Negombo Fish Market (Lellama)

Lellama fish market on the southern edge of Negombo harbour is where the day's catch from the lagoon and the open sea is auctioned by licensed auctioneers starting at 6am. Hundreds of fishermen, buyers, and middlemen crowd the concrete auction floor to bid on tuna, seer fish, crabs, and prawns. The activity is largely over by 8am, so timing is critical. The scene is raw and fast-moving, with ice blocks sliding across the floor and hagglers negotiating in rapid Sinhala. The adjacent fish-drying area is also worth a look. Bring old shoes, go early, and do not touch the fish without permission from the handlers.