#41 Surf & Sun is the most colorful, friendly looking development, located roughly in the middle of the Bay, opposite #40 Hello Madam and #39 Hillton Hotel.
Run by two Sri Lankan surfers, Samman and Nuwan the entire place has a distinct surf appeal.
In front there is a surf shop, as well as a recent addition of a small Internet cafe.
Behind you will find a friendly bar with a good selection of fresh food complimented by a choice of surf related movies.
In addition to the popular, warm and homely restaurant there are a number of nice cabanas and a few pretty bungalows with upstairs living rooms.
#41 Surf & Sun has hosted a few memorable events such as a hugely successful Reggae Concert recently.
In August 2006 a very colorful and most romantic wedding took place when Samman married Minna from Sweden. The event was recorded and some photos are included in our popular gallery; see right navigation bar.
More so, one photo is a strong contender in this web site’s Most Romantic Photo competition.
Just one month after the Happy wedding, on “Bloody Wednesday” 20th September 2006 #41 Surf & Sun was the center of some of the worse excesses of civil unrest the normally quiet region has ever seen.
A large crowd of irritated and aggressive young people could not contain their anger and a street brawl erupted right in front of #41 Surf & Sun, spilling over into the premises and causing considerable damage within.
At one point the situation turned ugly and it is a miracle that nobody was seriously injured.
Although it is well known that Sri Lanka is troubled by frequent incidents, this particular regrettable event took place in front of many international guests in a well known tourists spot.
At the height of the surfing season.
History might show that this one single, preventable incident provided the main reason for most foreigners to leave the area at that point in time.
We hope that #41 Surf & Sun as well as the entire resort of Arugam Bay as well as the reputation of the island as a whole will recover soon from this sad Wednesday’s experiences.
For anyone who would like to know…. the 21st Sept day is ending and all seems well. The shops were open all day and there was a security meeting that took place this evening. I feel sad about the recent civil unrest and wish people will one day settle their differences peacefully. For those that left.. safe travels..your not missing much in the surf at moment.
Dear Wayne,
Thanks for your contribution and comments.
We agree with your statement, but feel it is wise to wait a few more days for the dust to settle totally before changing our way of reporting.
It is a fine line between News (which can’t be kept a secret these days anyhow) and not to spoil our tourist industry.
We know this and we are working on improvements all round.
Being no experts, not funded by anyone it’s a slow learning process.
A direct link, on the front page will be added soon to all establishments - like Galaxcy - which have an own Home Page.
After all, it is our declared motive to attract tourists and improve AbaY for everyone.
Saddenning news indeed, thankfully none of the Hakman clan or the crowd from Hikadu suffered injuries.
I thought the local silly season was still at least a month away.
Unfortunately these recent events will provide ample excuses to re-introduce checkpoints on the bridge, should the authorities choose to. Maybe checkpoints are necessary after all.
Frankly, Robbo, many Arugam Bay residents would actually welcome a good check point at the bridge. Some see this as a way to prevent future trouble spilling over from the East Coast, should it ever happen, to the usually quiet Bay.
Many residents now seem to dream about a simple, much cheaper By pass rather than a huge new bridge construction.
Further, Mr. Hackmann Senior was injured. But not seriously I am happy to confirm.
Only the presence of a rather brave police OiC, confronted by many, prevented an escalation at this point.
Surf & Sun is a tidy, pretty little cabana hotel.
There is a small nice bar attached.
Rates low season are around 1,000Rs./ night.
Recommended!
Home page:
www.sri-lanka-board.de