This is a typical example of a traditional outrigger canoe from Sri Lanka primarily used for fishing, both off the beach and further out to sea.
The shallow dugout hull, carved from a single log, is raised with side strakes fixed on shaped inserted frames and sewn to the hull with coir. The two booms connecting the hull to the float, also made from a single log, support a platform for fishing gear and crew. This type of canoe, an Oruwa, is found on the west and south coasts of the island. Those from the south set a (rectangular) sail on a T-shaped mast and yard, while this one, from the west, has a V-shaped mast and sprit. Lathika was named after the daughter of a former owner. She carried a crew of 8.
Length 10.3 metres / Beam 6.1 metres
