Archive for the 'Culture' Category

Travel industry poised for a spirited upsurge

Published on 29/07/2010 in Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Money Matters, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants, services and wild life. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Daily News. by Philip Fernando

…… Places like Kalpitiya, Pasikudah, Kuchchaweli, and Arugam Bay-the surfing haven, Yala, Wilpattu, Koneswaran temple in Trincomalee or Unawatuna beach-just to name a few- are entering the tourist lexicon like Banda Aceh or Pattaya Beach…..

Underpinning the tourist revival is the fact that Sri Lanka is emerging a popular destination for many seeking to fill their leisure amidst the country’s idyllic setting. The laid-back and the debonair are being increasingly lured to our shores as an assured place for respite or revelry.

Golden beaches and tropical climate, main tourist attractions. File photo

More importantly, the country’s stunning diversity embodying cultural sites, historical treasures, the sun-drenched beaches and trendy urbane hotels promises it to be a captivating destination.

It is also a fact that professionalism inherently linked to tourism, the new tier in social networking had been well-articulated by Sri Lankans practising this trade. Its vexing demands are met quite competently by thousands who are in it for good.

Sri Lankans seemed quite adept at it now. The long drought brought on by the terror war did not dim their hopes. Continue reading ‘Travel industry poised for a spirited upsurge’

Walking that walk

Published on 20/07/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Religious, front page, people, press coverage, stop over Ideas, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Arugambay:

In July, every year, pilgrims walk tru Arugam Bay on their way to Kataragama

With the end of the war, bigger crowds have joined the annual Pada Yatra, says Patrick Harrigan

Many pilgrims walk through the Surfer's resort of Arugam Bay

Earnest devotees of Kataragama by the thousands—hailing from all communities but especially Tamil Hindus—are now undertaking the annual Pâda Yâtrâ or foot pilgrimage through Yala National Park to Kataragama for this month’s Esala festival that started on July 12.

Just passing out of Arugam Bay

With decades of fear and uncertainty swept away, this year more devotees are walking than at any time in living memory, possibly even more than in 2004 when Wildlife Department officials counted over 30,000 pilgrims entering Yala East National Park on the final 70-kilometre stretch from Okanda to Kataragama.

A totally unspoiled Countryside lies ahead. Arugam Bay to Kataragama

The first waves of pilgrims all up and down the east coast have already arrived to Okanda Murugan Kovil in Yala East where tens of thousands are pausing to rest and worship before entering Yala Strict Natural Reserve on the long jungle trek to Kataragama.

The Kataragama Pâda Yâtrâ traditionally starts from points in the Jaffna peninsula like Nallur and Selva Sannidhi Murugan kovils, from where the pilgrimage may take up to two months to reach Kataragama. This year for the first time since 2005, a few souls are walking the full distance, joined along the way by a few more from Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Trincomalee districts. Continue reading ‘Walking that walk’

Beach Bar Quotes Arugam Bay

Published on 17/07/2010 in Arugam Surf Club, Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, Literature, accomodation, bars, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, restaurants and the bay. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Quotes from an Arugam Bay Beach Bar

“We are perceivers. The world that we perceive, though, is an illusion.”

“Cast aside all clinging and the essence will at once emerge.”

A menu with a difference @ The SVH, Arugam Bay

“Even if only in your imagination, it is still good to escape the sadness of everyday life and spend some time in another world.”

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world. One should see as a new butterfly.”

Shalita, New Mexico

source:
http://rainehailorshine.blogspot.com/2010/07/beach-bar-quotes-arugam-bay.html

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Hideaway in Arugam Bay, Lahugala, 1st Century Monastery south of Panama

Published on 04/07/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Literature, accomodation, books, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, restaurants and wild life. 0 Comments

(extract quotes) ……Hideaway in Arugam Bay for the best rice and curry I have had in a very long time – very fresh, very hot.

K: Kudumbigala monastery near Arugam Bay/Panama-a fantastic setting for a 1st century BC site

Lahugala in April with millions of butterflies…..

