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Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation
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The Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC) was established in 1972 and is the state authority responsible for the construction and management of all fishery harbors in Sri Lanka. Operating under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, it manages a network of over 20 harbors along the country's entire coastline. Core responsibilities include providing berthing facilities, supplying fuel, water, and ice for fishing vessels, and operating cold storage units to maintain fish quality. The CFHC plays a vital role in boosting export earnings by ensuring international hygiene standards are met within the harbors. Through the development of modern infrastructure, the organization supports the economic stability of over 200,000 families directly dependent on fishing and secures the protein supply for the Sri Lankan population.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Top sights: St. Lucia Church · Highway Entrance Monument · Dharmavijayaramaya Peliyagoda
- Nearby: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 71 | 115 | 226 | 224 | 143 | 99 | 113 | 162 | 292 | 305 | 175 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation is a state-owned organization managing and developing the fishery harbours across Sri Lanka. It plays a central role in the country's fishing industry, which provides livelihoods for many coastal communities.
Visiting
Individual fishery harbours are generally open to the public, especially the landing sites and fish markets. Visitors can watch the colorful bustle of fishermen as their boats come and go.
Where to view it
Best viewpoints are the quays of major fishery harbours such as Negombo, Beruwala and Galle. From the piers you get a good view of arriving fishing boats and the processing halls.
Local products
At the fish markets of CFHC harbours, fresh catches such as tuna, mackerel and prawns are offered daily. Dried and smoked fish as well as traditional curry pastes are typical local products.
Active season
The main season is during the Northeast monsoon from November to March, when the sea is calmer and catches are highest. Early morning between 5 and 8 am is the busiest time as boats return.
Nearby
Combine the visit with nearby beaches and resorts such as Negombo or Bentota. A trip to downtown Colombo with its famous Pettah market is also recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Established on February 11, 1972, by a government gazette.
- Manages a network of currently 21 fishery harbors island-wide.
- The largest harbor under its management is the Galle Fishery Harbour.
- Provides infrastructure for over 4,500 multi-day fishing vessels.
- Operates its own ice plants with a capacity of several hundred tonnes daily.
- Responsible for certifying harbors for fish exports to the European Union.
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Sights in the town Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (8)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the role of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation?
It manages and modernizes fishing harbors around the entire island.
Is there a main office for visitors?
The headquarters is in Colombo; for tourists, the individual harbors are more interesting.
Are you allowed to take photos in the fishing harbors?
Usually allowed, but if in doubt, ask the local fishermen for permission.
Which are the largest harbors?
These include harbors such as Beruwala, Galle, Tangalle, and Mutwal.
When is the most activity in the harbors?
Early morning between 5:00 and 8:00 AM, when the catch is brought ashore and sold.
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation: where is it located?
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation is located in Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Lucia Church, Highway Entrance Monument, Dharmavijayaramaya Peliyagoda.
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation: why is it worth visiting?
The Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC) was established in 1972 and is the state authority responsible for the construction and management of all fishery harbors in Sri Lanka.
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