Sri Lankan Anglers Join Battle Against Invasive Giant Snakehead Fish
Deduru Oya, Sri Lanka – September 22, 2025: Over 1,000 anglers gathered at the Deduru Oya river dam, approximately 130 km from Colombo, to take part in a large-scale conservation effort aimed at controlling the spread of the invasive giant snakehead fish. The event, which combined environmental awareness with a competitive spirit, was organised to protect Sri Lanka’s native freshwater species, including the endemic Labeo heladiva.
Despite the impressive turnout, the results highlighted the elusive nature of the giant snakehead. Only 22 fish were caught in total, with the top angler, farmer Nissanka Arachchige Vimukthi Sandaruwan, successfully landing three snakeheads. Organisers said the modest catch underscores the challenge of eradicating invasive species while emphasising the importance of continued monitoring and management efforts.
“The participation of so many local anglers shows strong community support for protecting our rivers and native fish populations,” said one of the event organisers. “Regular events like this are crucial to keeping invasive species in check and maintaining the ecological balance of our waterways.”
Authorities have also taken regulatory steps to prevent further ecological damage. The import, possession, breeding, and sale of four additional invasive fish species have now been banned, signalling a more proactive approach to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s freshwater biodiversity.
Experts hope that combining community engagement with stricter enforcement measures will slow the spread of invasive species and help native fish populations recover. The Deduru Oya event marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing conservation efforts, reflecting a growing awareness of the delicate balance between human activity and environmental preservation.
