Archive for the 'Money Matters' Category

Hippie festival at Arugam Bay

For the first time in South Asia, a Hippie festival organised by USA based and Sri Lankan owned AJ Events & Productions and Ceylon Creative Studios will be held in Arugam Bay next year.



Keith Bates

The Founding Director Global Operations AJ Events & Productions and Ceylon Creative Studios NYC, USA, Keith Bates said that such an event would generate a huge amount of publicity among the global Hippie community drawing them to Sri Lanka in large numbers.

He said that Hippies are generally considered low spenders but by hosting this event they can get them in large numbers to come to one venue in Arugam Bay. “We hope to bring in international artists that attract their community and host a series of other entertainment events thereby attracting around 3,000 to Arugam Bay for a period of at least one week.”

“Together with my partners, Georgio Malouf, shani Santiago, Oshi Perera and Reshan Hangiligedara we hope to hosts a three-day music festival similar to ‘The Woodstock Music Festival’ held in Bethel, New York, which was attended by around 5,000 young people living the hippie lifestyle,” he said.

He also said that events of this nature also bring in global bands that move with the Hippie festival.

“We expect this ‘Hippie festival in Arugam Bay’ to generate around USD 15 million plus revenue to Sri Lanka and hope to make it an annual event.

Bates said he also met the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism Convention Bureau who were very supportive towards this event as this MICE segment was not promoted before.

“Next week we will meet the Arugam Bay Hoteliers and other decision makers and logistical providers to obtain their support and open up to make this event a win-win for them as well,” he said.

Bates said that they have also hosted many international events in Sri Lanka including the Commonwealth Law Ministers Summit. “We are also planning to host an international Surfing Championship in Arugam Bay next year.” –

Source:
https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2023/07/30/business/hippie-festival-arugam-bay

Sponsor a Beach Clean Up!

Sponsor a beach Clean Up

Waste Less AbaY

Weekly Int. DJ Competitions @ AbaY

AGAIN!
Regular Event/weekly:
Friday, 14th August 2020 –
At the Old Siam View Hotel, Arugam Bay

Awesome DJ Event at the Old Siam View

Demonstrate Your Music Styles and Skills.
On the Best Sound Systems and most modern Decks
Best DJ will be Judged by a panel and Rewarded.

FREE to attend – as always.
Plus:
Awesome Bar Deals – and Food Stalls, too
Hopper Stand
Hang Loose Pizza
Authentic Thai Food
Authentic Pakistani Biryani
Perera’s Local Delicacies!

New & Updated Social Media Links

The East Coast is moving into
“High Season”
(April to November):
There are a some very useful Groups on Social Media.
Below are a few links:

AbaY Tourist Self Help Group
Arugam Surf on Facebook
Living in the AbaY area
Siam View Projects
Siam View Hotel
Old Arugam (Historical page)
Surf Point Luxury Apartments (& perfect Retirement Homes)
AbaY Restaurants and Delivery Services

And, finally, also an online Petition.
To resist a huge land fraud attempt in the Bay.
Please support us! We are very concerned:

AbaY Anti- Land Fraud Conspiracy Petition

Thank you All!
And we hope to see you in the glorious, ultra safe Bay of Arugam Soon!

**********************************************************************************

FREE Visa to Visit Sri Lanka!

Good News!

With immediate effect mostNations now qualify to be issued with a completely FREE Tourist Visa. On arrival. Or via the link below:
http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
Please note that the link above is the ONLY proper, official web site.
Do NOT fall for scam and other pages, who offer the same at much higher costs.

This will give you a troubled free, 30 day visa to enjoy tropical, sage and secure Sri Lanka.
Once you are here, and LOVE it: This can be extended for 2 more months, and even up to 6 months (moderate charges apply depending on Nationality)>
Further information and list of included Nations below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Sri_Lanka(0)

Nate Berkus Remembers … Arugam Bay

Nate Berkus Remembers Late Partner Who Died in Asian Tsunami on his Birthday

The interior designer and TV host is upholding the legacy of the late photographer, who died tragically in 2004

Nate Berkus is paying tribute to his late partner to mark what would have been his 54th birthday.

The celebrity interior designer and Oprah protege lost his longtime love, Argentinian photographer Fernando Bengoechea, in the 2004 Asia tsunami. The couple were on vacation in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, when the natural disaster occurred and were swept out of their accommodation, a beachfront hut, by the force of the wave, Berkus told Oprah in 2005. They managed to stay together through the rushing water, but were eventually separated. When the waves receded, Bengoechea was reported as missing and was never found.

