Author Archive for NetFinder

As tourism grows PET menace looms large

Published on 17/01/2012 in AbTa News, Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

….”Even remote locations such as Peanut Farm close to Arugam Bay there is a unsightly build up of “garbage” – plastic bottles, plastic bags, and other trash that tourists have to literally walk through while accessing the beach – hardly the sort of experience that will generate a positive feedback on sites such as Trip Advisor which can make (or break) a destination”…..

72,000 PVC bottles per month !

By Suren R. Mirchandani

Background…

Tourism arrivals are expected to increase significantly over the next few years as Sri Lanka positions itself as one of the worlds best leisure destinations, from a base of approximately 500,000 per annum to 2.5 million per annum. This rapid influx of visitors will place immense pressure on the local environment, particularly on waste buildup and management by local government bodies.

Tourists- not locals- use bottled water. Shown are approx. 72K bottles: 1 month supply at Arugam Bay!

The potential for irreversible damage to Sri Lanka’s environment and reputation is very real and significant as evidenced by the already visible degradation and pollution in pristine environments such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. A significant increase of tourists will make an already bad situation much worse. Continue reading ‘As tourism grows PET menace looms large’

“Arugam Bay” International Airport

Published on 15/01/2012 in front page and press coverage. 0 Comments

Inauguration planned for this year :

Mattala int’l airport on track

By Shirajiv Sirimane

….”Tourists who will arrive in Mattala will also have minimum transit times to holiday destinations such as Nuwara Eliya and Arugam Bay.”….

Model / artist Impression of the New Airport


With Sri Lanka aiming for a golden double of one million tourists and one million US dollars in revenue from tourism, and the country targeting nearly two billion US

dollars in foreign direct investments and many developments taking place in Hambantota, a second airport was a crying need for almost a decade. Several new airlines too want to include Sri Lanka in their radar while the existing operators want to add capacity; hence, a second airport was a long-felt need.

Though a second airport was discussed for many years, lack of finances and proper planning was a gray area. Finally, President Mahinda Rajapaksa secured a loan of US$ 190 million from the Chinese government to get the project off the ground.

Realising the importance of this project and its financial viability, Airport and Aviation Services of Sri Lanka, motivated by its Chairman Prasanna Wickramasuriya, also invested US$ 19 million for the project to get off the ground.

The construction of Sri Lanka’s second international airport at Mattala is right on track and would be ready by the end of this year. Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne is also keen that this project is completed on schedule and is monitoring the progress and wooing investors and airlines.

The biggest advantage this airport has is sea and air cargo transshipment with the Hambantota Port a few kilometres away. The proposed International Container Terminal with all modern facilities is another advantage to develop Hambantota as a cargo hub, opening many opportunities to investors.

Investment opportunities also exist in direct aviation related ventures such as aircraft MROs, aircraft painting, and flying schools as well as in related trades such as hospitality, tourism, freight forwarding and courier services.

The Mattala airport will also stress on having 60 percent of flights for cargo and 40 percent for passengers; these ratios will also be increased with the passage of time.

Progress of the control tower

Hence, the airport will be used as a principal cargo hub where vegetable and fruit exporters in southern Sri Lanka will get an opportunity to export their perishable produce to the Gulf with the minimum transit times. Tourists who will arrive in Mattala will also have minimum transit times to holiday destinations such as Nuwara Eliya and Arugam Bay.

Environment friendly

Chairman Wickramasuriya said the airport would be the only environment friendly airport in South Asia and the Government would be targeting “Green Status” as well. Continue reading ‘“Arugam Bay” International Airport’

More Than Just Another Surfing Destination

Published on 14/01/2012 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

More Than Just Another Surfing Destination

COOLANGATTA, Queensland/Australia (Thursday, 12 January, 2012) –
For the last 2 year ASP Australasia have been involved in the running of one of the most exotic events on the ASP calendar – The SriLankan Airlines Pro.

Beautiful Arugam Bay. Pic ASP/Will H-S

2010 saw the event play host to the world’s best male surfers vying for valuable ASP 6-Star points at the now world renowned Arugam Bay. Julian Wilson (AUS) took out the event, with his radical approach to the long reeling right handers, earning some solid prize-money and points that helped him qualify for the elite ASP World Title Race. (Click here to watch event TV Show.)

