Situated just a short distance off the coastal road on the south coast of the island between Tangalle and Hambantota. The Bird Sanctary in Kalametiya was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 (2.500 hectares) but this was abolished in 1946 due to the opposition of local residents. A considerably reduced area was once again declared a sanctuary in 1984, The Sanctuary includes the Lunama and Kalamatiya lagoons.Karukalli Saltern and the surrounding marshy areas. Kalamatiya area records about 15 species of birds of which 54 are migratory. There are four nationally threatened birds found within the Sanctuary – Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and Black-capped Purple Kingfisher with Jungle Fowl being the only endemic species. 38 species of reptiles, a large number of which are nationally and globally threatened. 41 species offish, about 20 species of mammals with 4 endemic (Shrew- Hikmeeya, Toque Monkey – Rilawa. bicoloured, Spiny Rat -Katu Miya and Tree Mouse) and a large number of plants have been recorded within the Sanctuary.