Sirahu Valai: a passive fishing gear in Ceylon

There are many types of passive fishing gear in use in the estuarine waters and lagoons in Ceylon such as the stake seine net or Kattudel, the tat trap or Jalcottu and the wing net or Sirahu valai. Of these Siraku valai is very popular in the shallow and near shore areas of the sea in north Ceylon. Sirahu valai is popular since it is relatively more economical, less time consuming and more efficient than other forms of fishing gear in shallow waters. More over the fishermen do not have to remain in the fishing grounds while his gear is fishing. Pearson (1923) described this gear as a stake net having a complicated arrangement. Sirahu valai is also referred to as Siraku valai or Kurukku valai.