Sri Lanka, officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in South Asia. The country is renowned for its beautiful islands and coastal areas. Here are some notable islands of Sri Lanka:
- Sri Lanka Main Island: The main island of Sri Lanka. It is the largest and most populous island in the country, covering an area of around 65,610 square kilometres.
- Mannar Island: Located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, Mannar Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including various bird species and marine life.
- Jaffna Islands: Situated off the Jaffna Peninsula in the northern part of Sri Lanka, the Jaffna Islands consist of several small islands. Some notable islands in this group include Delft Island, Kayts Island, and Karaitivu Island.
- Palk Strait Islands: The Palk Strait separates Sri Lanka from India, and there are several islands within this strait. Some of these islands include Neduntivu (Delft Island), Nainativu, and Talaimannar.
- Kalpitiya Islands: Located on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, the Kalpitiya Islands are a group of islands known for their scenic beauty and water sports activities. They include Wilpattu Islands, Baththalangunduwa Island, and Vellai Island.
- Batticaloa Islands: Situated in the eastern part of Sri Lanka, the Batticaloa Islands are a collection of small islands in the Batticaloa Lagoon. Some notable islands in this area include Puliyanthivu Island, Buffalo Island, and Bone Island.
- Trincomalee Islands: Trincomalee, located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, is known for its natural harbour and beautiful islands. Pigeon Island, which is a national park, is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Other islands in the Trincomalee area include Dutch Island, Great Basses, and Little Basses.
- Kalutara Islands: Kalutara is a coastal town located south of Colombo, and it is surrounded by several islands in the Kalu Ganga (river) and the Indian Ocean. These islands, such as Bolgoda Ruskin Island, and Kothduwa Island, are known for their mangrove forests and are ideal for boat rides and birdwatching.
- Negombo Islands: Negombo is a coastal city near Colombo, and it is bordered by a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The lagoon is home to several islands, including Bolawatta Island, Maadam Island, and Hen Island. These islands offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
- Beruwala Islands: Beruwala is another coastal town located southwest of Colombo. It is surrounded by several small islands, such as Barberyn Island, and Crow Island. These islands are known for their scenic beauty and are popular spots for boat tours and fishing.
- Madu Ganga Islands: Madu Ganga is a river estuary located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, near Balapitiya. It is a complex network of waterways, islands, and mangrove forests. Some of the islands in the Madu Ganga area include Cinnamon Island, Kothduwa Temple Island, and Ma Duwa Island. Boat safaris through the river offer opportunities to explore the islands and observe the diverse flora and fauna.
- Adam’s Bridge: Also known as Rama Setu, Adam’s Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals and sandbanks connecting India and Sri Lanka. It consists of small islands and is a subject of cultural and religious significance in Hindu mythology.
These are just a few examples of the islands found in Sri Lanka. The country has a diverse range of islands, each with its own unique characteristics, ecosystems, and cultural significance. Exploring these islands can be a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, and history buffs alike.
Islands
| Name | District | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bone Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.7523, 81.6908 Area : 13,500 square meters (3.33 acres) Shoreline : 504 meters Bone Island was initially named Bone’s Island. This is a barren, uninhabited tiny island pleasantly situated close to the mouth of the Batticaloa lagoon. |
| 2 | Buffalo Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.6916, 81.6973 Area : 4.5 square kilometres (1,115 acres) Shoreline : 9.41 kilometres The largest island in the Batticaloa lagoon. Covers 4.5 square kilometres (1,115 acres). Buffalo Island has an elevation of about 5 meters. |
| 3 | Mantheevu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.7011, 81.6621 Area : 0.38 square kilometres (94 acres) Shoreline : 5.2 kilometres Mantivu Island (Mantheevu Island) is situated north of Valayiravu bridge and located between Thimilathivu and Vavunathivu, around 7 km from Batticaloa. It is an island where historically leprosy patients had been isolated. The island is mostly flat but rises slightly from the beach towards the centre. |
| 4 | Nasuvantivu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.936, 81.537 Area : 2.0 square kilometers (500 acres) Shoreline : 7 kilometers A small island on the Valaichchenai lagoon. in Batticaloa district. Nasuvantivu has an elevation of 2 meters above sea level. The island is mainly scrubland and cultivated land. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway. |
| 5 | Periyativu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.6394, 81.7275 Area : 0.17 square kilometers (41 acres) Shoreline : 1.73 kilometers A small island on the Batticaloa lagoon. Periyativu has an elevation of 1 meter above sea level. The island is comprised of small water pools, mangroves and wetlands. Eastern and Western sides of the lagoon are connected through this island. |
| 6 | Puliyanthivu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.640, 81.727 Area : 1.42 square kilometers (352 acres) Shoreline : 5.9 kilometers Batticaloa town including the Batticaloa Fort. Batticaloa’s historical book Mattakalapputh Thamilakam quotes from Swami Vipulananda that Vedda’s chieftain Puliyan ruled the area and his name later adapted to the island. Puliyanthivu literally means “island of Puliyan” (Shiva means island). Also, the book quotes from the Mahavamsa that there was a caste called Pulinthar, which could be the reason for the name of the island. As per the common naming of villages in Batticaloa, which is called by the name of a tree or a pond, the island could have been using the name of tree tamarind, since there were a lot of tamarind trees in the area. Tamarind is called Puli in Tamil. It means “island of tamarind”. |