His family released a statement soon after saying, “Based on all of the information we have gathered and the search team’s extraordinary efforts, we still have not heard any word of Fernando. Therefore, it is with great sadness, we are forced to presume Fernando died in the tsunami.”

RELATED: Meet Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s Baby Boy, Oskar! Why He’s Named After Berkus’ Late Partner

 

“It’s been almost 15 years since the tsunami, when we lost Fernando. Every day I think of him, but especially today on his birthday,” Berkus wrote on Instagram.

“Fernando’s brother Marcelo keeps his art alive by hand weaving photographs using the same technique and museum quality materials,” he continued. And while Marcelo’s project is ongoing, Berkus notes, “this month, @fernando_bengoechea_photo is donating 10% of proceeds from the sale of each woven photograph to the Tsunami Relief Fund via @globalgiving.”

The designer shared an old snapshot of Fernando and an image of the woven artwork made from his photography. The image of a Joshua tree is similar to one Berkus displays in his own home, and can be seen in his former Chicago apartment, published in Elle Decor in 2008, and his former New York home in Architectural Digest in 2012.

Berkus wrote candidly about his life after the tsunami in 2005, recalling that the year began with him “lying in my bed, unable to eat, unable to string a sentence together.” It wasn’t until nine-and-a-half months later that he says he found a “new normal” and wasn’t solely focussed on grief.

 

Remembering a celebration at his home, he wrote, “My best friend had organized the evening, my best friend who had flown to London to save me. Fernando’s ex-boyfriend of seven years was at the table too. They were laughing and smiling. I was laughing and smiling too. He was a stranger to me before the tsunami. Now he is my brother.”

He continued: “That night it occurred to me that I could again be ‘happy,’ that I was not defined only by loss and fear and grief, but also by love and joy and light.”

Berkus married designer Jeremiah Brent in 2014 and the couple now share two children, Poppy, 4, and Oskar Michael, 1. Oskar’s name is also a tribute to Fernando.

“[Fernando’s] middle name was Oskar,” Berkus, 47, told PEOPLE exclusively of the poignant inspiration in April 2018 — and what’s more surprising, the tribute “was actually Jeremiah’s idea.”

“We have always honored Fernando’s memory in our relationship. He’s a part of our love story,” explains Brent, 34. “It’s such an important chapter in Nate’s life. So the idea that we can honor his memory in a beautiful way was exciting to us.”

Fernando Bangoechea’s woven photographs are available on fernandobengoechea.com

Source: https://people.com/home/nate-berkus-remembers-late-partner-who-died-in-asia-tsunami-on-his-birthday/

Related links: https://www.arugam.info/2008/10/10/nate-berkus-life-changed-in-arugam-bay/

We need YOUR help !

Arugam Bay is truly a beautiful place on Earth.
We like to keep it that way.
And also weed out frauds and land thefts.
Please sign our new Petition!

Just a click or two below will assist us !

Don’t Change The Old Siam View

ALL Rs./ 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 & 500 Notes declared invalid !


As from midnight tonight, 31st March 2017

Qatar News 31/03/2017

President Sillysena has declared that all large notes in circulation will cease to be legal tender as from midnight, tonight (31st March, 2017)

This follows the overwhelming success of a similar masterstroke by his Indian Counterpart, Prime Minister MOGLI in November last year.
With one single directive, all black cash was eliminated and the banks recorded record deposits ever since. Being hard pushed to raise funds to repay foreign loans, the GOSL had to act swiftly.

The Victory Rs./ 1,000 note

Parliament was not privy to this bombshell announcement. Ministers and Members of Parliament were only told, in strict confidence, to A?quickly dispose of their hordings of A?the controversial Rs./ 1,000 “Victory” A?note. This was issued by a former Government.
Many believe that a huge warehouse full of such notes still exists.
Largest legal tender note as from today:
This is enough to buy 2 Cigarettes.

 

Statement from Temple Trees:

“I have reached today’s decision to demonetize Rs./500 up to the Rs./5000 currency notes in circulation in the economy as bold and revolutionary, and one that will have tectonic impact on the ubiquitous parallel economy in the country. The move will significantly strengthen the government’sA?systematic effortsA?(including special investigation team on black money, amending DTAA with India, Mauritius and Cyprus, amending the Benami Transactions Act, and the more recent Income Declaration Scheme) over the last two years to curb black money in the economy”

A?USAIDs Press release:

“In a single master stroke, the government of Sri Lanka has tackled all three malaises plaguing the economya??a parallel economy, counterfeit currency and terror financing”

 

Statement by Central Bank warden Mr. India Rancit Coma- Rastaswammy:

“I am honoured that the Government has followed my advice”

With our latest move, it is reasonably clear that the economy stands to benefit on several fronts:

 

1. Boost deposit base and savings

Global agencies have pegged the size of the parallel economy with the US $ at close to 23% as of 2007. Basis this, we estimate unaccounted cash in the economy to the tune of Rs./4500 billion, of which a certain significant proportion will make its way to the banks, thus boosting deposit base as well as financial savings:

  • The banks’ deposit base is expected to receive a fillip of 0.5-1.4% of GDP.
  • In turn, financing savings can be expected to rise by close to this proportion due to switch from savings from unproductive physical assets to financial assets.

