Ritipanna Stilt Fishing

Stilt fishing (Ritipanna in Sinhalese) is a tradition practiced in Sri Lanka. The iconic images of fisherman perched on wooden stilts can be seen all along the southern coast in places such as Ahangama, Kathaluwa, Koggala, Thalarambe, and Welipenna. The method involves a wooden pole nailed to the shallows of a coral reef sea bed. Another wooden plank acts as a cross bar that the fishermen sits on. Using a rod made of Kithul, the fisherman work to hook spotted herring and small mackerel, placing their catch in a bag tied to their waists. Often sitting for hours at a time – one hand holding the stilt, the other holding the rod – the fisherman’s work is a remarkable act of patience, skill, balance and endurance. The tradition is passed on from fathers to sons. With each year fewer and fewer families practise the craft.

When To Shoot?

Fish are most active at the beginning of the southwest monsoon season (May / June). Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to film for spectacular light and biting fish. It is also the most pleasant time to photograph, outside the heat of the day.

Sri Lanka Fixer & Camera Crew

If you are a brand, media company, agency or production company looking to looking to shoot your next TV commercial, stills campaign, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, or aerial footage anywhere in Sri Lanka, contact us for local fixer, service producer, director, DoP, videographer, cameraman or photographer recommendations. See below some of our work involving stilt fishing locations for Korean Air.