| 7 | Sallitivu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 8.1111, 81.4634 Area : 0.03 square kilometers (8.2 acres) Shoreline : 850 meters Sallitivu Islet is a highly environmentally sensitive uninhabited island surrounded by a coral reef. After the tsunami, most of the corals died and now the beach is covered with the coral rubble. Connected to the mainland By a narrow sand bar. |
| 8 | Serayativu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.651976, 81.701722 Area : 0.52 square kilometers (128 acres) Shoreline : 2.82 meters The island lies west of Mavilankamunai, north of Ichchamunai and southeast of Mandapattadi. Serayativu has an elevation of 4 meters. |
| 9 | Siriyativu Island | Batticaloa | GPS location : 7.6350, 81.7318 Area : 0.053 square kilometers (13 acres) Shoreline : 880 meters In Sinhalease, this island is called “Seru Duwa”. This is a tiny rocky island in the Batticaloa lagoon close to Periyativu Island. The island is covered in scrub and wetland plants and it is completely separated from the mainland. |
| 10 | Barberyn Island | Galle | GPS location : 6.463229, 79.969164 Area : 43,407.06 m2 (10.7 acres) Shoreline : 897 meters Beruwela lighthouse is located on Barberyn Island on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, 475 meters off the Beruwala mainland. An exciting 10-minute boat ride from the town of Beruwela will transport you to Barberyn Island. |
| 11 | Seenigama Devalaya Island | Galle | GPS location : 6.155331, 80.090045 Area : 471 m2 (0.15 acres) Shoreline : 84 meters Seenigama Devalaya is a tiny rocky island 100 meters off the coast of Hikkaduwa in Galle District. The island is a popular destination for locals due to its Devale, which is dedicated to the sinister “Devol Deviyo” who is known for the power of placing curses on adversaries. |
| 12 | Great Basses reef | Hambantota | Lighthouse Island GPS location : 6.181994, 81.481257 Area :1,678 m2 (0.41 acres) Shoreline : 211 meters Western Island Area :3,221 m2 (0.80 acres) Shoreline : 505. meters Great Basses Reef and the Little Basses Reef are two rock formations on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka with lighthouses. Locals call these ‘Maha Ravana‘ and ‘Kuda Ravana‘ reefs respectively. Great Basses Reef consists of 2 large formations stretching from east to west. The lighthouse lies on the eastern formation. Great Bases Reef islands lie 11.7 km off the shores of Hambantota. |
| 13 | Little Basses reef | Hambantota | GPS location : 6.240277, 81.493760 Great Basses Reef and the Little Basses Reef are two rock formations on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka with lighthouses. Locals call these ‘Maha Ravana’ and ‘Kuda Ravana‘ reefs respectively. |
| 14 | Analaitivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6655, 79.7750 Area : 5.4 square kilometers (1,333 acres) Shoreline : 10.5 kilometers A large populated island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Nagadeepa Island (Nainativu) and Eluvaithevu approx 25 km from Jaffna town. Serayativu has an elevation of 4 meters. There are several Hindu temples and a few churches on the island. It has no causeway connecting it to the mainland or other islands, but it is served by a ferry service from Kayts on the neighbouring island of Velanaitivu. The Dutch called this island Rotterdam. |
| 15 | Chirutivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.645780, 80.007235 Area : 0.34 square kilometers (84 acres) Shoreline : 3.3 kilometers Chirutivu Island (Siruthivu Island) is a tear shaped island which is situated 1 km away from the Jaffna mainland and 330 meters away from the Mandativu island. The island is covered by scrublands, mangroves and tidal flats. |
| 16 | Delft Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.645780, 80.007235 Area : 48.29 square kilometers (195,422 acres) Shoreline : 29.0 kilometers The whole island of Delft is built on coral and limestone. The island is a typical remote Sri Lankan village. Simple houses built of coral and limestone, laid-back life and the most popular form of transport is bicycle. |
| 17 | Eluvaitivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.7021, 79.8107 Area : 1.38 square kilometers (341 acres) Shoreline : 7.4 kilometers Eluvaitivu is called “Eluva Duwa” in Sinhalese. This is a sparsely populated island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched between Analaitivu Island and Kayts. Eluvaitivu has a population of 555 (CPH 2012). Eluvaitivu has no causeway connecting it to the mainland or other islands, but is served by a ferry service from Kayts on the neighbouring island of Velanaiti. Interest for Polymotu project, because this island is famous for local and migratory birds. |
| 18 | Kachchatheevu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.387888, 79.525681 Area : 0.66 square kilometers (163 acres) Shoreline : 7.4 kilometers Katchatheevu (Kachchativu) is a small, barren, uninhabited island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. It lies right in the center of Rameswaram in India and Delft Island of Sri Lanka with about 20 km on both sides. Despite its small size, the island has a long and complex history connecting Sri Lanka and India. |
| 19 | Kakkarativu Island (Kakeraitivu) | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.4421, 79.8904 Area : 0.14 square kilometers (35 acres) Shoreline : 1.53 kilometers The Dutch called this island “Calienye” and its called “Sakkara Duwa“. This is an uninhabited isolated island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Delft Island and Poonaryn lying approx 25 km from Jaffna town. The island is covered mainly with scrub jungle and ideal for Bird watching. There is a fishing village and a church on the island. The island lies 20 km from Mainland (Poonaryn) and 16 km from Punkudutivu. |