Together on and off stage
By Smriti Daniel
Ranmali and Kumar have known each other since they were 16 – they first met on the set of Richard de Zoysa’s and Rajiva Wijesinha’s dual productions of ‘Romeo & Juliet’.They shared the stage again for several plays, including Steve de la Zilwa’s ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’. “I suppose you can say we ‘met’ on stage and the drama continues!” says Ranmali, of their 18-year marriage.

Unfortunately, acting hasn’t been a priority of late. As Manager Programme Delivery, Ranmali is responsible for all the arts related programmes the British Council delivers in Sri Lanka. An integral part of the team that created www.writeclique.com, she is also working on several new projects that will nurture and showcase young Sri Lankan artistes. Continue reading ‘Hideaway in Arugam Bay, Lahugala, 1st Century Monastery south of Panama’

2010: The STF adds to the Natural Beauty of Arugam Bay

Published on 31/05/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Historical sites, Security & Safety, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

This year, 2010, the security forces had more time for truly peaceful and also very beautiful activities.
At nearby Arugam Bay camp, just across the bridge to PottuVille, the Armed Forces staged  a lovely competition between the various local camps:
Who’s Vesak lights display was to be the best, most elaborate one?

Best Vesak display at Arugam Bay camp

Here you see a very large one with imaginative motion action and intricate, beautiful small details added to the colourful display.
(STF = Special Task Force. An elite branch of the Sri Lanka Police)
A video clip showing full movements can bee seen on our Facebook site “Arugam Surf” as it was too large a file to upload here.
(See and click on the direct link below, bottom of this front page)
Below are sample photo impressions of most other displays, submitted by  various camps around Arugam Bay:

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Arugam Bay on a surf & a Prayer

Published on 30/05/2010 in Culture, From our own Correspondent, Kitesurf, Religious, Surf competition, front page, people, surf and the bay. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Aruagmbay Surf (and non surf-) times for  Muslim Surfers

Muslim lady surfer

The official  schedule of  Prayer times is appended below.
Valid for the competition month of June,  2010.
(Abay & PottuVille) Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay on a surf & a Prayer’

“Best Pub in Sri Lanka” Award goes to Arugam Bay

Published on 23/05/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Traveler's Reports, bars, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, restaurants, services, shops and weddings. 0 Comments

The Siam View Hotel (SVH) as been voted to be The Best Pub / Bar in Sri Lanka
By the Daily Telegraph, London, UK

Best Pub / Bar Award

The Siam View Hotel is now not only classed as the best Pub / Bar in Sri Lanka, but is now in with a chance of becoming the Best in the World.

continue to read the background of this nomination… Continue reading ‘“Best Pub in Sri Lanka” Award goes to Arugam Bay’

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Wordcup 2010

Published on 26/04/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, hotels, parties, people, press coverage and presse-deutsch. 0 Comments

Advance notice to all Football lovers:
arugam.info is pleased to inform you that ALL games will be shown LIVE on at least two BIG screens at Arugam Bay this summer.
Surround sound, good vibes, open air cinema, BBQ and all the trimmings.

More details will follow soon.

Be here.
With us in the famous Bay!

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How the world knew Arugam Bay.

Published on 13/03/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Historical sites, Kitesurf, Literature, Money Matters, Security & Safety, Traveler's Reports, front page, parties, people, press coverage, services, surf, the bay and wild life. 2 Comments

– Majority of the world, especially the West got to know about Arugam Bay, only after the 2004 tsunami.

Arugam Bay 'City' Centre and view to Main Surf Point

There was a moving episode on America’s most-popular talk show, the Oprah Winfrey Show where a tsunami survivor Nate Berkus was interviewed. The Chicago-based interior designer Nate Berkus related his story on television about his vacation going awry. He was relaxing at a beach cottage in Arugam Bay with his partner photographer Fernando Bengoechea, when the deadly tsunami struck. Even though Nate was spared, unfortunately, Fernando’s life wasn’t. Continue reading ‘How the world knew Arugam Bay.’

