The Nagenahiru Center for Environmental Education is situated in a scenic location adjoining the Madampe Lake wildlife Sanctuary. It was established on a remaining l mangrove forest patch in Godahena village on the eastern bank of the lake in Novembers 2007 and it is open for the public since 2008.

The objective of the establishment of the Centre was to facilitate efforts to enhance knowledge, create awareness and provide facilities to explore the environment, based on the Madampa Lake.

Activities at NCEE

The venue provides an excellent opportunity for successful educational programmes with the use of natural environment and the support of its fully equipped auditorium and field class room facilities. At present a number of schools in the area as well as from other areas make use of these facilities available at the NCEE. The services of qualified instructors, Environmental Education Officers, are provided for these programmes and necessary field and laboratory equipment such as binoculars and microscopes are provided for the visitors. A guiding service for excursions is also provided.

These programs are conducted as a service and only a nominal entrance fee is charged. However, participants have to bear the cost of food and beverages provided, which could be arranged on prior notice. All food and beverages are local and traditional products which are also produced organically, thus promoting sustainability.

• Exhibition Hall – The exhibition hall provides a glimpse of the biodiversity of Sri Lanka with special reference towards the local biodiversity in Madampe Lake and Maduganga Lake ecosystems. Following are some of the demonstrations available at the exhibition area which is more than 100 square feet, using various presentation means.
• Madampa Lake Ecosystem – The significance of the Madampe Lake wetland ecosystem is provided in graphical and statistical means. Flora and fauna of this ecosystem, such as plant species, butterflies, reptiles, mammals, birds etc., are presented in a graphical mode where a visitor can easily understand the importance of the biodiversity of the area. Posters and specimens collected are being used for the purpose.
• Threatened wetland biodiversity –This section provides details of the threatened and rare species living in wetland ecosystems. These include mangrove plants species, species unique to water bodies such as the otter, crocodile, hog deer, an animal unique to this area. Life sized models,  posters and specimens are on display at the exhibition centre.
• Biodiversity –Specially designed panels detailing extinct fauna is included in the section devoted to pale biodiversity.

Observation Tower -The spacious and roofed Observation Tower is located at the top of the centre. It is located at a height of 75 feet and provides a unique view of the mangrove environment as well as the eastern area of the Madampa Lake.

Mangrove Forest and Lake –A mangrove forest stretch bordering the Madampa Lake provides the visitor an opportunity to gain basic knowledge about a mangrove forest. Mangroves as well as mangrove associates are found in this forest which is an enriched natural mangrove forest. A 450 feet long network of a Broadway, a wooden elevated platform, that runs through the entire forest stretch provides an opportunity to walk through the forest and observe the characteristics of a mangrove forest and its biodiversity more closely. A floating classroom built on an angula, a traditional Sri Lankan boat, facilitates students and visitors to explore the biodiversity of the mangrove forest as well as the lake environment in depth. Safety jackets and binoculars are provided. This boat ride allows students as well as visitors to observe the mangroves and the lake as well as the canal system.

This Mangrove forest is home for several mangrove plant species such as Kirala (Sonneratia spp.), Ginpol (Nypa fruticans) and Keran (Acrostichum spp.) as well as mangrove associates. Uses of these plants are also demonstrated. It is the home for a considerable number of animals, including birds, which can be seen during early mornings and evenings. The diversity of the area is somewhat similar to that of the Maduganga area, which is a Ramsar wetland.

Live Demonstrations – Following live demonstrations are available at the Center. These are included as educational support material, developed in consideration of the requirements of the school syllabi to enhance the use of the Centre.

• Brackish Water Aquarium and Fernery –This houses animals and plants which are found in brackish water habitats and in addition significant ferns species.
• Freshwater Pond and Wetland –A collection of freshwater plants and animals are exhibited in an open pond and wetland. These plants include various reed species, other wetland flora that are a noteworthy species of freshwater fauna.
• Special plants –Special plant species with an educational value are demonstrated in the premises. These include various carnivorous plants such as bandura (Nepenthus spp), kandulessa (Drosera indica) and nil moneressa (Utricularia spp); Epiphytes such as various orchid species and  (Lycopodium spp); Xerophytes such as nawahandi (Euphorbia tirucalli) , Commonly used medicinal plants ; Coastal vegetation demonstration contains plants that depict adaptations to coastal ecosystem such as maha rawana rewula (Spinifex littoreus), wara (Calotropis gigantea), wetakeyya (Pandanus kaida) etc. These are useful for school children as well as the general visitor.
• Green Filter –The green filter system established in the centre is a unique demonstration of a small scale waste water treatment plant. The kitchen waste is being treated by a bio filter consisting of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes),  and reed plants and a sand filter. Filtered water is released to the freshwater ecosystem at the centre.