| 20 | Kanantivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.4421, 79.8904 Area : 1.03 square kilometers (255 acres) Shoreline : 4.63 kilometers Uninhabited island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Kayts Island and Punkudutivu Island. The island is covered with natural water pools, scrubland, marshes and mangroves. The island lies in shallow water but there is no causeway connecting to either island by its sides. |
| 21 | Kannativu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.59741, 80.0948 Area : 0.17 square kilometers (46 acres) Shoreline : 3.85 kilometers Uninhabited island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Kawtharimunai and Ariyalai. Kannativu has an elevation of 1.0 meter. The island is covered with natural water pools, scrubland, marshes and the surrounding shallow sea is covered by a seagrass bed. This small and long islet is popular for local and migratory birds. The island lies in shallow water but there is no causeway connecting to either side. |
| 22 | Karaitivu Island (Karainagar) | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.7341, 79.8758 Area : 22.3 square kilometers (5500 acres) Shoreline : 21.9 kilometers Highly populated island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Jaffna and Kayts island. The island of Karaitivu is rooted deep in the Buddhist history. It has been called Karadeepa in ancient times. This island is mentioned in the Akeerthi Jataka (Akitti Jataka) of the 550 Jataka Stories of Buddha where an ascetic named Akeerthi who wanted to be alone, left to a park in Kavirapattana and came to the county of Soli, where dwelling in a park over against Kavirapattana, he cultivated a mystic ecstasy and supernatural faculties. He then travelled through the air and descended at the isle of Kara, which is over against the island of Naga. At that time, Karadipa was named Ahidipa, the ‘Isle of Snakes’. Karaitivu is connected to the peninsula through a 3 kilometer long causeway across the shallow waters. The main town in Karaitivu is Karainagar therefore sometimes this island is also called the Karainagar Island. |
| 23 | Karaitivu Island (Pungudutivu) | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6090, 79.8298 Area : 1.1 square kilometers (272 acres) Shoreline : 5.05 kilometers Inhabited islet in Jaffna Peninsula wrapped halfway by Pungudutivu Island. Low sandy flats, tidal flats and tidal creeks are the salient features. The island is connected to Pungudutivu East and Karaitivu West through causeways. |
| 24 | Kayts Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6567, 79.8962 Area : 65.3 square kilometers (16,100 acres) Shoreline : 55 kilometers Known as Urathota (Uruthota) in ancient times, Kayts was a major port in ancient Sri Lanka. According to the Nagadeepa Tamil inscription, during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186), Urathota was a special port for Indian merchant ships and the king had paid special attention to ships carrying horses and elephants at this port. Urathota got its name Kayts from the Portuguese. It’s a name derived from “Caes dos Elefantes“. The term means “elephant’s mouth”. The Portuguese came to call this port “Caes dos Elefantes” because Sri Lankan elephants were exported to India through this port. The name “Caes dos Elefantes” was simplified to “Cais“. After the expulsion of the Portuguese and the arrival of the Dutch in Jaffna, the name was further evolved into “Kays” and later to “Kayts“. |
| 25 | Kurikadduvan Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.5956, 79.7943 Area : 0.51 square kilometers (130 acres) Shoreline : 3.25 kilometers A small populated island connected to the mainland over a causeway to Nadirutivu island. The island is the last of the islands of chains connecting to Jaffna. The busy Kurikadduwan Jetty lies west of the island. This primary point of departure for all pilgrims to Nagadeepa and Delft. |
| 26 | Kuruchaditivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6533, 79.9913 Area : 0.05 square kilometers ( 12.3 acres) Shoreline :1 kilometer A small uninhabited islet by the Jaffna – Kayts causeway is just 1.75km away from Jaffna. It Covers 0.05 square kilometers ( 12.3 acres) having a perimeter of 1 km. The island is mainly covered by scrubland and mangroves. During the inter tidal changing period, tidal creeks, seagrass beds are salient features. |
| 27 | Mandaitivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6176, 79.9943 Area : 10.7 square kilometers (2500 acres) Shoreline : 21 kilometers A small uninhabited islet by the Jaffna – Kayts causeway is just 3 km away from Jaffna mainland. Mandaitivu is called ‘Manda Duwa’ in Sinhala. The island is divided into three village officer divisions (Mandaitivu East, Mandaitivu South and Mandaitivu West) whose combined population was 1,524 (CPH 2012). Mandaitivu is connected to the Jaffna peninsula and the neighbouring island of Velanaitivu by a causeway. Tidal and sandy mud flats, and mangroves are salient features of the island. |
| 28 | Mantivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6057, 80.0724 Area : 0.32 square kilometers (78 acres) Shoreline : 5.3 kilometers Uninhabited narrow and long island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Kawtharimunai and Ariyalai. Kannativu has an elevation of 5 meters. The island is covered with natural water pools, scrubland, marshes and the surrounding shallow sea is covered by a seagrass bed. This small and long islet is popular for local and migratory birds. The island lies in shallow water but there is no causeway connecting to either side. |
| 29 | Naduturitti Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.5849, 79.7979 Area : 0.86 square kilometers (120 acres) Shoreline : 2.85 kilometers A sparsely populated island which is mostly cultivated land sandwiched between lKurikadduvan Island from the north and Pungudutivu Island from the east in the Jaffna peninsula. Tidal and sandy mud flats, mangroves and scrubland are salient features of the island. |
