Stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka

LFI: What is special about stilt fishing?
Ali Khataw: Stilt fishing in Sri Lanka is a unique and traditional fishing method practiced by some communities along the southern coast of the island. What makes it special is its visual appeal and the cultural significance it holds for the people of Sri Lanka. Stilt fishing is typically practised in shallow waters along the coastline, where the fishermen use wooden stilts that are anchored into the ocean floor. They perch on top of the stilts and use a long fishing rod with a line and hook to catch fish. They maintain their balance on the narrow wooden crossbar of the stilt, often in a crouched or seated position. The fishermen must carefully observe the movements of the fish below, and react quickly to hook them.

How did the project come about for you?
I'm an avid travel and street photographer fueled by curiosity and a thirst for adventure. With the help of a seasoned fixer, whose intimate knowledge of the island rivalled the depth of its history, our quest led us to the coastal haven near Weligama, where the stilt fishermen cast their spellbinding silhouette against the backdrop of the rising and setting sun. Through three great encounters, I immersed myself in their world and bore witness to the delicate dance between man and sea. Each sunrise and sunset painted a scene of resilience and tradition, as these guardians of the sea shared their stories with unwavering hospitality. In their weathered faces and calloused hands, I discovered the enduring spirit of a community bound by a shared legacy.

What exactly did your photographic process look like?
My goal wasn't merely to capture a single stunning image, but to curate a body of work showcasing the enigmatic stilt fishermen. I was equipped with my trusty companions, the Leica Q2 and Leica SL2, along with the sturdy support of my tripod for those long exposures. It was a moment of excitement when I experimented with the capabilities of the Leica Q2 in a long exposure setting, for the very first time. With my phone acting as the conductor, I remotely orchestrated each exposure, fine-tuning the elements to perfection right from the palm of my hand. The synergy between technology and artistry was incredible, resulting in long exposures that satisfied my visual taste.

What are the challenges of stilt fishing – and did you try it yourself? 
One of the primary challenges is the dwindling number of stilt fishermen due to various factors such as economic pressures, modernization, and changes in fishing practices. Additionally, environmental factors like overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change further threaten the sustainability of stilt fishing. While my experience may not involve physically partaking in stilt fishing, I've strived to understand and respect its cultural significance, while acknowledging the obstacles it faces in the modern world.