What is Muthurajawela

Muthurajawela is a coastal wetland ecosystem located in Gampaha District of western province Sri Lanka. Muthrajawela marsh land named as “A protected area for biodiversity conservation” by the Wildlife Act 1989 and Muthurajawela is not an International Ramsar site. The Muthurajawela Marshes are 3,068 ha (7,580 acres) in size and this is country’s largest saline coastal peat bog. The marsh is prominent for its unique and highly diverse ecosystem and is listed as one of 12 priority wetlands in Sri Lanka. In Sinhala language “Muthurajawela” is “Field of Royal Treasure”.   Sri Lanka is rich with wide array of inland and coastal wetland ecosystems that harbor a rich biological diversity and including urban wetland in Sri Lanka The Muthurajawela marsh land.

History of Muthurajawela wetland

During the time of the king Weera Parakramabahu Negombo had been the best trading port in the island. During the same period Portuguese the western invaders arrived in Sri Lanka and started growing spices such as cinnamon and black pepper. In order to export these spices and then needed to transport them to the trading port on the Negombo lagoon but when transporting these by sea it had been a difficult task as they had sail against the win and ocean current. So with concurrence of the king they constructed a canal through this land connecting Kelani river to the Negombo lagoon.
When constructing this canal they didn’t pay attention to the geographical factors. This wetland area is 2 – 3 M below the sea level and the the Kelani river end and the Negombo end of the canal are in the intertidal zones.
Because of these factors when high tide occurs sea water flows inland through the canal and as this area is below the sea level, all the brackish water does not flow back in to the sea. Due to this, canal water became salty and seep in to the paddy land thereby destroying the paddy cultivation.
The Dutch who came later widen this canal and the British built a new water way called Hamilton Canal. All these activities quicken the destruction of the paddy cultivation. At present as this wetland is very close to highly urbanized area and it has become economically very valuable land. In addition to its being high in bio diversity. There are 41 wetlands in Sri lanka. According to list of Asian wetlands published in 1989 and Muthurajawela is one of that list. Later, in 1996 this wetland 1028 Ha in extent was declared a National Park under the Wildlife and Vegetation Act of Sri Lanka. By this act it is possible to control of this area thereby giving the legal protection for the flora and fauna species in this area.

Importance of Muthurajawela wet land

Muthurajawel is one of the main bio diversity hot spots in Sri Lanka consisting wide array of endemic / residence & common flora & fauna species. Upon recognizing the ecological significance of Muthurajawela, The Government of Sri Lanka declared the northern section of the marsh covering an area of 1777 ha as a sanctuary in July 1996, under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, which is administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).
Muthurajawela wetland receives mean annual rainfall of 2000 – 2500 MM and the mean annual temperature is 27 C. This wetland is also the home to the largest peat deposits in the island. This area is popular among local & foreign travelers as Muthurajawela Bird Watching site.

Location of Muthurajawela Sanctuary 

It is bounded in the north by Negombo lagoon and the southern boundary is Kelani river, the second longest river in Sri Lanka. West bounded by the seashore and east by Colombo Negombo main road. Negombo lagoon is situated in the west coast of Sri Lanka and it receives water from the Attanagalu Oya (Ja-Ela and Dandugam Oya).

Flora & Fauna of Muthurajawela Wetand Sanctuary

communities at Muthurajawela: marsh, lentic flora, reed swamp, short grassland, shrubland, stream bank flora and mangrove swamp. The vertebrate fauna documented included 40 species of fish, 14 species of amphibians, 31 species of reptiles, 102 species of birds and 22 species of mammals. Among the total vertebrate species documented, 17 are endemic, while 26 are nationally threatened. A total of 36 species of vertebrates are new records to Muthurajawela.
The selected invertebrate species documented consisted of 48 species of butterflies and 22 species of odonates.

Muthurajawela FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Boat ride in Muthurajawela Dutch Canal?

Muthurajawela boat ride is interesting activity and its very educative tour since you can have a good knowledge on below areas. Especially this is very important for school children. You will learn

1. Rich bio diversity of tropical wetland
2. Flora & fauna in Muthurajawela eco system (Tropical coastal wetland)
3. Marine transport in Dutch & British colonial periods
4. Livelihood of coastal wetland
5. Endemic birds & other fauna species
6. How human activities are affect to the natural eco system
7. Different types of vegetation
8. How to book boat ride in Muthurajawela Dutch Canal ?
9. You need to contact us or directly contact Muthurajawela visitor center 

Is Muthurajawela danger ? 

At present, the biodiversity of Muthurajawela is threatened by unplanned development activities and a growing human population & pollution.

What is the Muthurajawela Visitor Center contact details / address ?

Muthurajawela visitor centre, Idigaslanda,

Bopitiya, pamunugama
Ja-Ela
Telephone Land line 0114030150 (Mr. Anura)

Can we visit Muthurajawela within 4 – 5 Hours?

Yes ,the boat trip will approximately 2 Hours and you may explore this wetland within four hours

What is the best time to do a boat ride in Muthurajawel Dutch canal ?

Ideally you need to start early morning 7.00 AM if you are bird lover. If not suggest to start before 8.30 to have a good sceneries. Or else you can visit after 4.00 PM

From where we get in to the boat?

From Pamunugama Ja Ela Muthurajawela visitor center is recommended

Is this Muthurajawel Dutch canal boat ride is safe ?

Yes, you will be given a life jackets before on-board and these boats are equipped with safety gears.

Is it worth to visit Muthurajawela ?

Yes, this is very informative experience especially for children.

Is this boat ride exclusive or group.

Total passenger capacity is 6 – 8 adults

Any other queries, please contact us for clarifications

holidays@expeditions.lk
+94717884499

Are we going there during our family holidays in Sri Lanka with Ceylon Expeditions?
Yes, while you are on your last day or first day, we will be visiting Muthurajawel Dutch Canal