| 30 | Nainativu (Nagadeepa) Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6053, 79.7676 Area : 5.32 square kilometers (1313 acres) Shoreline : 10.56 kilometers A populated island with mostly cultivated land lying to the west of the Jaffna peninsula. In Sinhalese this island is known as Nagadeepa, This islet is one of the few places that Buddha had visited in Sri Lanka and Nagadeepa Viharaya lies where the jeweled throne of the Naga kings which was donated to Buddha is enshrined. The ferry to this island starts from the Kurikadduvan island jetty. |
| 31 | Negiyanpititivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6412, 79.8588 Area : 0.03 square kilometers (7.66 acres) Shoreline : 1 kilometers An uninhabited islet with only a church attended by fishermen. The only access is by a fishing boat. The island lies 1 km west of Jaffna mainland. Tidal and sandy mud flats, mangroves and scrubland are salient features of the island. Other names : Neriyanpiddi |
| 32 | Palaitivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6232, 79.8194 Area : 0.16 square kilometers (40.6 acres) Shoreline : 1.0 kilometer Palaitivu island is located in the Northern Province in the Jaffna District adjacent to Pungudutivu Island. The island is connected to Pungudutivu through a narrow sand strip. Tidal and sandy mud flats, mangroves and scrubland are salient features of the island. |
| 33 | Parititivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6850, 79.7923 Area : 0.2 square kilometers (48 acres) Shoreline : 2.8 kilometers An unpopulated island between Analaitivu Island and Eluvaitivu Island is partially cultivated. Tidal and sandy mud flats, mangroves and scrubland are salient features of the island. |
| 34 | Puliyantivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6482, 79.7745 Area : 0.41 square kilometers (100 acres) Shoreline : 2.6 kilometers A small island connected to Analaitivu Island over a causeway. The island is sparsely populated with most of the land used for cultivation. |
| 35 | Pungudutivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.586111, 79.827222 Area : 24.45 square kilometers (6,290 acres) Shoreline : 27.10 kilometers Pungudutivu is an island south of Tharmakundu, northeast of Perunkadu Pungudutivu has an elevation of about 8 meters. Pungudutivu is a small island composed of a number of villages that is just west of the Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lankan Tamil dominated Northern Province. It is divided into 12 wards internally, each corresponding to a major settlement. The island was named as Middleburg by the Dutch colonial rulers during their occupation of then Ceylon. Most of the residents of the Island are Tamils with the majority being Hindus and a minority of Christians. There are a lot of Hindu temples in this region along with some Christian churches. Nearly 15 Tamil schools exist there for the benefit of the place. Government hospitals and some private clinics are also available. Pungudutivu is connected by road to mainland Jaffna. SLTB and private buses travel through the island, along the Jaffna – Kurikattuvan route. People take a boat from Kurikattuvan to reach Nainativu, which is celebrated for its religious popularity. |
| 36 | Puvarasantivu Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.6106, 80.0799 Area : 0.04 square kilometers (10 acres) Shoreline : 2.0 kilometers Uninhabited narrow and long island in Jaffna Peninsula sandwiched in between Kawtharimunai and Ariyalai. The island is covered with scrubland, marshes and the surrounding shallow sea is covered by a seagrass bed. This small and long islet is [popular for local and migratory birds. The island lies in shallow water but there is no causeway connecting to either side. |
| 37 | Thuruthupiddi Island | Jaffna | GPS location : 9.7484, 79.9063 Area : 0.24 square kilometers (58 acres) Shoreline : 2.0 kilometer Thuruthupiddi is a small island sandwiched between Jaffna mainland and Karainagar in the Northern Province of Jaffna District. The island is not connected to any other island or land and only access is by a fishing boat. Tidal and sandy mud flats, mangroves and scrubland are salient features of the island. The island is known for observing migratory birds. |
| 38 | Uraitivu | Jaffna | |
| Bolgoda Kothduwa Island | Kalutara | GPS location : 6.747420, 79.917606 Area : 0.072 square kilometers (17.8 acres) Shoreline : 1.55 kilometers There are two adjoining islands in the Bogoda Lake in Piliyanda separated by a narrow water channel, Kothduwa and Ruskin Island. Kothduwa has a rich mangrove cover and is a paradise for migrating birds. Access is by boat. | |
| Bolgoda Ruskin Island | Kalutara | GPS location : 6.749380, 79.921593 Area : 0.338 square kilometers (83 acres) Shoreline : 3 kilometers There are two adjoining islands in the Bogoda Lake in Piliyanda separated by a narrow water channel, Kothduwa and Ruskin Island. Ruskin Island is mostly covered with mangroves and there are a number of popular villas and hotels spread around a gravel road around this island. Access is by boat. | |
| 39 | Avarampatitivu Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.4292, 80.1254 Area : 0.00 square kilometers (0.82 acres) Shoreline : 0.31 kilometer Ayarampatitivu is an uninhabited island northwest of Pallanmadu, west of Nawaladi and north of Mandekalar Forest Reserve. It is subjected to tidal inundation. Tidal flats and sea grass beds are salient features. |
| 40 | Erumativu (1) Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.3376, 80.0547 Area : 1.02 square kilometers (252 acres) Shoreline : 5.27 kilometers There are two Erumaituvu Islands. One is located in Kilinochchi District and the other is located in North Western Puttalam. The Erumatuvu in Kilinochchi District lies about 350 meters from the mainland and is uninhabited. Interest for Polymotu project and part of the island could be used to conserve thick mangrove vegetation cover and seagrass beds. during the low tidal level, tidal flat is covered by avifaunal species. |
