News
Canoe down the canal
Using canoes as public transport is a well known practice in the rural and the backwater areas of the country. But closer to the metropolis it is a rare find, which is why downtown Wattala is so unique.
 A hop, skip, and a jump: School children take the convenient early morning canoe ferry |
 Rain or shine: No matter the weather ferry men can earn up to Rs. 2000 everyday |
For at least three decades a canoe ferry has been operating on the Dutch built Hamilton Canal, carrying out a yeoman service to thousands of residents living in the area that includes Elakanda, Lansiyawatte, Palliyawatte, Preethipura and beyond.
The passengers that begin to trek in at day light are a mixed bag-from school children, to white collar office workers, garment industry hands, vendors and fishermen.
However, whatever the status or position of the passengers may be, for the mere fee of Rs. five (and Rs. 2 for school children) they share the common man-powered ferry in order to get to their destinations.
If one misses the ferry it is a near kilometre walk to a bus stand from which to catch a bus into the city or a Rs. 100 as fare for a three wheel er ride.
The ferry has seen many hands run it over the many years of its existence, some have grown old at the oars and retired but always there are takers for the job.
The present man is Sudha who says that the collection for the day tops Rs. 2000, whatever the weather may be. The ferry, however, is owned by another person, who collects Rs. 500 per day as rental.
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