a constricted area less than 200 m wide near Kaluvanchikudiyiruppu village. The causeway at Koddaikallar also forms a barrier for freshwater and brackish water exchange.

Batticaloa Sanctuary Related references