A model Traditional Home garden – Adjoining the Centre is a model of a traditional Sri Lankan home garden. This provides a collection of traditionally used techniques in home gardens as well as in the traditional systems of agriculture such as chena cultivation (shifting cultivation). These include a hut on a tree, various types of cultivation methods, various types of fencing systems, irrigation methods etc. Most of these are a part of the school curricula and this home garden provides an opportunity for the students to observe these vanishing traditions.

Dining Facilities - The dining room provides facilities to accommodate a group of 40 people at one instance. It serves local and traditional food and beverages, most of which are produced organically. This could be organized based on prior arrangement. Liquor and smoking is prohibited in the premises.

Hostel Facilities - A two-storied hostel premises is proposed to accommodate visitors who participate in longer programmes. This will be completed in the near future.

Camping Facilities - Camping facilities are available for youth groups who participate in programmes at the Centre.

Service Centre for Boat Light System -The Centre acts as the service centre for the boat lighting system programme where it can provide a better service to fishermen. 

Gift House - A gift house is established to make available souvenir items for the visitors. These gifts include wetland crafts, and other sustainable items made from reeds harvested from wetlands.

Recreation and Ecotourism – Explore unspoiled Nature at Madampa Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

The NF centre provides recreational opportunities for groups who are interested in nature’s unspoiled beauty and environment. The main target of its recreation activities is based at Madampa Lake, a wildlife sanctuary. The Nagenahiru Centre for Environmental Education is organizing these activities in partnership with Laksara Eco Holidays. Following are some of the recreational activities available for the visitors.

1. Boat Tour – Boat tour in Madampe lake and the along the Maha ela canal is available. Visitors can observe mangrove ecosystem, traditional fishing practices, and watch birds and other flora and fauna species of the Madampa Lake. The total duration of the tour is one and half hours. Safety jackets and binoculars are provided.

2. Mangrove forest - A stretch of mangroves along the centre contains of mangroves and mangrove associate plant species. A Broadway system facilitates the visitor to go through the forest and have a better view.

3. Bird watching – Mangrove Forests bordering the NCEE Centre and the forests along the edges of the Lake are suitable for bird watching. A visitor can observe various types of birds, waders etc. The best time for bird watching is either in early mornings or in late afternoons. The total number of birds recorded in this  wetland system  is   85 species including    06   endemics and   12  migrants.
4. Educational Opportunities – The NCEE provides several educational opportunities for school children at the premises. These include a number of environmental educational materials related to local school syllabus. Visitors and their children can learn about the brackish water aquarium and fernery, freshwater pond and wetland, special plants such as carnivorous, epiphytes, xerophytes and coastal vegetation and Green Filter system, a model traditional home garden (For more information please visit Environmental Education and Nagenahiru Centre for Environmental Education pages.)

Facilities available

1. Dining facilities - The dining room provides facilities for a group of 40 at an instance. It serves local and traditional food and beverages where most are organically produced. Liquor and smoking is prohibited in the premises.

2. Camping facilities – Camping facilities are available on request. This will provide a new experience for the visitors.

3. Traditional fishing - For interested partied arrangements are made to participate in traditional lake fishing with traditional fishermen.

Tour Packages available

Spend the day – This package includes the boat tour, opportunity to explore mangrove forest, bird watching and observation of all educational opportunities. Guiding and instructing services are provided. The minimum number of the group should be 5. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Charge: LKR 1000/= per person (locals).

Family holiday package – Organized for families consisting of a minimum of five individuals. This includes exploring the mangrove forest, bird watching and observation of all educational opportunities. Boat tour is optional. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Charge: LKR 1000/= per person (locals).

Customised packages – For short visits, smaller groups and foreign visitors, customised packages could be arranged by contacting the Foundation.

Venue for Functions - The NCEE could be arranged for functions such as business meetings, birth day parties and other family functions.