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Alcoholics in Arugam Bay

Published on 08/03/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Traveler's Reports, bars, front page and people. 0 Comments

A touch of class

spotted on Earthcape. Text shown:  near Wattegama, Sri Lanka by User_382562

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Wake up to Arugam Bay sun

Published on 28/02/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, Traveler's Reports, people and the bay. 1 Comment

Sun Rise at Arugam Bay

This picture was taken last year and it was in my gallery for sometime. Yet, I am posting it here. As my friend, Fred always says, there is no better place to enjoy the splendor of Indian Ocean than Arugam Bay, one of the best surfing spots in the world!

We camped on the beach and were up from 4.30am to see the amazing sight of sunrise. As soon as I woke up, I took above picture from the tent. By that time, my friends were already busy taking pictures!

http://kirigalpoththa.blogspot.com/2010/02/wake-up-to-arugam-bay-sun.html

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Arugambay: Like a Southern beach in its Early day

Published on 17/02/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Traveler's Reports, front page and people. 0 Comments

Muhudu Maha Viharaya – PottuVille/ Arugambay

From Arugam bay to the pristine beaches of Panama
Sleepy lagoons, sand dunes

It took almost eleven hours from Colombo to Pottuvil on the narrow and winding A4 road along the south east coastline of Sri Lanka.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya - Arugambay/PottuVille

There were four of us; my husband and two of our friends. So far it had been a eventful day. We had watched the antics of a herd of elephants at the Lahugala sanctuary and had stopped to wonder at the historic ruins of the Magul Maha Vihara complex.

As we were approaching Pottuvil, the narrow road cut through acres of luxuriously green paddy fields. A milk white dagoba stood out over the fields framed by coconut and palmyrah trees. At the point at which we turned south towards Arugam bay was a small Catholic church dedicated to St. Anthony.

Our destination was Arugam Bay, a further 2.5kms south of Pottuvil.

Around Arugam Bay & PottoVille

We crossed the bridge over the wide lagoon of Arugam Kalapu. The roadside was dotted with hotels, guest houses, restaurants and may have resembled the southern beach line in its early days before tourism became an industry at the cost of the environment and the village culture.

Arugam bay is known as one of the best surf points in the world, popular for its challenging breaker laden waves. It may be one of the only unspoilt beaches in Sri Lanka.

Arugam bay consists of three small villages where fishing and farming are the main occupations. Ullae is a fishing village situated at the corner of the bay Continue reading ‘Arugambay: Like a Southern beach in its Early day’

6° 50′ 60 n of Panama: And on a Parallel with Arugam

Published on 07/02/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Environmental, Ideas, front page, people and press coverage. 0 Comments

We’ve found it! Here it is!

Found it! The M.P. "Holy Grail"

A Green and Happy place on Earth.
A true, unspoiled ecological sanctuary.
Just North of famous PANAMA!

A place where Green issues still count
A place with zero Carbon emissions
A place of unique Biological diversity
A place for tolerance of social divisions
A place with strong social networks of friends, families and neighbours

“A place where people say they have a simpler, less materialistic life, more in tune with nature.”

Could this paradise be Arugam Bay?
Too good to be true….
Because this place also is:

  1. A place where Money  is poured into books and education. Not Bullets
  2. A place with Fair and peaceful Presidential Elections
  3. A place with no Army at all. Ever since 1949
  4. And, perhaps best of all:  A forgiving place where….
  5. ….A popular piece of philosophy… says:
  6. “No argument or quarrel should last more than three days”

Here the 6th Parallel seems to end ;-(
What is the BBC talking about, if not Sri Lanka and the peaceful East?