| 41 | Iranaitivu North Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.280890, 80.000194 Area : 1.63 square kilometers (403 acres) Shoreline : 5.22 kilometers The Portuguese called these islands “Cardiua” and reported about 600 inhabitants living in these islands (Queyroz et al., 1992). The Dutch called these 2 islands “De Twee Gebrooders” meaning “The Two Brothers” and independently called these islands “Enkhuizen” and “Hoorn” (Anthonisz, 1914). The British just called them “Two Brothers” until about the year 1840 after which they were called “Iranaitivu“. Sometimes it’s written as “Iranativu” (Bassett et al., 1997). The two islands are separately called Iranaitivu West and Iranaitivu South. |
| 42 | Iranaitivu South Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.280786, 80.000603 Area : 3.49 square kilometers (862 acres) Shoreline : 10.67 kilometers The Portuguese called these islands “Cardiua” and reported about 600 inhabitants living in these islands (Queyroz et al., 1992). The Dutch called these 2 islands “De Twee Gebrooders” meaning “The Two Brothers” and independently called these islands “Enkhuizen” and “Hoorn” (Anthonisz, 1914). The British just called them “Two Brothers” until about the year 1840 after which they were called “Iranaitivu“. Sometimes it’s written as “Iranativu” (Bassett et al., 1997). The two islands are separately called Iranaitivu West and Iranaitivu South. |
| 43 | Kakkativu Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.317108, 80.081082 Area : 1.0 square kilometers (247 acres) Shoreline : 5.64 kilometers Called Kaaka Duwa In Sinhala. The island is uninhabited. The Island lies 1.1 km off the mainland between Mannar and Jaffna. It’s Necessary to conserve thick mangrove vegetation cover and seagrass beds. During the low tidal level, tidal flats are covered by avifaunal species. |
| 44 | Palativu Island | Kilinochchi | GPS location : 9.479104, 80.010234 Area : 2.0 square kilometers (494 acres) Shoreline : 6.18 kilometers Called Palu Duwa in Sinhala. The island is uninhabited and is covered in coarse grass and shrubs 15-20 feet high except for the southern part. It is documented that a 31 feet high white tower was in existence in 1970s on the northeastern edge of the Island. This must have been a survey tower as it was facing the mainland, not the sea. The Current status of this tower is unknown. There is a St. Anthony’s Church on the western coast of the island. The feast of this church is popular among the fishermen in the area and is held for 3 days in February each year. |
| 45 | Kalliaditivu Island | Mannar | GPS location : 8.950038, 79.911900 Area : 1.8 square kilometers (442 acres) Shoreline : 5.60 kilometers Called Gal Adi Duwa In Sinhala. The island is uninhabited. This is one of the 2 islands which lie between Mannar main island. The old railway line to Mannar is built across these 2 islands. The Northern side of the island consists of mangroves and sea grass beds. Located within the Vankalai Bird Sanctuary, salt marshes, tidal flats and mangroves are the dominant ecosystems observed in Kalliaditivu Island. |
| 46 | Kilachchitivu Island | Mannar | GPS location : 8.800042, 79.916776 (?) Area : 1.71 square kilometers (422 acres) Shoreline : (?) The Island is uninhabited. Kilachchitivu is an island located in the Northern Province (8°48’0″N, 79°55’0″E). The estimated terrain elevation above sea level, is about 1.0 metre. This island is in front of the Aruvi Aru estuary, northwest of Arippu and Puthukkudirippu and west of Arippuveddukulam. Formation and erosion of this island due to the Aruvi Aru river currents. It also affects the tidal levels. |
| 47 | Mannar Island | Mannar | GPS location : 8.954767, 79.896463 Area : 138 square kilometers (34100 acres) Shoreline : 81 kilometers Mannar is one of the most barren and driest islands of Sri Lanka connected through a 3 km causeway to the mainland. But this was one of the busiest towns in the ancient past when this area (Gulf Of Mannar) was one of the biggest pearl banks in the world, supplying massive amounts of pearls to the kings and queens throughout the world for over 2000 years. |
| 48 | Puliyantivu Island | Mannar | GPS location : 8.954767, 79.896463 Area : 0.9 square kilometers (222 acres) Shoreline : 4.90 kilometers Called Koti Duwa In Sinhala. The island is uninhabited. This is one of the 2 islands which lie between Mannar main island. The old railway line to Mannar is built across these 2 islands. The island consists of mangroves and sea grass beds. Located within the Vankalai Bird Sanctuary, salt marshes, tidal flats and mangroves are the dominant ecosystems observed in Puliyantivu Island. |
| 49 | Galgodiyana Island | Matara | GPS location : 5.935852, 80.532408 Area : 3,454 square meters (0.85 acres) Shoreline : 250 meters Galgodiyana is an island off Matara lying less than 200 meters off land with ruins of a Stupa and a mystic entrance built with boulders. These structures have been built by a Thai prince who had taken up robes in Sri Lanka in the late 19th century. |
| 50 | Gan Duwa Island | Matara | GPS location : 5.967728, 80.433268 Area : 0.004 square kilometers (1. acres) Shoreline : 259 meters Called Gan Duwa In Sinhala. This is a small rocky island on the Weligama Bay in the South. |
| 51 | Nilwella Island | Matara | GPS location : 5.960596, 80.720509 Area : 0.05 square kilometers (9.1 acres) Shoreline : 286 meters A small rocky island off the Nilwella shore. The island is connected by a tombolo beach. to the mainland. A pristine beach runs around this beach |
| 52 | Parevi Duwa | Matara | GPS location : 5.941542, 80.549227 Area : 0.036 square kilometers (9.0 acres) Shoreline : 1 km A small rocky island off the beach of Matara town. A new Buddhist temple has been built on this island. A steel bridge connects the island to the land and devotees as well as tourists can easily access the temple. The sheer beauty of the temple attracts people of all faiths towards it. |