In 2011 The SriLankan Airlines Pro changed, the event was the first of it’s kind, two events in one – a 6-Star Women’s event and Men’s World Longboard Title event. Both events were treated to classic waves and unforgettable Sri Lankan hospitality. (Click here for event TV Show.)

If you’ve been wondering which location to select for your next surfing safari, make sure you check out these videos and consider making Sri Lanka’s many long right-handed point breaks your destination.

source:

http://www.aspaustralasia.com.au/2012/01/12/sri-lanka-more-than-just-another-surfing-destination/

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Arugam Bay by Duncan MacFarlane

Published on 09/01/2012 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf competition, Traveler's Reports, front page and surf. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay. Main Point in front, P'Ville & Whiskey Point shown on top, up North

Arugam Bay by Duncan MacFarlane

Trips abroad are always a tasty side-dish to the long hours on the sand that are most surf photographer’s meat-and-potatoes, but when Duncan Macfarlane got the call from 18seconds Magazine earlier this year to jump on the next plane to Sri Lanka he knew he was in for a particularly spicy assignment. Several weeks later he was back, reeking of curry, with a hard-drive full if images, a beard full roti crumbs and head full of stories about mindless right-handers.

The chef’s special on Sri Lanka’s menu-board of uncrowded points is Arugam Bay.

SPOT CHECK – Arugam Bay

Arugam Point
Arugam Point is the main wave in the area and generally the most crowded. An average wave breaks for about 100 metres, but if you find a pearler you could ride for 300 metres or more. The wind is always best in the morning before the trades come up around 10-11am. The point can handle plenty of swell up to eight-foot.

Inside point
Some 300 metres in from the Point is Inside Point. It doesn’t connect with the outside section, so don’t get too exited. On an average day this wave is a fun, gentle break for beginners learning to surf, but it’s wedgy and out of the wind.

Potuvill Point
Several hundred metre right point on sand bottom. The wave is generally about half the size of Arugam Point and is more protected from the trade winds than other places. It’s only a few kilometres away and faces roughly the same direction. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay by Duncan MacFarlane’

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The Basses. Just South of AbaY

Published on 14/12/2011 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Traveler's Reports, front page and people. 1 Comment

Sunken Treasure, Golden Pearl Island

Sri Lanka Holidays: Sunken Treasure, Golden Pearl Island and Ravana’s Swaymbhu lingum by bunpeiris

If a sheer single word could bring about the most divine joy, the word “treasure” would take the pole position to race against the most precious of all words: father, mother, son, daughter and lover. Of course, you may re-order the words, for your lover would hardly approve the sequence. Of course, you may hold the sequence at your peril but nobody would twitch a muscle nor bat an eye. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open for there’s more to swing low and final thrust of the argument is still ahead. If such is the magic of the single word, the ultimate magic could perhaps be encapsulated in a pair of words: sunken treasure.

The Great Basses Lighthouse off KirindaThe Great Basses Lighthouse off Kirinda

In the year1958, Mike Wilson discovered a hitherto unknown spectacular underwater territory that sparked interest in snorkling, scuba diving (skin diving), wreck diving and submarine photography (underwater photography) in the southern coast of Sri Lanka Holidays. The location was the Great Basses Reef, 6 miles away (as the crow flies) from Kirinda in the mainland (island of Sri Lanka). Great Basses Ridge and Little Basses Ridge run almost parallel to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The wave-swept line of submerged rocks of Great Basses is home to Great Basses Light house while the Little Bases Ridge houses Little Basses Light house. Both light houses were then run by Imperial Light House Service of Great Britain. Close to the location of Little Basses light house is Daedalus Rock the site where Her Majesty’s ship Daedalus had been wrecked upon.

In the year 1959, Arthur C. Clarke and Rodney Johnklass joined Mike Wilson on an expedition. Arthur narrates: around the lighthouse was a fantastic submarine fairyland of caves, grottoes, coral-encrusted valleys-and fish in numbers such as I have never seen anywhere else in the world. Sometimes they crowded round us so closely that we could see nothing but a solid wall of scales and had literarily to push our way through. They were inquisitive and completely unafraid. During our visit we met eagle rays, turtles, angelfish, jacks, tuna (up to three hundred pounds!), groupers, and sharks, especially the latter. Arthur C. Clarke: The Indian Ocean Treasure (1972)

The Great Basses Reef and The Little Basses ReefThe Great Basses Reef and The Little Basses Reef

In the year 1961 Mike Wilson was once again at the Great Basses Reef. Arthur C, Clarke and Rodney Johnklass missed him. But then Mike managed pretty well without them, for he was accompanied by a couple of first class divers, members of the official U.S. community. They were young fellows. Arthur C. Clarke had no idea how his buddy Mike had managed to persuade the parents of Boby Kriegal and Mark Smith. They were only fourteen and thirteen years of age respectively.

