About the Sanctuary

The Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery and Sanctuary is dedicated to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles. A major part of our work involves rescuing turtle eggs that would otherwise be sold on local black markets. By purchasing these eggs, we safely incubate them and release the hatchlings into the sea, giving them a far greater chance of survival.

Founded in 2000 by the owners’ father, the hatchery weathered the tragic 2004 tsunami—which claimed the lives of their mother, two sisters, and their children—and was carried forward by the brothers’ unwavering commitment to sea turtle conservation.

Today, we focus on every life stage: incubating and releasing hatchlings, and providing a haven for injured adults who can no longer survive in the wild.

Education drives lasting change. Through guided sanctuary tours, school outreach programs, and community events, we raise awareness about threats like habitat loss, plastic pollution, and illegal poaching to inspire action.

By visiting or donating directly, you support the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles along Sri Lanka’s shores.

Sea turtles in Sri Lanka play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As gentle grazers and nutrient distributors, they help preserve coral reef and seagrass habitats—vital nurseries for countless other species.

Over the past decades, threats such as egg poaching, coastal development, and marine pollution have driven sea turtle populations to critical lows. Our hatchery’s egg‑rescue and rehabilitation programs directly counter these threats, boosting hatchling success rates and offering injured adults a second chance.

Your support—whether through educational visits, volunteering, or donating—powers our conservation efforts. Every contribution helps protect nesting sites, fund rescue operations, and expand community outreach across Sri Lanka’s coastline.