Sri Lanka: Stilt fisherman, Weligama (photo)

Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, from Hikkaduwa towards Weligama, long stakes have been driven into the seabed anything from 15 to 150m offshore. Perched on these stakes, for all the world like human cormorants, are the stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka. Stilts are passed down from father to son and are therefore highly valued. Each fisherman makes his way out at low tide and returns when the tide has once again fallen, or by boat. The catch, caught by rod, is kept hanging from the top of the stilt. Best viewed either at dawn or at dusk, they are one of the most intriguing and photogenic sights in Sri Lanka.