As you sail along the southern coast near Koggala and Weligama at dawn, you may witness silhouettes suspended above the crashing surf, balanced precariously on wooden poles. This is Ritipanna—the traditional art of stilt fishing, a practice completely unique to Sri Lanka.

Born of Necessity

Unlike many ancient traditions, stilt fishing is relatively modern, originating just after World War II. When food shortages hit and traditional fishing spots became overcrowded, clever coastal men erected stilts from old iron pipes left over from the war, later transitioning to wooden poles embedded in the coral reefs.

By perching a few meters above the water, fishermen cast their lines without casting shadows, allowing them to catch small spotted herring and mackerel in the shallow surf without disturbing the schools of fish.

A Meditative Practice

Stilt fishing requires immense balance, patience, and physical endurance. The men sit on a small crossbar called a petta, holding a simple rod in one hand while the Indian Ocean swells rush beneath them. It is a quiet, meditative practice that connects the fisherman directly to the rhythm of the tide.

Today, while commercial fishing has largely replaced the economic need for Ritipanna, the practice is kept alive by local families who pass the stilts down from father to son. Seeing it from the deck of our catamaran as the morning mist clears is a poignant reminder of Sri Lanka’s enduring connection to the sea.