Here is the answer, and perhaps also a model for all of us: Continue reading ’6° 50′ 60 n of Panama: And on a Parallel with Arugam’

Panama. 15km South of Arugambay

Published on 14/01/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Religious, Traveler's Reports, front page and wild life. 2 Comments

Pattini Devale, Panama

After the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, I made several trips to Pottuvil on the East Coast of Sri Lanka with loads of supplies for the displaced people. On one such trip, in early April, I continued south to the village of Panama (pronounced paa-nuh-muh).
Over 200 years ago, on the 13th of September 1800, an Englishman, William Orr, Esq (a civil servant) visited Panama on the way from Tangalle in the south to Batticaloa in the East. According to his report to the British Governor,
Paoneme contains sixty inhabitants, who cultivate seventy-three amonams of paddy ground.
The following year Thomas Anthony Reeder, surgeon of the 51st Regiment of Foot (who was to die soon after, during the 1st Kandyan War) travelled in the opposite direction. According to his journal,
Panoa is situate on a plain surrounded by jungle. Here are some cultivated fields, and several large stocks of paddee.
A year later, the British Governor himself, the Hon. Frederick North (later 5th Earl of Guilford), followed the southward route. He was accompanied by the Inspector of Hospitals in Ceylon, Thomas Christie, Esq, who reported that
Panoa is a considerable village, and the country round it abounds with paddee fields.

What these descriptions – which appear in James Cordiner’s A Description of Ceylon (London, 1807; Dehiwela, Tisara Prakasakayo, 1983) – show (apart from the recognised inability of the English to tackle with any accuracy the phonetics of foreign place names) is that Panama’s chief attraction was its paddy fields. The surrounding jungle was far more notable to these perfidious Albionians: Christie was highly excited by the sight, en-route to the village of
a herd of wild hogs, and an alligator, both of which allowed us to approach very near.

Rock, fields and tank at Panama

When I visited the place, however, it was in the knowledge that it possesses a Devale (temple) of the goddess Pattini. The shrine, on a rocky spot on the shore of a tank, is a Buddhist one. However, Hindu shrines of Pattini also exist, Continue reading ‘Panama. 15km South of Arugambay’

AbaY Hotel nominated for Best of British Award

Published on 07/01/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, Music, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, bars, front page, guesthouse, hotels, parties, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch and restaurants. 11 Comments

Nominated for the Best of British Award by the Daily Telegraph, London

The SVH on the Surfer’s Bay of Arugam. Established 1977 by a devout CAMRA member. The “Siam View” is still run by the same Manx expat and his family to this day. Despite the 30 war years and 2004 Tsunami this place never once closed its doors for even one single day. Home of more than a dozen all natural draft beers. Continue reading ‘AbaY Hotel nominated for Best of British Award’

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Okanda is 30km south of Arugam Bay

Published on 06/01/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Historical sites, Religious, front page, people and wild life. 0 Comments

okanda-valli-kovil

The sylvan shrine at Ukanthamalai devoted to Lord Murugan

The sylvan shrine, Ukanthamalai Shri Murugan Kovil devoted to Lord Murugan – the presiding deity at Kataragama, is a popular pilgrims’ resort in the Ampara district.

Of all the places of Hindu worship in the district, this jungle shrine, far removed from human habitation represents a manifestation of divine power and sublimity and stands unique as a much hallowed centre for penance and prayer.

Pilgrims from all parts of the country, despite their varied religions faiths and cultures wend their way to this sacred rock temple with adorations for spiritual salvation. Nearly two thousand pilgrims on Pada Yatra from the North are now at this jungle shrine. Many more thousands are expected to arrive at the shrine in the next few days.

Buddhists, Christians and Hindus seem to believe that a prayer and an offering made at this shrine brings good luck and divine intercession in times of difficulties. Therefore, a pilgrimage to Ukanthamalai Shrine is not confined to any one particular season, or to a festival. It is pooja and worship at the shrine at all days and at all times by the ever flowing stream of devotees.

The shrine is situated approximately twelve miles south of Panama, on the Kumana-Panama jungle path, within the administrative limits of Lahugala Divisional Secretariat. To the North, South and the West of the temple are the seven sacred hills the ocean to the East. Continue reading ‘Okanda is 30km south of Arugam Bay’