KALPITIYA TO COLOMBO

General information

Route
 
From a position WNW of Colombo (6deg 57.20min N 79deg 51.00min E) the route leads 35 miles NNW, then 59 miles N to a position W of Kudremalai Point (8deg 32.34min N 79deg 52.43min E).

Topography
 
The coast N of Colombo to Chilaw Point is almost featureless with sandy beaches and generally covered with coconut palms, except for a break in its fringe about 4 miles N of Negombo, marking the entrance to Maha Oya. North of Chilaw Point the coast is formed by the seaward side of a narrow peninsula with a sandspit and several islands extending NNE from its N extremity. 

Depth
 
Charted soundings, particularly in deep water, are very sparse; in places along this stretch of coast the depth reduces from 200 m to 10 m, or less, in 1 mile.

Hazards
 
Wrecks and obstructions. 
Numerous dangerous wrecks and obstructions lie in these waters.

Tidal levels
Kalpitiva (8deg 14.15min N 79deg 46.06min E). Mean spring range about 0-4 m: mean neap range about 0-1 m. See information in ADMIRALTY Tide Tables Volume 3

Local knowledge
Local knowledge is required by vessels for anchoring and entering the inland lakes

Natural conditions 
Currents 
The Currents are subject to large changes in set and rate during the course of a year.

Directions
 
Major lights
Colombo Light (6deg 56.30min N 79deg 50.52min E)

Passage

Caution. Vessels navigating along this stretch of coast not inbound for a port or an anchorage, should remain in deep water and at least 7 miles offshore

Track. From a position WNW of Colombo (6deg 57.20min N 79deg 51.00min E) the route leads NNW, passing: WSW of Galmaga (7deg 13.03min N 79deg 39.69min E). a shoal area lying parallel to and 8.5 cables distant from the coast. and:
WSW of Negombo Point (7deg 12.34min N 79deg 49.0min E) thence:
Thence from a position W of Chilaw Point (7deg 36.42min N 79deg 47.19min E). the route leads N to a position W of Kudremalai Point (8deg 32.00min N 79deg 52.60min E). which is steep and rocky.

Useful marks:

Thermal plant chimney (8deg 01.05min N 79deg 43.32min E), 154 m high.
Aruakalu Tower (white) (8deg 16.35min N 79deg 50.04min E) standing on the summit of a hill 79 m high.
Kudremalai Tower (white. height 69 m) (8deg 30.35min N 79deg 52.54min E). standing on the highest of three long sand mounds.
Chimney (flare stack, height 38 m) (8deg 32.00min N 79deg 52.60min E) standing on Kudremalai Point.

Anchorages and harbours

Negombo Lagoon
Description. Negombo Lagoon is situated between Negombo Point and the town of Negombo, close E across a narrow channel.
Local knowledge is essential
Anchorage. Small vessels may obtain anchorage about 5 cables offshore in a depth of 6 m. 2.5 miles NNE of Negombo Point (7deg 12.34min N 79deg 49.00min E).
A waiting area has been established (7deg 12.62min N 79deg 44.17min E) between Negombo Point and Galmaga
Caution. Vessels approaching the anchorage must give the charted dangers a wide berth.

Chilaw Estuary
Description. Chilaw Lake (7deg 32.00min N 79deg 48.40min E) entrance is situated close E of Chilaw Point. 
Local knowledge is essential
Directions. Vessels approaching this anchorage from S should keep 4 to 5 miles offshore, passing clear of a dangerous wreck (7deg 33.81min N 79deg 39.97min E) and W of a buoy (red can) moored 3.5 miles WSW of Chilaw Point, then close to the anchorage.
Anchorage may be obtained by small vessels near the mouth of Chilaw Estuary, about 1.75 miles NW of Chilaw Point. in a depth of 11 m.

Puttalam
Description. The Port of Puttalam (8deg 01.00min N 79deg 43.00min E) is primarily utilised for importing coal for the Norochcholai Thermal Power Plant,
Local knowledge is essential
Usefulmarks:
Chimney (8deg 01.05min N 79deg 43.32min E), 154m high. 
Berth. A pier, the head of which is marked by a light beacon, extends WSW for about 500 m. The pier-head can accommodate lightering barges on both sides in reported depths of about 5 m

Portugal Bay
Description. Portugal Bay (8deg 30.00min N 79deg 50.00min E), which lies E of the N part of Karaitivu is generally shallow.
Local knowledge is essential.
Anchorage. It is reported that anchorage for vessels with draught not exceeding 4-3 m, may be found in depths of 5.5m. about 2 miles W of Kudremalai Point.