| 53 | Taprobane Island | Matara | GPS location : 5.967943, 80.425779 Area : 0.004 square kilometers (1 acre) Shoreline : 242 meters originally called “Gal Duwa” (Rock Island) in Sinhalese, is a private island with one villa, located just off the southern coast of Sri Lanka opposite the village of Weligama. The island was renamed after the old Greek word for Sri Lanka, by its most famous owner, Maurice Talvande (who styled himself as “Count de Mauny Talvande”), who sighted it around 1925. Today Maurice Talvande’s house is a private villa where you can rent the whole island. |
| 54 | Yakinige Duwa | Matara | GPS location : 5.962878, 80.379898 Area : 0.0029 square kilometers ( 0.73 acres) Shoreline : 264 meters The name means “She Devil’s Island”. Lies 190 meters from the shores of Ahangama. This is a small uninhabited rocky island. According to elders in the village, this has been much larger earlier but has been subject to erosion. During the British era, there has been a bridge connecting the island to the shore. It has been used as a shooting target and at one time as a guard post during world war II. |
| 55 | Ambanttativu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.211973, 79.766248 Area : 0.195 square kilometers ( 47.8 acres) Shoreline :3.06 kilometers The island is called “Sambanda Duwa” (Connected Island) in Sinhalese. It lies 300 meters from the shores mainland in the Kalpitiya lagoon. This “C” shaped island is uninhabited and covered in scrub and mangroves. This is one of the 27 islands of Kalpitiya planned to be leased to built resorts by the Government. Four more islands of Kalpitiya Lagoon have already been leased to private entities. |
| 56 | Erumaitivu Island in Dutch Bay (Eramutivu . Eramativu) | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.267968, 79.778915 Area : 0.900 square kilometers ( 222 acres) Shoreline :3.87 kilometers The island is lies 300 meters from the shores mainland in the Kalpitiya lagoon. The island is located ins southwest of Salliyampiddi and southeast of Sinna Erumativu and Oddakarentivu. Erumativu has an elevation of 4.0 metres. Some below 4m level areas also covered by mangrove vegetation, and they are covered by inter tidal level. Similarly, a thick mangrove cover is found in sandy mud flats, seagrass beds, and tidal creeks are the salient features. This is one of the 27 islands of Kalpitiya planned to be leased to built resorts by the Government. Four more islands of Kalpitiya Lagoon have already been leased to private entities. In 2020/21 it was reported that all the approval for the leasing of this island for a hotel project had been obtained and was ready to sign the lease. |
| 57 | Henativu (Havativu) Island | Puttalam | GPS location :7.973993, 79.819728 Area : 1,00 square kilometers ( 24,711 acres) Shoreline :4.20 kilometers The island is called Hava Dowa (Rabit Island) in Sinhalese. It is sandwiched between the Kalpitiya peninsula and the mainland. The main road from the land to the lagoon passes through this island over a causeway. The island is dry and barren, mainly used for saltrern and prawn farms. |
| 58 | Ippantivu Island (In Dutch Bay) | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.331874, 79.804891 Area : 0.704 square kilometers ( 174 acres) Shoreline :11,4 kilometers The island lies 300 meters from the shores mainland in the Kalpitiya lagoon. The island is located ins southwest of Salliyampiddi and southeast of Sinna Erumativu and Oddakarentivu. Erumativu has an elevation of 4.0 metres. Some below 4m level areas are covered by mangrove vegetation, and they are covered by inter tidal level. Similarly, a thick mangrove cover is found in sandy mud flats, seagrass beds, and tidal creeks are the salient features. This is one of the 27 islands of Kalpitiya planned to be leased to built resorts by the Government. Four more islands of Kalpitiya Lagoon have already been leased to private entities. In 2020/21 it was reported that all the approval for the leasing of this island for a hotel project had been obtained and was ready to sign the lease. |
| 59 | Kakativu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.179399, 79.749001 Area : 9,572 square meters (2.4 acres) Shoreline : 400 meters Kakativu is a small mangrove island east of Pallivasalturai, south of Maripututivu Island. The Island is covered by lush mangrove vegetation. |
| 60 | Karaditivu Island | Puttalam | GPS location :7.912878, 79.815363 Area : 0.89 square kilometers ( 204 acres) Shoreline :4.73 kilometers The island is called Kara Dowa in Sinhalese. The island is located in a channel between Puttalam Lagoon and Mundal Lagoon. Former tidal channels, scrubland and mangrove swamps have been completely converted into shrimp farm ponds. |
| Karaitivu Island (Kalpitiya Northen End) | Puttalam | GPS location :8.384427, 79.788079 Area : 50,063 square meters ( 12.4 acres) Shoreline :1.21 kilometers Newly developed Sandy island without any vegetation at the edge of the Kalpitiya point (Uchumunei) | |
| 61 | Karaitivu Island and Battalangunduwa | Puttalam | GPS location :8.509911, 79.780393 Area : 2.42 square kilometers ( 598 acres) Shoreline :25 kilometers This island lies west of the Wilpattu border creating the Portugal Bay. This is a narrow long island stretching from north to south for over 11 kilometers out of which about 5 kilometers is just a sandbar. Baththalangunduwa is one of the few inhabited islands to the north of Puttalam Lagoon. Some are inhabited and the others are completely wild. There are no gravel or tar roads on the island, but narrow sandy paths lined with houses have created a convoluted network of routes. The mode of transportation was on portage while bullock carts were employed at times to haul heavy loads such as bring water barrels. Sandy beaches, incipient sand dunes, scrub vegetation and mangrove patches in the middle and to the northward. Bar Reef, the Marine Sanctuary, is a few killometres west and to the northwest, marine mammals, including whales, dugongs, dolphins and porpoises are in offshore named Pearl Banks. On the east side of the island in Portugal Bay, a well developed sea grasses cover, and these are significant for fish and bird life as well as maybe dolphins. |
