The stilt fishermen west of Weligama are one of Sri Lanka's most recognisable south-coast images: men balanced on crossed poles just offshore, lines dangling into the shallows. The tradition is real, but visitors should know that many of the scenes along the road now exist partly for photographs.
That does not make the sight worthless. It does mean you should be honest about what you are seeing, pay politely if someone poses for you, and keep moving if the encounter feels too staged. The best stretches are toward Midigama and Ahangama.