Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara

The Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre Mahamodara is a non-profitable organization which has been created and maintained for the survival of Sea Turtles for the coming generation. Located in Habaraduwa (southern part of Sri Lanka - Galle District) near the beach, the centre was started in the year 1986. The centre has till now released more than 500,000 Sea Turtles to the ocean.

Sri Lanka is home to a number of endemic species that can’t be found in other parts of the world. The west coast region of Sri Lanka particularly sees high levels of sea turtles.

Sea Turtles
The turtles are one of the rare species found in the world. Their heritage could be traced to more than 100 million years. At present, about 8 varieties of turtles are said to be existing. The Sea Turtles get together in certain areas of the ocean annually to mate, and after mating, the female turtles come to the sea shore to lay their eggs.

It is said that these turtles prefer to lay their eggs on the same beach they were born. They are supposed to lay about 120 eggs at a time, and the eggs are kept damp by the female turtle by emitting a juice to cover the eggs.
After laying the eggs, the turtles journey back to the ocean and keep no connection with their eggs. The eggs then hatch with the help of the warm sand. After about 60 days the eggs start cracking and new born ones who are about 5cm long find their way to the ocean.

Sea Turtles in Sri Lanka
There are five varieties of Sea Turtles found in Sri Lanka, namely Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherhead Turtle. The all major nesting habitats are located in the Galle District (Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Thibbattawa, Ahungalle, Balapitiya and Unawatuna) and Hambantota District (Rekawa, Wellodaya, Kahanda modara, Walawemodara and Yala).

Mission of Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre
Since few years, the turtles have been on the verge of being extinct, due to the cruel activities of humans. The centre took it upon to preserve the turtles for the sake of future generation. The Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre has successfully managed to attain the goal gradually over the years.