The night watch
Volunteers of The Pearl Protectors engaged in patrolling the shorelines of Wellawatta, Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia during the nighttime to ensure the safety of the turtles which came ashore to lay eggs.
Many turtles which come ashore face threats by poachers where eggs are being poached to be sold illegally and to be consumed at restaurants. It is believed only 1 in 1000 turtle hatchlings would mature to return for nesting.
Volunteers dedicated late nights till early mornings patrolling and ensuring turtles received adequate safety to lay eggs and for hatchlings to safely return to the sea.
We are also thankful to Sri Lanka Coast Guard who provided the volunteers with guidance and safe nesting sites for the turtle eggs.
Volunteers who participated were recognized for the contributions on the final day of the patrolling.
