Chalai Lagoon is a lagoon in Mullaitivu District, north-east Sri Lanka. The town of Chalai is located on a sand bar between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
| Chalai Lagoon | |
|---|---|
  Chalai Lagoon | |
| Location | Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 9°23′N 80°40′E / 9.383°N 80.667°E |
| Type | Lagoon |
| Primary outflows | Indian Ocean |
| Surface area | 14.6 square kilometres (5.6 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | Sea level |
| Settlements | Chalai Putumattalan Valayanmadam |
The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers. It is linked to the sea by a narrow channel near Chalai. The lagoon's water is brackish.
The lagoon is surrounded by dense forest, scrubland and some rice paddies. The land is used for fishing and some salt production.
The lagoon has extensive sea grass beds and mangrove swamp. The lagoon attracts a wide variety of water birds including ducks, gulls, terns and other shorebirds.
References
edit- S.W. Kotagama, Leonard Pinto and Jayampathi L. Samarakoon. "Sri Lanka" (PDF). Wetlands International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.