2. Improve monetary transmission and reduce lending rates

  • A rise in deposit base will allow banks to lower the blended cost of funds as higher CASA (current accounts, savings accounts) deposits help to replace the high cost of borrowing and lower overall cost of funds. We expect banks to reduce deposit rates by ~125 bps over the next six months.
  • The new regime of MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate )will immediately take into account the lower cost and will thereby lead to a decline in lending rates, which will boost economic activity in the medium term.

3. Create room for further monetary accommodation

Continue reading ‘ALL Rs./ 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 & 500 Notes declared invalid !’

“Axit” Poll June 23rd, 2016 !

Break News
1/4/2016
Arugam Bay will vote for Independence from Sri Lanka
The AbaY EXIT (“Axit”) Vote
Will be held on the same day as the UK Exit (“Brexit”) poll
A?A decisive AbaY / Ceylon Referendum has been announced for the 23rd June.
Unless the GoSL grants the promised SAR status to the Bay of Arugam.

President Srisena was regarded – just over one year ago- as a new strong leader.
A new, fresh breeze swept the island. It was widely reported that the new, more progressiveA? Government would be looking into the creation of an innovativeA? SAR (Self-Admin. Region) region within Sri Lanka. (arugam.info reported)

The remote enclave Bay of Arugam was earmarked to be a perfect Government designated Tourist Resort to implement and tryA? such forward thinking policies.
Sadly, NOTHING has happened since.
Apart from more and more power cuts than ever. As a result, AbaY relies again on it’s own generators, and residents wish to break all commercial ties with distant Colombo.

 

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

The only access into the Arugam Bay enclave

Disillusioned, frustrated and following the British/Scotland vote, the recent New Zealand Flag issue as well as the pending UKA? / EU “BREXIT” referendum Arugam Bay Residents have got totally fed up waiting Continue reading ‘“Axit” Poll June 23rd, 2016 !’(10)

Taxi. Transfers. Feedback

Still as Good and Reliable as ever

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For a small sample of what our satisfied travelers had to say:
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Surf Competition in July

Red Bull Ride my Wave Competition

Benzac ac over the counter Arugam Bay gets ready for Red Bull Ride My Wave
Details and online Entry Form

On 23rd July, Red Bull Ride My Wave returns to the Sri Lankaa??s surf capital, Arugam Bay Casodex 50 mg price .

Red Bull Surf Competition at Arugam Bay

Red Bull Surf Competition at Arugam Bay

Competing surfers will take on the waves in a head to head competition to be crowned champion of Red Bull Ride My Wave 2015.

Driven by the popularity of the 2014 event, this yeara??s edition of Red Bull Ride My Wave will see domestic and international surfers compete over three days on the islanda??s eastern coastline.

Red Bull Ride My Wave will be hosted by officials from the Association of Surfing Professionals, who will run the event as per international surfing rules and regulations, including three days of heats before culminating in the Finals on July 25th

The islanders will play with home advantage, but will no doubt face stiff competition from the international surfers. The combination of home grown and international talent promises to promote Sri Lanka as one of the best surfing destinations.

Red Bull has been actively involved in surfing events for several years, hosting competitions on every continent around the world. Surfing in Sri Lanka has seen a considerable movement from being a healthy pastime and tourism tool to one of professional sport. This has been driven by both passionate surfers within the country and Red Bulla??s very own series of surfing projects. In 2013, Red Bull Sri Lanka held the Local Hero Tour with Peruvian Pro Surfer, Gabriel VillarA?n, who ran workshops and judged an intense competition where 30 young Sri Lankans showcased their talent on the beaches of Arugam Bay. The success of this event set the foundation for an international surfing stage in Sri Lanka, activating the inaugural Red Bull Ride My Wave last year. The competition pitted the sporta??s greatest local surfers from the Eastern and Southern waters against each other in a quest to determine which region was home to the islanda??s best surfers. Hosted by Costa Rican Pro Surfer, Diego Naranjo, the East Coast team emerged victorious and went on to represent Sri Lanka at Red Bull Both Ways in the Maldives, where they placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

To register for Online episodes adalat sony tv Red Bull Ride My Wave 2015, sign up before July 19th 2015 at

www.redbull.com/ridemywave.

