Hamilton Canal (Dutch Canal)

Travel via boat this remarkable 14.5-kilometer network of canals that passes through Negombo and links Puttalam to Colombo.

 Around the 18th century, the Dutch began to implement a series of structures, dams and canals that made use of existing waterways. These would serve two purposes: first, they hoped to drain the salt water away from their rice fields; and second, the Dutch anticipated being able to conduct barges that carried cinnamon to their seaports in Negombo. This system of waterways became known as the Dutch Canal and was a major line of connection between the ports within Dutch territory.