About Kosgoda

Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda

Kosgoda has become famous for its turtle conservation projects which attract many local and foreign visitors throughout the year. These conservation projects help to protect turtles from extinction in Sri Lanka and have seen the release of millions of baby turtles safely back into the wild. Although the main season for laying is October to April, Green turtles lay eggs almost throughout the year at Kosgoda. A total of five species of sea turtles lay eggs along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, out of which the most common is the Green turtle. The Olive Ridley and the Hawksbill follow next on the list, while the extremely large Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles bring in the rear. The Kosgoda turtle hatcheries also look after turtles that have been injured or disabled due to becoming trapped in fishing nets or other natural calamities. Rare albino turtles can also be seen.

The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach is one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The centre is located in the South Western coastal village of Kosgoda and was established in 1981. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. This is not so with many of the other hatcheries around the island whose beaches host only some of the species.

The centre functions mainly as a hatchery and makes huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stages. However, the Care centre also works on sick or injured adults; treating them and releasing them back into the ocean. They also run volunteer programs and awareness programs for local and international visitors.