Negombo’s history is steeped in fishing, which is still the town’s mainstay 

The narrow navigable passage between Negombo lagoon and the sea is lined with fishing boats of various shapes and sizes, some old and decrepit and others still more or less in service. 

They can be seen from Customs House Road running west from the northern end of Kothalawala Bridge, which connects Munnakkara Island to the Negombo mainland. 

Follow your nose towards the sea along Customs House Road and you will find Negombo Fish Market Complex alongside the extensive fish-drying beach. But be warned, the smell is not for the faint hearted!