Archive for the 'Environmental' Category

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’s” Int. Airport opens next year

Published on 25/04/2011 in Environmental, front page, press coverage, services and taxis. 2 Comments

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

Billed to be South Asia’s only environmental friendly airport :

‘Mattala airport to be tourism, cargo hub end 2012’

Foundation stone laying ceremony for main passenger terminal today

Ravi Ladduwahetty

The $ 209 million Mattala airport, will be converted to a tourism and cargo hub for Southern Province which will be a boon to the tourism and export industries.

Areo View of the new Airport runway

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa will lay the foundation stone for the construction of the main passenger terminal building today while Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and Hambantota District Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa will also be present.

Artist Impression of the New Southern Airport

Continue reading ‘“Arugam’s” Int. Airport opens next year’

Arugam Bay, a tourism hotspot

Published on 30/03/2011 in AbTa News, Arugam Bay Surf Club, Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, Blogs, Environmental, Security & Safety, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, surf and the bay. 1 Comment

Coastal conservation and management a must:

Disna Mudalige

The southeast coast of Sri Lanka gleams with new vigour and light with the dawn of peace. This area which people dared not to go for decades due to terrorist threats is now wide open for both local and international tourists. It has become a tourism ‘hotspot’ with its wide array of tourist attractions. However, the need of a well planned coastal zone management is strongly felt with the tourism expansion in this coastal stretch.

The coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama includes bays famous for surfing and bathing, coastal waters rich with fish resources, lagoons providing ideal niches for prawns, crabs and lobsters, rich mangrove stands, wide sandy beaches for beach lovers and tall sand dunes for those who seek adventures.

The Beach at Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay

The tourist season in Arugam Bay in the Southeast coast starts in March with the favourable windy atmosphere for surfing. Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in Asia. As estimated about 100,000 tourists visit Arugam Bay during the season which extends till October. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay, a tourism hotspot’

Arugam Bay – Panama Media Tour

Published on 16/03/2011 in Blogs, Environmental, front page, people, press coverage, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Media get an opportunity to witness issues related to ecosystems with special reference to tourism development in the southeast coast of Sri Lanka

14 March 2011 | News story

media tour Photo: IUCNSL

The coastal stretch from Pottuvil to Panama on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wide array of tourist attractions. . These include bays famous for surfing and bathing, coastal waters rich with fish resources, lagoons providing ideal niches for prawns, crabs and lobsters, rich mangrove stands – a heaven for aquatic fauna and birds, wide sandy beaches for beach lovers and tall sand dunes for those who seek adventures.

Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing areas in Asia, and has been a popular destination for surfers even at times of civil disturbances.

These attractions draw a large number of local and international tourists to the area making it a tourism “hot spot” and with the dawn of peace in 2009, visitation by both local and international tourists to places of attractions has increased significantly.  The resulting unplanned development activities are expected to increase which will contribute to habitat degradation.    The area is also famous for traditional fishing. Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay – Panama Media Tour’

17 Nabbed at Lahugala. 15 Min. West of Arugam Bay

Published on 01/11/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Security & Safety, front page, people, press coverage and services. 0 Comments

By U. Wijesinghe and Saman Ratnayake

17 persons were taken into custody yesterday for allegedly clearing and cultivating land belonging to the Lahugala forest reserve, a spokesman for the Lahugala Wild Life office said.

He said that ten (10) of the suspects were residents of Akkaraipattu while the other seven were from Pottuvil.

True FREE Wild life still exists @ Lahugala

A tractor belonging to the suspects had also been taken into police custody. Residents of the area had complained that various groups had cleared a large stretch of land belonging to the Lahugala forest reserve for cultivation and they called on the government to take action to stop the destruction of the forest.