| 62 | Mantivu Island (Puttalam) | Puttalam | GPS location :7.932500, 79.820000 Area : 0,5 square kilometers ( 123 acres) Shoreline : The island is now merged with the mainland and Periyativu island through shrimp farm ponds The island is called Man Dowa in Sinhalese. The island is located in a channel between Puttalam Lagoon and Mundal Lagoon. Former tidal channels, scrubland and mangrove swamps have been completely converted into shrimp farm ponds. |
| 63 | Maripututivu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.175833, 79.749722 Area : 0.145 square kilometers ( 36 acres) Shoreline :1.55 kilometers The island is called Maliputhu Dowa in Sinhalese. The island lies in the Dutch Bay in Puttalam Lagoon west of Kakativu, southwest of Somativu and southeast of Pallivasalturai. Maripututivu has an elevation of 3-4 metres. It covers a lush mangrove vegetation cover and its surrounding is rich in tidal flats, tidal creeks and seagrass. |
| 64 | Mattutivu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.217222, 79.783333 Area : 1.09 square kilometers ( 269 acres) Shoreline : 1.58 kilometers The island is called Madde Dowa in Sinhalese. This inhabited island lies east of Wannimundal and Ambantattivu and south of Neduntivu in the Dutch Bay of Puttalam lagoon. Mattutivu has an elevation of 3.0 metres. It is possible to identify the island chain including the main Mattutivu island. It is covered by lush mangrove vegetation cover and the surrounding is rich in tidal flats, tidal creeks and seagrass. |
| 65 | Neduntivu Island (Puttalam Lagoon) | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.235461, 79.779050 Area : 0.1 square kilometers ( 24 acres) Shoreline : 1.47 kilometers The island is called Medun Dowa in Sinhalese. This inhabited island lies south of Kilitivu and southeast of Pambativu and Thotakadu. In Dutch Bay. It is subjected diurnal tidal flow pattern between Dutch Bay and Portugal Bay. Sandy shoals, lush mangrove vegetation patches, and seagrass beds are salient features. This is one of the 27 islands of Kalpitiya planned to be leased to built resorts by the Government. Four islands of Kalpitiya Lagoon have already been leased to private entities. |
| 66 | Oddakarentivu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.276907, 79.764672 Area : 0.145 square kilometers ( 36 acres) Shoreline :1.55 kilometers The island is called Oththan Dowa in Sinhalese. The island lies in the Dutch Bay in Puttalam Lagoon and is west of Sinna Erumativu, northwest of Erumativu and east of Mutwal. Oddakarentivu has an elevation of 5.0 metres. On this island, a good cover of mangrove vegetation can be seen. Mudflats, tidal creeks and intertidal seagrass are impressive features. |
| 67 | Periya Arichchal Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.299312, 79.796183 Area :0.44 square kilometers ( 109 acres) Shoreline : 8.0 kilometers The island is called Maha Arakgala Dowa in Sinhalese. The island lies in the Dutch Bay in Puttalam Lagoon and is north of Sinna Arichchal, Salliyampiddi and east of Karamuna. Periya Arichchal has an elevation of 1.0 metre with tidal pools/micro level lagoons. Sand strips, mangrove vegetation, sea grass beds, tidal mud flats and creeks are the features. Located in Dutch Bay. This island is ready to be leased for a hotel for USD 17 million |
| 68 | Periyativu Island | Puttalam | GPS location :7.947000, 79.815611 Area : 1.30 square kilometers ( 321 acres) Shoreline : The island is now merged with the mainland and Mantivu island through shrimp farm ponds The island is called Maha Dowa in Sinhalese. The island is located in a channel between Puttalam Lagoon and Mundal Lagoon. Former tidal channels, scrubland and mangrove swamps were completely converted into shrimp farm ponds. |
| 69 | Pullupiddi Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.189280, 79.777738 Area : 0.145 square kilometers ( 36 acres) Shoreline :1.55 kilometers The island is called Oththan Dowa in Sinhalese. The island lies in the Dutch Bay in Puttalam Lagoon and is west of Sinna Erumativu, northwest of Erumativu and east of Mutwal. Oddakarentivu has an elevation of 5.0 metres. On this island, a good cover of mangrove vegetation can be seen. Mudflats, tidal creeks and intertidal seagrass are impressive features. |
| 70 | Salliyampiddi Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.274535, 79.786205 Area : 0.0145 square kilometers ( 3.7 acres) Shoreline :508 meters The tiny island lies in the Dutch Bay in Puttalam Lagoon between Sinna Arichchal and Erumaitivu Island In this island a good cover of mangrove vegetation. |
| 71 | Sinna Arichchal Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.283889, 79.792222 Area : 0.169 square kilometers (41.8 acres) Shoreline : 1.63 kilometers Sand strips, dense mangrove cover tidal pools and creaks are notable features of this inhabited island. |
| 72 | Sinna Erumaitivu Island in Dutch Bay | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.275780, 79.772420 Area : 0.0710 square kilometers (17.6 acres) Shoreline : 1.95 kilometers Sinna Erumaitivu consists of 2 islands connected by a narrow tidal sandbar. The smaller southern island is also called South Sinna Erumaitivu Island. It is sandwiched between Oddakarentivu Island from the west and Erumaitivu Island from the southeast. The island consists of dense mangrove cover, tidal pools and creaks. |
| 73 | Somativu Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.179268, 79.756098 Area : 0.06 square kilometers (15.5 acres) Shoreline : 0.987 kilometers Somativu is a small mangrove island is north of Kakativu, northeast of Maripututivu and east of Pallivasalturai. Island elevation is about 4.0 metres.. and lush mangrove vegetation cover can be seen. Tidal creeks and mud flats are the salient features. |
| 74 | Udayurputi Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.169743, 79.807747 Area : 0.380 square kilometers (94 acres) Shoreline : 3.75 kilometers The estimated terrain elevation above seal level is about 1.0 metre. Mangroves, tidal creeks, and barren land patches are salient features. |
