Stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka - in pictures

  • These fishermen who fish from stilts in Sri Lanka's southern province of Galle are known for their patience and endurance. All photos: Taniya Dutta / The National
    These fishermen who fish from stilts in Sri Lanka's southern province of Galle are known for their patience and endurance. All photos: Taniya Dutta / The National
  • A stilt fisherman shows his catch. The men use fishing rods made of local wood called kithul to catch small fish
    A stilt fisherman shows his catch. The men use fishing rods made of local wood called kithul to catch small fish
  • Rasika Welheelae, 45, makes stilts for fishing using kithul wood
    Rasika Welheelae, 45, makes stilts for fishing using kithul wood
  • Seena Th, 60, a third-generation stilt fisherman, showing a sardine he caught
    Seena Th, 60, a third-generation stilt fisherman, showing a sardine he caught
  • Natural disasters have reduced the number of fish near the coast, and a lack of resources makes it difficult for the fishermen to opt for more efficient forms of fishing or big boats
    Natural disasters have reduced the number of fish near the coast, and a lack of resources makes it difficult for the fishermen to opt for more efficient forms of fishing or big boats
  • Stilts on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Koggala, Sri Lanka
    Stilts on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Koggala, Sri Lanka
  • A fisherman shows his catch, a sardine
    A fisherman shows his catch, a sardine
  • This fishing technique began during the Second World War and is believed to have been prompted by food shortages
    This fishing technique began during the Second World War and is believed to have been prompted by food shortages
  • The peak fishing season is in April, but fishing continues from May to September
    The peak fishing season is in April, but fishing continues from May to September