ERAMINIA GALA POINT TO NILWELLA POINT  
General information

Route
From a position S of Eraminia Gala Point (5Deg 59.94Min N 80Deg 15.70Min E) at the E end of the TSS the route leads Nilwella point (5Deg 57.60Min N 80Deg 43.32Min E).

Topography
The coast between Eraminia Gala Point and Rassamunal Point (5Deg 57.30Min N 80Deg 25.10Min E) consists of an irregular sandy beach backed by a thick belt of coconut trees. From Rassamunal Point to Nilwella point The coastline is slightly indented with bays, interspersed with rocky outcrops and headlands. The shore is generally low-lying, particularly at the heads of the bays which often have coconut palms fronted by sandy beaches. The rocky headlands. and cliffs, frequently of a red colour, are only of a very moderate height. Parts of the coast are densely wooded with coconut palms; other isolated areas appear quite barren.

Depths
Less water may exist in the approaches to Weligama Bay and Matara Bay (5Deg 55.96Min N 80Deg 33.53Min E). Along this stretch of coast, any vessels not inbound for port or anchorages, should remain outside the 50 m contour.

Hazards
Wrecks and obstructions. Numerous dangerous wrecks and obstructions, many with positions approximate, lie in these waters: their positions are best seen on the chart. 
 
Fishing
Many small fishing craft may be encountered along this coast.
 
Traffic regulations
Traffic separation scheme. A TSS is established S of Dondra Head orientated E-W with an ITZ between Dondra Head and the W-going traffic lane The scheme is IMO-adopted and Rule 10 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) applies.

Currents 
within 2 miles of the coast and W of Dondra Head are irregular: there is often an in draught into Matara Bay.
The currents E of Dondra Head are generally weak and set parallel with the coast During a survey in 1908-1909, the currents were found to be weak and although sometimes variable in direction, to set generally with the prevailing wind.

Directions
Principal marks 
Landmarks:
Dondra Head Lighthouse (white 8-sided tower 49 m in height) (5Deg 55.27Min N 80Deg 35.64Min E)

Major lights:
Dondra Head Light (5Deg 55.27Min N 80Deg 35.64Min E)

Passage 
SSW of Yakinige Duwa (5Deg 57.77Min N 80Deg 22.79Min E), an islet with steep cliffs on all sides which is joined to the mainiland by a causeway. A prominent reddish cliff 21 to 30 m high stands 6 cables W of Yakinigeduwa.SSW of Kotavanni (5Deg 59.04Min N 80Deg 19.80Min E) a solitary black rock which stands 3.5 cables W of the outlet of Koggala Lake.

Anchorages and harbours
Nilewelli Bay
Description. Nilewelli Bay (5Deg 58.14Min N 80Deg 43.66Min E) lies between Nilewelli Point and the S end of a rooky peninsula about 1mile NE. The NE part of Nilewalli Bay is foul. 

Anchorage
may be obtained in the bay in a depth of about 10 to 20 m. sand, about 5 cables NE of Nilewelli Point.

Tidal levels
Mean spring range about 0.4 m; mean neap range about 0.0 m. See information in ADMIRALTY Tide Tables Volume 3