The Diyawanna Ferry Service (actually a boat service) run by the Sri Lanka Navy is an excellent new addition to the diversions available to Colombars and visitors. It is the best way to see Sri Lanka’s Parliament from all angles, since the boat does a full circle of the iconic Bawa building.
The other attractions are birds (pelicans nesting on trees in the middle of the lake), kingfishers, cormorants and other water birds. Unlike on Bolgoda, there aren’t that many glamorous houses to spot.
One shortfall is that one sees that Parliament is in need of significant refurbishment. But word is that the money has been approved. Quite a change from the war years, when the only boats in these waters were Navy boats patrolling against water borne assaults by the LTTE.
All boats come with life jackets. No dogs allowed, the sign says at the entrance.
The boat quay is at the top of the Japan Friendship Road. Hours 0800-1800, seven days a week. Whether it’s two people or 16, the price is the same, 2,500 rupees. So get a crowd together for the best deal.
This was a guest post by Rohan Samarajiva
