• The tale of turtle-human relations in Sri Lanka

The popular idiom “kana kesbawa viya siduren ahasa balanawa wagey” roughly translating to “like the blind turtle gazing at the sky through the hole of the oxen’s yoke,” is evidence that Sri Lankans have historically had some awareness about the gentle giants we now know as sea turtles. Although the relationship between humans and turtles have evolved considerably since then, sea turtles continue to hold historic, sociocultural and economic significance today. 

There are five species of sea turtles that have made the Sri Lankan coastal belt their home. According to archeological findings from as early as the Anuradhapura era, some local communities have hunted turtles in order to consume their meat. Historians have also found that the attractive shells of turtles have been used to craft various luxury household items in the past. Evidence shows that the shells of the Hawksbill species in particular were used to make items such as snuff boxes, jewelry boxes, writing tablets and combs. And because of an early folk belief that turtles possess the ability to regenerate their shells, those whose shells were removed were often released back into the sea.  

A significant demand for turtle shell products was also seen in Sri Lanka’s ancient trade relations with foreign powers including the Roman empire. Moreover, early coins discovered in the Thissamaharama, Akurugoda region depict tortoise and turtle motifs implying that these animals were considered an important symbol of naval and commercial strength at the time. 

Today, sea turtles play an important role in the tourism industry aiding its income generation activities. Not only have turtles inspired the designs of various souvenirs, clothing, and accessories, but the hope of catching a glimpse of these fascinating creatures has also attracted numerous visitors to the country’s coastal regions. In response to this demand, an increasing number of businesses claiming to be turtle conservatories have also emerged. But such enterprises tend to disrupt the natural behaviours of sea turtles. 

Turtles encounter threats from the changing climate and weather patterns as well as direct human activities in the modern age. Over the years, poaching, entanglement in discarded fishing gear, consumption of garbage mistaken for jellyfish and habitat loss have all contributed to a major decline in their population. Although the Flora and Fauna Protection Act of Sri Lanka provides some level of legal protection for many endangered species including turtles, conserving them in practice remains a challenge. 

Nevertheless, we must continue our efforts to conserve these awe-inspiring beings gifted to us by mother nature and ensure that future generations too may be able to witness their majesty. 

(The author is a volunteer writer of The Pearl Protectors)

………………………………….

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication