From Colombo this sanctuary can be reached using the following route.

Colombo – Nugegoda – Papiliyana – drive towards Bellanwila Temple, as you pass the temple turn to your left and after 30 metres turn to your right again. This road goes through the marshes. You can also go pass the temple for about 200m and turn right to wards the “Pump House” of the Water Resources Board from where there is a foot path of a bout 1/2 km in to the marsh along the river.

This wetland which is 372 hectares in extent is protected as a sanctuary and is under the Department of Wild Life Conservation. Even though the effluence from various industrial operations are released to the water ways that flows through the marsh, this, once very rich wet land, yet holds many interesting species of birds.

Birds to look for

Lesser Whistling Teal, Asian Openbill, Purple Heron, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Pallas Grass hopper Warbler, Ashy & White - browed Prinia, White Ibis, Black -headed Oriole, Purple Coot,   Water Cock, Common, Pied, White-breasted & Stork-billed Kingfishers, Black winged Stilt, Spot Billed Pelican, White-breasted Waterhen, Ruddy Crake ect and many more.