Negombo Fish Market, locally known as “Lellama,” is Sri Lanka’s second-largest fish market and a vibrant hub of coastal culture and commerce. Located at the northern end of the Negombo Lagoon near the Munnakare Bridge, this market is a sensory spectacle of sights, sounds, and aromas. Starting as early as 3:30 AM, fishermen return with their overnight catches, bringing in a diverse array of seafood including tuna, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and various reef and deep-sea fish. The market is divided into two main sections: the wet market, where fresh seafood is sold, and the dry fish market, where fish are salted and laid out on coconut fiber mats to dry under the sun—a traditional preservation method still in practice today. Visiting the Negombo Fish Market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of local fishermen and the bustling trade that supports the region’s economy.
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Arrive in Negombo and make your way to the bustling fish market by the lagoon or beachfront.
Observe local fishermen unloading their fresh catch—fish, prawns, crabs, cuttlefish—directly from boats.
Wander through the rows of stalls where vendors display, sort, and sell seafood on ice or baskets.
Notice the vibrant hustle as buyers negotiate prices, and see the traditional weighing scales in action.
Watch skilled local fishmongers clean, gut, chop, and prepare seafood right on the spot.
Engage with vendors and learn about different types of seafood and locally preferred cooking methods.
Shop for fresh seafood if you’d like to take some home or have it cooked nearby.
Stroll along the adjacent lagoon or beachfront to enjoy ocean views and the maritime atmosphere.
Grab a snack or simple lunch at a nearby stall featuring fresh seafood—fried fish, cuttlefish, or prawn curry.
Finish your outing with a quiet walk along the water, appreciating the coastal setting and fishing heritage.