Batticaloa Estuary

Encompassing two Districts, the Batticaloa estuary is the third largest brackish water system in Sri Lanka and is connected to the sea at two points. The wetland is highly productive for fisheries, and rich in biodiversity. Extensive mangroves are found around the estuary while extensive segrass beds are also a feature of the estuary. Numerous areas of freshwater swamps are also found along with dry scrublands. More than 10,000 families depend on the lagoon fishery for livelihoods and food security. 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 estuary.

Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary

This is primarily a freshwater marsh ecosystem, surrounded by a rapidly developing urban landscape. The marshes serve as an important flood retention area, which provides protection to the surrounding inhabited areas. Additionally, the wetland is an important stopover for a number of migratory birds and an important roosting site for herons and egrets. As a result it has been identified as an IBA by BirdLife International. At present, much of the wetland is in a highly degraded state due to several adverse anthropogenic factors.

Bentota Estuary

This wetland site is made up of the Kahagalla Estuary, canals and marshes, thus, over its range it varies from brackish water to freshwater.