Mahaweli Ferry

Sri Lanka6 photographs2005

A few informal ferries survive on the river, including this one at Paingamuwa, upstream from Peradeniya.

The ferryman owns the dugout, which he says will last only a few years.

The ferryman owns the dugout, which he says will last only a few years.

The charge: 5 rupees or about 5 cents. People take the ferry because there's a market on the far side.

The charge: 5 rupees or about 5 cents. People take the ferry because there's a market on the far side.

The ferryman's own residence, near the landing.

The ferryman's own residence, near the landing.

As spare as is conceivable.

As spare as is conceivable.

Another trip.

Another trip.

Ready to come ashore.

Ready to come ashore.