Travel to Kirinda from Colombo (175 miles)

Quote Arthur C. Clarke: Mark Smith’s (14) diary, March 12, 1961 “Arrived.” That one word covers a 175-mile drive down the beautiful, palm-fringed, southwest coast of Ceylon-surely one of the loveliest in the world-past dozens of fishing villages with their picturesque outrigger boats drawn up on the beaches. The journey goes through the ancient port of Galle-which, say some historians, may be the Tarshish of the Bible–and beyond that into a lonely landscape of still lagoons and patches of jungle. You may meet wild elephants here, but they seldom bother motorists. Unquote

The tricky rope trip from boat to the LighthouseThe tricky rope trip from boat to the Lighthouse

The seaport of Galle is home to VOC Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle is a conveniently located to make visits to Sri Lanka Holidays Wild life sanctuaries Udawalave, Ruhuna Yala as well as to Sri Lanka Holidaysancient cities of Kataragama andTissmaharama of Ruhuna, the cradle of the heroes of then Lanka and now Sri Lanka.

Boat ride from Kirinda to Light house of Imperial Light house Service at Great Basses Ridge (10 miles, as you sail)

Kirinda, a small fishing village is home to the boat house built by the imperial Light house Service of the colonial ruler, Great Britain. The boat “Pharos” leaves for the Light house Continue reading ‘The Basses. Just South of AbaY’

Arugam to get Rail- & Motorway connections

Published on 03/12/2011 in Historical sites, front page, press coverage, taxis, the bay and wild life. 2 Comments

Hambantota - Panama - Arugam Bay. - Batticaloa?

New road and rail line to connect Sri Lanka’s Southern port city to surf city in East Dec 02, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has decided to construct another expressway to connect the rising Southern port city of Hambantota to the popular surfing destination in the East coast, Arugam Bay. Hambantota district parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has revealed in the parliament Friday that the government has taken a policy decision to build a direct expressway and a rail line parallel to the road. Situated to the 310 kilometers east of Colombo, Arugam Bay is a fishing village in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. It is known as a popular surfing and tourist destination for its best surf. The government is developing the Southern port city of Hambantota as a metropolis away from the capital Colombo. The second international airport currently under construction near Hambantota is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.

Progress. Unstoppable

source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11B/Dec03_1322852510CH.php

Arugam Bay at it’s best

Published on 24/11/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

A  good, remarkable video clip.
In perfect quality, with super clear images.
Great shots with a somewhat long, detailled commentary

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Arugam’s Sun “Set”

Published on 12/11/2011 in Traveler's Reports and the bay. 1 Comment

Sun "Set" at Arugam BayFound on WorldNormads.com.

Description:
” sunset in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka; the Sun is setting while it is still giving a d…?”
Arugam Bay only sees the Sun Rise. Being located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.
But is this actually AbaY in the first place?
source:
http://journals.worldnomads.com/traveladdict/photo/31471/824864/Cambodia/sunset-in-Arugam-Bay-Sri-Lanka;-the-Sun-is-setting-while-it-is-still-giving-a-d

Oz to AbaY overland: drivingoz2uk2.com

Published on 30/10/2011 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, cabanas, front page, people and the bay. 0 Comments

….it’s been an exception here (at Arugam Bay) and we’ve been a bit more sociable and met loads of nice people from all over – Poland, Germany, Israel, UK et al Weirdly enough we…….

