The lonely philosopher in Batticaloa Lagoon

Lonely philosopher

I saw this incredible migrating bird, in the lagoon. Not like the other day the bird was alone. There were no friends and family, and the time was getting dark. Although the sky looked bright on the horizon. The bird was just looking at the lagoon. I had to capture it my waaaay old camera. Zoomed in destroys the experience. Nonetheless following is just to prove that I have been there.

I compared myself with the bird. I could see nothing different except for the appearance. I was lonely, he was lonely. I was sitting on the bank of the lagoon; he was in the lagoon. We both were observing silently the water, the sky and the dark clouds which drift. And he knew he needs to head home to a tree. I knew I need to head home to my temporary house. He flies, I drive.

With these thoughts in my mind, I headed back home.

Not long ago I have written about migrating birds. In the blog magical mindful living. I often see them these days in the shallow water of the Batticaloa lagoon. The lagoon is situated in the Eastern province of SriLanka. 56km long and the Largest of the three lagoons in Batticaloa district others being Valachchnei and Vakari Lagoons. It extends from Eravur North to Kalmunai south along the cost line. Wildlife is plenty, and often have enough undisturbed places to hide, from humans and their activities. And for generations, migrating birds had been travelling seeking sanctuary in these eastern lagoons of SriLanka. Along the way to their famous destination of Kumana, the bird sanctuary adjoining Yala national park in southern province. Often birds tend to stop along the way as there are plenty of fish to catch and mangroves to nest.

Above is the Map of Batticaloa Lagoon. As you can see this has a huge area of drainage from flatlands of eastern province of SriLankan. However, there is only a narrow passage connecting this large inland body of water to the sea. Hence there are lot of wetlands often flooded with minimal rain. Ideal for mangroves and wildlife to flourish, but not so ideal for humans. As an example during last year the cyclonic rain in November brought up heavy downfall that it flooded the area for few feet cutting off the Batticaloa town from the rest of the country for few days.

Although I observe some wildlife, and plenty of flora and fauna. I rarely see any serious Travellers. It is mainly due to the reason that, the lagoon is totally neglected area in tourism as the beach is main attraction. The famous Pasi Kuda and Arugam Bay beaches are just one hour travel from either side.

I have seen one Boat (for visitors), One Duch fortress and one lighthouse which might harbor some historical values. Which I will navigate when I feel like doing it. And update the details for curious minds.

30/04/2025

I have been there back again today for a brief moment. To ventilate the work stress. The lonely philosopher was still there. Looking at the same general direction. The only thing that was different, as I could see was migrating mangroves. There were a lot of them.

I often see this happening in the lagoon. When there is a little bit of rain. Mangroves start travelling in dozens. Like they are some kind of protesters marching down the street. The lonely philosopher did not mind the mangroves. Like they meant nothing for him. I left him there to drown in his meditation as I was called for work yet again for the 100th time.

5/5/2025

Aqua Fort Cafe

I am sitting here in the Fort Restaurant In the Lagoon. Which is a food outlet as well as a place for a fancy boat ride. I hardly see anyone out here, unlike any other place in the Eastern province. The lagoon seems a less well observed area. Just three empty boats here. I can easily observe the Kallady bridge and uninhabited buffalo island opposite to the bridge. Refreshing feeling with chilled lagoon wind when wraps around cloths, as it is less saltier than sea wind. A couple of local families are dining beside me, the staff, although less well equipped for foreign languages, even sinhalese ! they are friendly and I had nothing to complain about. Ah… and the music. You will hear some tamil songs which you have never heard before. It doesn’t matter as music is a universal language. It seem their boat ride is interesting more than meals, and I will definitely explore this when time permits. They have packages from 5000 rs per 8 persons’ sounds ideal.

Well, that’s for another day.