KOSGODA Turtle Conservation and Research Centre

The KOSGODA Turtle Conservation and Research Centre is a pioneering wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles on Sri Lanka's southern coast. Established in 1988, this project plays a critical role in protecting the five species of sea turtles that nest on the island's shores: Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback. The centre works tirelessly to collect vulnerable eggs from the beach, incubate them in safe sandy hatcheries away from predators, and release the hatchlings back into the ocean.

Visitors are offered a unique, educational experience where they can view large tanks housing recovering injured turtles and rare albino specimens that cannot survive in the wild. The highlight for many is the opportunity to hold days-old hatchlings and, during the evenings, participate in their release into the sea—a heartwarming effort to boost their survival rates. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a family looking for a meaningful activity, a visit here provides deep insight into marine conservation and the delicate lifecycle of these ancient mariners.