It was sad to leave Ella again but Andrew was chomping at the bit to get to Arugam Bay before the (surf) season was well and truly over. So after a last curd and honey we drove out past the Rawana Ella falls and eastwards towards the coast – the temperature climbing as we drove

After we hit Pottuvil a little Muslim town on the coast we drove on through the edge of the Lahugala National Park where we were really lucky to have our own ad hoc safari! First we saw a cobra -when we almost hit it when it reared up at us from the middle of the road, then we saw elephants in the wild – Continue reading ‘Oz to AbaY overland: drivingoz2uk2.com’

Daily News

Published on 26/10/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Environmental, Money Matters, Security & Safety, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants and the bay. 3 Comments

Arugam's second 'Tsunami'

….. several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week……

Illegal constructions out in coastal belt

Disna Mudalige

* More powers to CCD by new law

*Demolition costs to be recovered from offenders

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has decided to take strict action against illegal constructions in the coastal belt using the new powers vested in it under the amended Coastal Conservation Act approved by Parliament recently.

CCD Director General Anil Premaratne told the Daily News that court cases will be filed against owners of these illegal buildings and a fine not less than Rs 5,000 and not more than Rs 25,000 will be imposed on them at the first conviction.

He said that if the offenders who maintain the illegal constructions continue the same offence disregarding the court decision, the amended Act has the provisions to impose a fine not less than Rs 1,000 and not more than Rs 5,000 per day on them.

He said that unauthorized constructions in the coastal belt have resulted in accelerated coastal erosion and pollution and therefore the CCD has decided to strictly implement these laws.

Premaratne said that the unauthorized buildings which are built very close to the sea will be demolished and the expenses spent on them will be recovered from the offenders. He said that several illegal constructions in Arugam Bay were demolished last week and this process will also be carried out in other coastal areas.

He observed that the coastal stretch in the Southern Province comprises the majority of illegal constructions.

He also explained that legal action will also be sought for the illegal fillings of water bodies and sand mining. The amended Act has also made provisions to arrest an offender without a warrant for violating its laws and regulations aiming for an efficient coastal conservation and coastal resource management.

source:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/26/news26.asp

Link to  Facebook page “Save Arugam Bay”:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003041452272&ref=ts

Arugam Bay reaching out as a water sport destination

Published on 16/09/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, press coverage and surf. 0 Comments

….. Arugam Bay is becoming a global surfing destination …..

By Naushad Amit

Sri Lankans only see surfing, the fascinating sport where an individual can be seen battling huge waves on a board, on the television from time to time. But as at this year many a local know what surfing is and how the sport is being leveled.

Sarah Mason of New Zealand in action in the semi-final of the 6Star Women’s World Tour against finalist Lakey Peterson of the USA. (Pix by Amila Prabodha)

The SriLankan Airlines Pro Surfing competition held last week and the initiative in 2010 in Arugam Bay has made a huge impact in promoting the water sport in the country. But even during the period of then war surfing was evidently a great attraction for the locals in the tourist areas such as Bentota and Hikkaduwa in the southern coastal belt and in Negombo towards the northwest. Sri Lankans would have never thought that surfing will have a massive global interest, especially in Arugam Bay in the eastern coast. Arugam Bay is a place that was battered by the three-decade long ethnic war. The area was further hampered by the devastating tsunami in 2004, making the location even vulnerable.

Almost a decade ago, the tourists took the risk in visiting the location with their heavy packs which included a surfing board though locals feared to travel to Arugam Bay. These visits by the foreigners who regarded Arugam Bay as a perfect location for surfing opened doors to the youths in the area who were traditional fishermen.

A young set of youngsters, eight years back from now formed the Arugam Bay Surf Club (ABSC) scenting surfing had the potential to build up their lives. The surfers of Arugam Bay still do fishing for a living for six months and during the off period of the year which turns out as the best for surfing they engage in the water sport in different way; helping out the tourists and at the same time competing at local tournaments.

Victorious Duane Desoto being carried by his friends soon after the final duel against Taylor Jensen of the USA.

“Even during the war lot of tourists came to Arugam Bay and the people of the area were engaged with tourism throughout the year. Today tourism is the main income source for people in Arugam Bay Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay reaching out as a water sport destination’

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Arugam Bay should retain its charm and character

Published on 08/09/2011 in From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

By Harischandra Gunaratna
Michelle Mitchelle and Natalie Loos Moutou, two sisters of Sri Lankan origin living in Sydney,Australia were on holiday in Arugam Bay and they were mesmerised with its bounden beauty, the sandy beaches and calm waters.

Sri Lankan emmigrants returned to base

But they had a word of caution “Arugam Bay should retain its tranquility and rustic charm and the authorities should not allow unnecessary development such as high rise buildings and overcrowd the area. Such action would ruin the pristine beauty for which Arugam Bay is known internationally.”