Officers of the wild life offices in Lahugala and Baduluwela were involved in the operation to arrest the suspects while the Civil Defence Force provided backup.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/news/25886.html

Arugam Bay is getting ready to drum

Published on 16/09/2010 in Blogs, Culture, Environmental, From our own Correspondent, Fun, Humour, Ideas, Music, front page, parties, people, press coverage, services and the bay. 0 Comments
http://www.10billionbeats.com/intro.html

A message of Love from Arugam Bay

http://www.10billionbeats.com/intro.html

Bing a drum, a kettle. Or your Pot! :-) And join the Global Million Beats/per hr. experiment !

This Saturday, 18:30 @ AbaY Beach Front of SVH

Background and further information:

There will be people drumming all over the globe, in homes, gardens, car parks, fields and beaches, in cities and villages alike. Join us at one of the locations below or in your own home wherever you are in Sri Lanka.
Please suggest locations convenient to you which you and your friends would like to gather at on the page so others nearby can join you. All that matters is the relevant time, tempo and good vibe.
The drumming will begin on a hilltop Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay is getting ready to drum’

Surfs up in Arugam Bay

Published on 04/07/2010 in Environmental, Kitesurf, Money Matters, Security & Safety, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, people, press coverage, services, surf and the bay. 0 Comments
By David Stephens
For several years Arugam Bay and the surrounding town of Pottuvil found their development strangled by the turbulence of a bitter civil conflict as well as the carnage of a devastating Tsunami. Now with both tragedies buried in its past, the area is gradually becoming one of the world’s premier surfing destinations.

There was ample evidence to support this claim when Arugam Bay’s strong waves played host to the Sri Lanka Airlines Pro Surf event last week. The week long tournament drew in some of the world’s best known surfers from countries as far flung as South Africa, UK, USA and Hawaii. The event organizers, The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), had previously held the competition in the Maldives but had always eyed Arugam Bay as a potential location.

“We were waiting to hold this event here for a very long time, but the war was a major obstacle. Now that it’s over, and after seeing what a success this tournament has become, we plan on bringing it to Arugam Bay annually,” ASP Australasia Tour Manager, Dane Jordan explains. Continue reading ‘Surfs up in Arugam Bay’

Arugam’s parking spaces ….

Published on 28/06/2010 in Environmental, Money Matters, front page, people, press coverage and services. 0 Comments

Empower the people and make them self reliant
by R.M.B Senanayake

……… (Extract) … Can they exercise power in the present centralized environment? Read the reports of proceedings of the Pradesiya Sabhas in the Lakbima. There was an interesting article on the Arugam Bay resort which lacks latrines, water, no covered shelters and central parking space for the thousands of tourists both local and foreign.

The Chairman of the Pottuvil Pradesiya Sabha was asked about them. He said he had applied to the central government for a piece of land to provide such facilities and would do so when he gets it. Continue reading ‘Arugam’s parking spaces ….’

Arugam Bay. A little less India

Published on 12/06/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Money Matters, Traveler's Reports, front page and services. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Xin Chao, Greetings from Hanoi, Vietnam!

….. After 5 lazy days in Arugam Bay, we headed to the south coast to a town called Unawatuna.  Unawatuna is much more developed than Arugam Bay and we learned that it received much more money after the tsunami because it is closer to Colombo and therefore a more desirable tourist destination.
Unfortunately, many hotel owners ignored the regulations requiring hotels be built further away from the beach than previously.  This means that they are in danger of being damaged by erosion and another tsunami.
Unawatunawas pretty, but the water wasn’t very swimmable and the beach much smaller. We preferred the east……

Arugam Bay

When I last wrote, we were enjoying an unexpected, spontaneous week in Europe which culminated with an amazing home cooked meal by a friend of a friend in Rome!   Continue reading ‘Arugam Bay. A little less India’

Arugam Bay after the Tsunami?

Published on 07/06/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Kitesurf, Security & Safety, Surf Federation News, Surf competition, front page, people, press coverage, surf and the bay. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , .

http://www.globalsurfers.com/Surfing/sri-lanka/arugam-bay-after-the-tsunami/msg21701/?PHPSESSID=cj640r

Hi Everybody!