| 75 | Vella Island | Puttalam | GPS location : 8.429556, 79.806194 Area : 0.280 square kilometers (69.0 acres) Shoreline : 8.10 kilometers This strip of land lies below Battalagunduwa Island and is one of the few inhabited islands. Few fishing huts can be found on this island. It is a narrow long stretch of mostly sand dunes streaching from north to south. It is also one of the popular kite surfacing spots of Kalpitiya. This island has been now given on long term lease for a hotel project. |
| 76 | Chapel Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.542930, 81.246191 Area : 8,833 square meters (2.18 acres) Shoreline : 620 meters A small rocky formation 215 meters south of the mainland at the entrance of Trincomalee lagoon. It’s about 240 meters long and 73 meters wide. |
| 77 | Clappenburg Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.530594, 81.210197 Area : 0.049 square kilometers (12 acres) Shoreline : 1.40 kilometers A narrow and long strip of land connected to the mainland of Trincomalee Bay through a 50 meter long narrow road. Inhabited but most of the island is wild and uncultivated. At the edge of the island lies an old gunpoint built by the British. The whole island and the surrounding area are restricted to civilians and fenced off by the Sri Lankan Air Force. |
| 78 | Elephant Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.533011, 81.233152 Area : 0.058 square kilometers (14.4 acres) Shoreline : 1.42 kilometers A small rocky island with rich vegetation in the Koddiyar Bay on Trincomalee Bay. It lies 265 meters south of the mainland. |
| 79 | Elizabeth Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.497862, 81.223472 Area : 3,218 square meters (0,8 acres) Shoreline : 305 meters A small rocky island with some vegetation. The island lies in the middle of the Koddiar Bay 1.7 km from the Marble Brach inside the bay of Trincomalee |
| 80 | Little Sober Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.543379, 81.214929 Area : 0.062 square kilometers (15.24 acres) Shoreline : 1.08 kilometers A small rocky island with rich vegetation just 80 meters away from its big brother, Sobar Island at the mouth of the inner harbour bay of Trincomalee Harbour. Dutch called it “Compagn ies Eyland“. It was the French who first fortified the Sober Islands with the permission of King Rajasinhe of Kandy. The British named this “Little Sober Island” after a British Lieutenant named Sober. The Little Sober Island has an elevation of 39 meters. The island has a thick forest cover. This island is declared as a wildlife sanctuary |
| 81 | Mangrove Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.572417, 81.196425 Area : 0.009 square kilometers (2.30 acres) Shoreline : 0.471 kilometers A small rocky island with rich vegetation just 65 meters away from the mainland where the current Tokyo Cement Factory lies today at the Trincomalee Harbour. |
| 82 | Naditivu Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.503859, 81.202186 Area : 2,198 square meters (0.5 acres) Shoreline : 275 meters A small rocky island with some vegetation, 460 meters away from the mainland inside the bay of Trincomalee. |
| 83 | Norway Islet | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.505154, 81.274209 Area : 14,565. square meters (3.6 acres) Shoreline : 562 meters A small rocky island rich in vegetation. The island lies in the middle of the Koddiar Bay 650 meters from Muttur at the entrance of the Koddiar Bay in Trincomalee. |
| 84 | Pigeon Island | Trincomalee | Pigeon Island National Park consists of two small islands off the east coast north of Trincomalee and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. |
| 85 | Powder Island (Crow Island) | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.566605, 81.226580 Area : 6,691 square meters (1.65 acres) Shoreline : 414 meters A small rocky island rich in vegetation. The island lies in the inner harbour of Trincomalee and connects to the mainland by a reef which is exposed during the low tide. The island was used as a gunpowder magazine during the colonial era and is under the protection of the Navy today. |
| 86 | Round Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.513034, 81.226012 Area : 12,106 square meters (3 acres) Perimeter : 480 meters This Kevuliya lighthouse ( Round Island Lighthouse) lies on top of a small rocky island in the bay of Trincomalee. The lighthouse on the island was built in 1863 and this was one of the three navigational aids for ships coming into the Trincomalee Harbour during British Rule. This island was called “Pot Island” on a map of the Dutch Era. |
| 87 | Smooth Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.543939, 81.210133 Area : 8,460. square meters (2.10 acres) Shoreline : 373 meters A small rocky island lacking vegetation. Looks like the head of a bold man. The Island lies in the Koddiar Bay 300 meters from Muttur at the entrance of the Koddiar Bay in Trincomalee. |
| 88 | Sober Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.543583, 81.208874 Area : 0.665 square kilometers (164 acres) Shoreline : 3.95 km Lies at the mouth of the inner habour of Trincomalee. Dutch called it “Dwars-in-de-weg” meaning “right in the way”. It was the French who first fortified the island with the permission of King Rajasinhe of Kandy. They called it “Isle du Soleil“. The British named this “Sober Island” after a British Lieutenant named Sober. This island along with Little Sober Island was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1963. During the British era. it was a favourite resort of the officers of the East Indies Squadron, who built a ward-room, billiard room, and gun room upon it. Today there is a popular resort on this island which is run by the Sri Lankan Navy. |
| 89 | York Island | Trincomalee | GPS location : 8.555230, 81.227140 Area : 11,785. square meters (2.91 acres) Shoreline : 563 meters A small rocky island with thick vegetation. Island lies in the Inner Trincomalee Harbour 265 meters from the docks. |