Michelle and Natalie are the daughters of Claudette and Patrick Loos, a Sri Lanka couple who migrated Down Under in the 70s and made Sydney their home.

Michelle and Natalie (from Down Under)

Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay should retain its charm and character’

Arugam Bay. “The Health Resort”

Published on 08/09/2011 in Historical sites, Traveler's Reports, front page and stop over Ideas. 0 Comments

The Automobile Association Handbook (1935 !) advises:


AAC's Travelers guide to Ceylon. 76 Years ago.


“Arugam Bay: EP (=’Eastern Province’) . 68 miles from Batticaloa on the east coast road. This is a health resort for residents in the malarious inland areas, (such as the Moneragala planting district), with its fine sea front and facilities for sea-bathing; while there is good sport to be had in the vicinity.”

. I dedicate this article to the memory of my maternal grandfather Arumugam Thiyagarajah (1910-1982)

Rest Houses and Shooting Tips (circa 1935)

Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay. “The Health Resort”’

Surfs Up

Published on 01/09/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, parties, people, press coverage, surf and the bay. 11 Comments

(Surf is up)

The ’Sri Lankan Pro’-surfing contest commenced in the Arugambay coastal belt today.  This is the largest Beach Pageant held in the Indian Ocean Region.

Arugam Bay. Is popular with Lady Surfers

More than 100 foreigners are set to take part in the contest.
Surfers from several countries will participate  in the ‘Sri Lankan Pro’ contest which will be held until next Sunday.
A large number of locals too have gathered for the function with several other attractions in the area.

Among them are the Magul Maha Viharaya, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Kudumbigala Forest Sanctuary, Bird Sanctuary and Crocodile Rock.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/10421-surfs-up.html

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Arugam Bay and the Arugam Bay Surf Club

Published on 31/07/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Surf Federation News, Traveler's Reports, front page, guesthouse, people, restaurants and surf. 2 Comments

…..” Then he told me about a strange building above the bay called ‘the castle’:
‘It’s thirty years old – very old.
It was made by an English guy called Richard” …..

Arugam Bay and the surf point

Arugam Bay has been known as a top surfing area for many years now. During the season, from about May to November, it is easily the most popular destination for foreign visitors to the east coast. It’s a working fishing beach and there is quite a lot of rubbish on the sands, compared with the southern beaches, and is perhaps not the best place to come just for a beach holiday: most foreigners I met were there for the surfing. Many locals want to clean up the beach, however – see below – so this may change. For now it’s still very pretty, and quiet, if you want a place to gather your thoughts, and you can visit nearby mangroves on Pottuvil lagoon, or go to Kudimbigala Forest Hermitage to see Buddhist shrines. The Lahugala-Kitulana National Park is 16km inland from Pottuvil and large herds of elephants move there during the dry season (July and August).

Fishermen on Arugam Bay

The road from Arugam Bay is now completely open so you can travel south to Okanda and visit Yala East National Park. This park was Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay and the Arugam Bay Surf Club’

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Close to Home in … Arugam Bay

Published on 29/07/2011 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

Close to Home in … Arugam Bay

…We were lucky enough to pair up with the Arugam Bay Surf Club to have them show us a few waves around the region and on our first surf one of the local surfers busted out his beloved Rusty Surfboard!……

Text and Photography: Brody


3 hours drive to Los Angeles. 17 hours from LA to Bangkok. 16 hour layover in Bangkok. 4 hours to Columbo, Sri Lanka. 10 hours drive across the country- seas of three wheeled moto-taxis (called tuk-tuks), cars, tractors pulling cartloads of people, herds of buffalo, and families on bicycles- all merging semi-seamlessly with a symphony of horn beeps and blares. Finally we had arrived, in what felt like the furthest I could possibly be from home.

For a few hours Sri Lanka seemed like another world. Different tastes, customs, rituals, and new waves to explore. We were lucky enough to pair up with the Arugam Bay Surf Club to have them show us a few waves around the region and on our first surf one of the local surfers busted out his beloved Rusty Surfboard! After all of that travel to get so far from home, our Rusty Surfboards were an instant conversation starter and the feeling of being “so far away” melted with the first exchange of waves. Continue reading ‘Close to Home in … Arugam Bay’

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