Sri Lankan Sea Turtles – Conservation at Hikkaduwa Hatchery

Sri Lanka is home to a rich diversity of marine life, and among its most iconic and endangered residents are sea turtles. The island’s warm coastal waters and sandy beaches provide ideal nesting grounds for several turtle species. The Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery plays a vital role in protecting these magnificent creatures and educating the public on the importance of marine conservation.

Why Sea Turtles Matter

Sea turtles are ancient marine reptiles that have existed for more than 100 million years. They are an essential part of ocean ecosystems, helping maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Despite their ecological importance, sea turtles face numerous threats including poaching, plastic pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. In Sri Lanka, the demand for turtle meat, shells, and eggs has led to a steep decline in their numbers over the decades.

Species Found in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter five of the seven known species of sea turtles:

• Green Turtle – The most commonly seen around Hikkaduwa, known for its herbivorous diet and large size.
• Loggerhead Turtle – Recognized by its strong jaws, it primarily feeds on crustaceans and mollusks.
• Olive Ridley Turtle – Small and migratory, often nesting on southern beaches.
• Hawksbill Turtle – A critically endangered species known for its beautifully patterned shell.
• Leatherback Turtle – The largest of all sea turtles, rarely spotted but occasionally seen in deeper waters.

Each of these species is classified as either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts in Sri Lanka, especially those at the Hikkaduwa Hatchery, are crucial to their survival.

Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery's Mission

Founded as a community-based conservation initiative, the Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery is located along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The hatchery’s mission is threefold: to protect turtle eggs from poachers and predators, to rehabilitate injured turtles, and to educate the public about marine conservation. The facility is open to visitors, allowing people to observe and engage with the conservation process firsthand.

Egg Collection and Hatching Process

During nesting season, volunteers and local conservationists patrol nearby beaches to locate turtle nests. Eggs that are at risk—due to human activity or environmental threats—are carefully collected and relocated to the hatchery’s protected sand pits. After an incubation period of around 45–60 days, the baby turtles hatch and are monitored before being released safely into the ocean, typically at night to avoid predators.

Rehabilitation of Injured Sea Turtles

The hatchery also provides medical care for injured turtles, many of which arrive with damage caused by fishing nets, boat propellers, or pollution. These turtles are housed in saltwater tanks and receive veterinary care until they are strong enough to return to the wild. Some turtles with severe injuries become long-term residents and help educate visitors about the dangers marine life faces.

Educational Outreach and Eco-Tourism

One of the most powerful aspects of the Hikkaduwa Hatchery’s work is its emphasis on education. School groups, tourists, and locals are invited to tour the facility, interact with turtles, and learn about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. These programs help raise awareness and inspire future generations to protect Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

Eco-tourism plays a major role in funding the hatchery's operations. By visiting, donating, or volunteering, individuals directly contribute to conservation efforts. The hatchery encourages responsible tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. Visitors to the Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery can make donations, adopt turtles, or purchase ethical souvenirs that support the hatchery’s mission. Spreading awareness about marine conservation and reducing personal plastic use are also meaningful ways to help.

For those unable to visit in person, online donations and social media advocacy can still make a big impact. Every effort—large or small—helps protect these endangered creatures for generations to come.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan sea turtles are a national treasure, and their future depends on continued conservation efforts. The Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery stands at the forefront of this mission, offering a sanctuary where turtles are protected, healed, and given a second chance at life. Through science, education, and community involvement, the hatchery continues to make a difference in preserving one of the world’s most beloved marine species.

Best Time to See Sea Turtles in Sri Lanka

If you’re planning a visit to see sea turtles in Sri Lanka, the best time is during the nesting and hatching seasons, which typically occur from November to April. During these months, the southern coastline, especially around Hikkaduwa, sees increased activity as female turtles come ashore to lay eggs and hatchlings begin their journey to the sea.

The peak nesting season is usually from January to March, when beaches are most active at night with turtles coming in to nest. Visiting the Hikkaduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery during this time gives you the best chance to witness hatchlings being released into the ocean—an unforgettable and meaningful experience.

Even outside of peak season, the hatchery remains open year-round and continues its work with injured turtles and conservation education. Visitors during the off-season can still learn about turtle care, rehabilitation, and the threats these creatures face in the wild.

For the most rewarding experience, plan your visit during the dry season (November–April) when the seas are calmer, beaches are cleaner, and turtle activity is higher along the southern coast of Sri Lanka.