I´d like to travell to Arugam Bay in August .
I know that the surf is as good as ever but I am worrying about the atmosphere in the town after the Tsunami. I am sure a lot of houses are getting rebuilt right now – so maybe it´s not a good place right now to have a relaxed hangout…!?! Has anybody of you guys been there lately?

Cheers, Marco

notified to arugam.info only today, 7th June, 2010 by:

http://www.globalsurfers.com/Surfing/sri-lanka/arugam-bay-after-the-tsunami/msg21701/?PHPSESSID=cj640r

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ARUGAM BAY SURFING INTO THE FUTURE

Published on 05/06/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Money Matters, front page, taxis and the bay. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , .

Could you tell us about the Arugam Bay Tourist Association? What is its role in promoting tourism in Arugam Bay?

Mr.M A H Rahim

Regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, Arugam Bay is increasingly attracting both local and foreign visitors to its shores. Plans are now underway to develop a quaint village, located in Pottuvil in the Ampara District to offer enhanced services and facilities to the tourists. However, M H A Raheem, Chairman of the Arugam Bay Tourist Association, believes that such plans could have drastic consequences if they fail to take into account and protect the local community and the natural assets of Arugam Bay.

By Madhushala Senaratne | Photography by Mahesh Bandara

Lengthy Interview with Mr. M H A Rahim. Read the full text:

The tourism industry was destroyed as a result of the tsunami and the community did not know what to do. Thus, we got together and formed a small team to work with the NGOs who were coming into support Arugam Bay. For example, when the USAID Mission Director came to Arugam Bay following the tsunami, they were committed to implement any major project in the area and inquired into our needs. Although many asked for funds, the Association had the foresight to request that they build roads, bridges and water schemes. Consequently, they constructed a bridge and a water tank for the area.
When we started this Association, we had only 15 members. Gradually, it has evolved into a larger umbrella organisation for tourism in Arugam Bay. Currently, we have nearly 16 societies working together, including the Farmer’s Organisation, the women development societies, Pre-School societies and the Cattle Farm Association. In turn, we are working with all the government and local authorities, Tourism Ministry and NGOs. Continue reading ‘ARUGAM BAY SURFING INTO THE FUTURE’

Cerveceria Modelo to invest in Arugam Bay

Published on 01/04/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, Literature, Money Matters, Security & Safety, front page, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, services, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Top selling Mexican beers to be produced in Eastern Sri Lanka

Corona (labeled Corona Extra) is a brand of pale lager owned and produced by Cerveceria Modelo in Mexico. It is the top-selling beer in Mexico and is one of the top selling beers worldwide.[2] Corona beer is available in over 150 countries.[3] All Corona beer is brewed and bottled in one of 7 Modelo Breweries in Mexico.
So far.

Corona Extra. The Mexican top selling beer

Outside of Mexico, Corona is to be slightly renamed and will be produced  in a new brewery to be constructed at Arugam Bay.  A world famous Surf spot and upcoming tourist resort situated in the deep South East of remote Sri Lanka.

To destinguish the new Sri Lanka Export product from the original Mexican label, and in recognition and celebration of local achievements following the end of the long ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka, the following brand name has been proposed:

Caruna Extra. Export to Asian markets only

For this purpose the Mexican global leaders have teamed up with the award winning, but widely unknown Arugam Bay Surfer’s Beer label under an agreement with the Sri Lanka Government and its Board of Investment Department.

