Nai Aru Lagoon (or Nay Aru Lagoon) is an estuarine lagoon in Mullaitivu District, north-east Sri Lanka.

Nai Aru Lagoon
Nai Aru Lagoon is located in Northern Province
Nai Aru Lagoon
Nai Aru Lagoon
LocationMullaitivu District, Sri Lanka
Coordinates9°08′N 80°52′E / 9.133°N 80.867°E / 9.133; 80.867
TypeLagoon
Primary outflowsIndian Ocean
Surface area17.6 square kilometres (6.8 sq mi)
Max. depth4 metres (13 ft)
Surface elevationSea level
SettlementsAlampil
Chammalai
Kumulamunai

The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers, including Nay Aru (Mullaitivu). It is linked to the sea by a narrow channel to the south that is very often blocked by a sand bar. The lagoon's water is brackish.

The lagoon is surrounded by dense forest, scrubland, rice paddies and coconut palm. The land is used for prawn fishing and paddy cultivation.

The lagoon has extensive sea grass beds and mangrove swamp. The lagoon attracts a wide variety of water birds including ducks, gulls, terns and other shorebirds.

References

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  • S.W. Kotagama, Leonard Pinto and Jayampathi L. Samarakoon. "Sri Lanka" (PDF). Wetlands International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.