On the west coast of Sri Lanka lies the bustling fishing town of Negombo, home to a vibrant fish market. Each morning, while the sea is still veiled in mist and the first light of dawn, fleets of fishing boats slowly return to the harbor, laden with the catch from nearby seas and lagoons.

For centuries, fishermen in Negombo have understood the rhythms of the ocean and mastered dozens of fishing methods. Some set up traps at lagoon mouths to guide fish into enclosures, while others cast nets in deeper waters. Meanwhile, some still follow ancient traditions, pulling large nets together along the shore. Each method tells a story of the local community's life with the sea.

As the fishermen return, their catch is swiftly unloaded, sorted, and piled up, moving quickly into the lively trade. The air fills with the calls of vendors and the buzz of bargaining -- a vivid symphony of daily life.

On the other side of the market, a busy drying scene unfolds. Workers spread out salt-soaked fish, gutted and neatly arranged, to be cured naturally by the sun and sea breeze. This age-old technique is not only a testament to food preservation wisdom but also forms a unique visual landscape.

Today, the Negombo Fish Market is no longer just a stage for fishermen's livelihood. It has become a window into Sri Lanka's maritime culture. Many visitors arrive at dawn just to witness the boats unloading, the fish spilling out, and the meticulous drying process. Cameras click, capturing the unique and moving scenes.

Amid the salty air and blazing sun, the Negombo Fish Market sustains countless families and stands as a living museum-narrating the enduring story of Sri Lanka's intimate bond with the sea, its traditions, and its unbroken cycle of life.

Photographer: Thilina Kaluthotage

Text: Chen Dongshu, Yu Yang