Cerveceria Modelo’s chairman Senioria Condolenzza Gogonzola stated that the Company has welcomed branching out to new markets in the East. Corona is a traditional cult beer favored by young, active people and is popular with modern party people.  As world economies are shifting to India, China and Russia it makes no longer sense to ship containers of beer half way around the globe. Continue reading ‘Cerveceria Modelo to invest in Arugam 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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Magical KumbukRiver unveils a special package for Sri Lankans

Published on 04/03/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Security & Safety, accomodation, bars, cabanas, front page, hotels, people, press coverage, restaurants, stop over Ideas and the bay. 0 Comments

Magic stopovers on the way to Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s highest awarded resort brand KumbukRiver has just introduced a special rate package that allows more locals to spend a private holiday at its celebrated eco resort on the edge of Yala.  The resort which sells at US$ 250 per  couple for a night, now offers special rates from Rs.3500/- per person full board especially designed for locals who appreciate a holiday at one with nature’s splendor.

KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire (www.kumbukriver.com), awarded as the world’s leading eco-lodge by the coveted World Travel Awards, is a private getaway nestled on a 16-acre nature enclave in gem-rich Okkampitiya in Buttala.  The spritely Kumbukkan Oya meanders through the resort offering unparalleled privacy as the resort entertains just a single party at a time despite its vastness.  KumbukRiver borders the Yala wildlife sanctuary and features the world-famous Elephant Villa, a 40ft high, 2-story villa which adds a touch of class to eco holidaying.  The eco resort also features two other chalets and all in all presents several well-appointed bathrooms and lounges among other features which create a unique holiday for the whole family.

“The Elephant-shaped villa is our centre-piece. Continue reading ‘Magical KumbukRiver unveils a special package for Sri Lankans’

Classic Dox – Adrift in Sri Lanka On air: 5 February 2010 13:20 – 1 March 2010 13:20

Published on 01/03/2010 in Blogs, Environmental, Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, Security & Safety, Traveler's Reports, accomodation, bars, books, cabanas, front page, guesthouse, hotels, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, restaurants and services. 0 Comments

Producer Marijke van der Meer was holidaying in Sri Lanka when disaster struck in December 2004. Her personal report from one of the country’s devastated towns told of the harrowing situation there and the desperate need for aid.

Award winning (Re-) Broadcast on 1st March, 2010
In the southeastern Sri Lankan coastal town of Pottovil – a town with an ethnic mix of Singhalese and Tamils, Muslims and Buddhists – a golden statue of Buddha stares serenely over Arugam Bay. The bay was a Mecca for surfers, who stayed in guesthouses with names such as Chill Space Surf, Hideaway, Aloha and even the Tsunami Beach Hotel. The statue of Buddha is one of the few fully intact constructions in this demolished town where a thick layer of muddy dirt covers the ground.

Destruction and death

Arugam Bay after Tsunami 2004

Soldiers look on as bulldozers shove aside trees and bricks from destroyed dwellings. The bodies of some 1,000 people – killed within a few seconds of the tsunami – have been recovered. But there are many others missing and many families who have no roofs over their heads and are in so-called ‘collection centres’.

The medical situation is critical in this isolated district, where several people are saying that they feel neglected by the authorities because Continue reading ‘Classic Dox – Adrift in Sri Lanka On air: 5 February 2010 13:20 – 1 March 2010 13:20′

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Kumana National (nr. Arugambay) opens for tourists

Published on 08/02/2010 in Environmental, Historical sites, Security & Safety, Traveler's Reports, front page, people, press coverage and wild life. 5 Comments

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka’s best santuary for bird watching, was re-opened last week after a prolonged closure.

Kumana villu - natural swamp lake

The Park was closed due to LTTE terrorist problems from 1985. Located in the the country’s southern east corner, the Kumana park came to have been affected by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. It was closed for public view again from 2006 with the government launching its humanitarian operations in the country’s North and East to liberate the country from clutches of terrorism.

With the Government liberating the country last year, the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry is rapidly establishing its control in the country’s game parks. The Ministry opened Yala National Park in the last year.

In search of migratory access and grazing rights

Minister Champika Ranawaka said, they will have opened all the 20 national parks in the country by the first half of this year. He said, clearing of Continue reading ‘Kumana National (nr. Arugambay) opens for tourists’