Red Bull  Background Info.

Red Bull
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PM makes revelations about a “mansion” in Arugam Bay

…….“Sri lankaa??s best beach is in Arugam Bay” ……
Addressing a public meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed facts about a mansion that was being built in Arugam Bay.

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Google Earth View of the Peanut Farm Hotel project, Panama - AbaY

Tamoxifen price in us Google Earth View of the Peanut Farm Hotel project, Panama – AbaY

The meeting was held in the Uluwitige area in Galle.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe speaking at the meeting expressed these views,

a??Recently I located a palace. It is bigger than the Buckingham palace. This was found in Arugam Bay. This palace also has a name. It is called the International Coordinating Headquarters. What we have found here are chalets, in other words holiday bungalows. There were 57 chalets. They were VIP chalets with pools. There are three pools. This is in the sea and it is 100 feet long. Sri lankaa??s best beach is in Arugam Bay. There are pools here. What is the purpose of this. Can international coordination be done from Arugam Bay Canon imageprograf ipf755 prices ? For whom are these built? Now we have put a halt to it. They have already built 15. Only walls have been put up and we have stopped further work. The Parliament has not given approval for this. Money from the Presidential Secretariat has been given for this. All financial regulations have been violated. Who paid for these? When these expenses were stopped, we could lower the fuel prices.a??

Minister of Mass media and Parliamentary affairs Gayantha Karunathilake too expressed views at the meeting.

a??They filled their pockets with commissions from road construction. This government will initiate a new beginning where everything will be done in a transparent way. All this would be done within the one hundred day programme.a??

http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/02/pm-makes-revelations-mansion-arugam-bay/78216

Lessons Learned?

Arugam Bay. Pushed from pillar to post And largely left on it’s own. 10 years ago.

All beach front dwellings were destroyed. Waves up to 17 meter high

All beach front dwellings were destroyed. Waves up to 17 meter high

Sri Lanka, the tsunami and the evolution of disaster response COLOMBO, 24 December 2014 (IRIN) – On the morning of 26 December 2004, Mohideen Ajeemal, a fish distributor from Sainathimaruthu, a village on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, hurriedly climbed a coconut tree to escape rapidly rising seawater. As he did so he saw his young daughter and son struggling to save themselves. “I found both bodies later that afternoon. My son’s body was swept away about a mile, my daughter’s had got stuck in a fence,” he

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said. A decade later, the 45-year-old said he finally feels safer next to the sea. “Now I check the weather regularly, I have SMS alerts on my phone that warn me of possible dangers,” he said. On 15 November 2014 when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake was reported 150km northeast of the Indonesian island of Maluku, an SMS alerted Ajeemal that there was no danger to Sri Lanka. Continue reading ‘Lessons Learned?’

“Tourist” Police shuts down Info pages


“Tourist” Police action shuts down AbaY’s Info pages

This week the so-called “Tourist” Police raided the premises of arugam.info‘s only sponsor.
The resulting fine – for a small technicality, held up by the local in-famous Buy cabgolin tab ‘Red Tape’ came to about 1 year’s salary.
That alone took everyone by surprise.
With no funding we can no longer continue to support this as well as all of our other Tourist Promotion initiatives.
Sorry!

Arugam’ “Tourist” Police Station


This Community and Tourist promotion web site
Plus all our other, associated A?Info & promo pages, worldwide
are strictly non-commercial.
They are paid for and maintained by a private initiative only
As bad luck has it, all annual hosting fees are due now.
Our sponsors are forced to pay a huge fine (Rs./ 100,000) or $780

That means that any further support for Tourism will come to a halt, due to cash flow problems. This usually pretty minor case was caused by weird police action over the sale of a few bottles of local BEER.

All other “Tourist” Resorts in Sri Lanka do NOT face similar drastic action and totally over the top penalties. Why Arugam Bay?
Sorry for the inconvenience.

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Invest? In Asia’s No.1 Resort of the Future?

There is NO doubt that many investment opportunities exists on Sri Lanka’s under developed East Coast.
We are certain, that this area has our island’s greatest potential.
And everyone will do well here, specially at ARUGAM BAY
We are often asked to assist in finding investors.

Our mission is to support some small business in the Bay.
(But we are also concerned about investor’s safety & security)
Here is – without our own comment – the most recent and also rather professional one:
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Investment offer.

Quibron-t price

Please be advised that arugam.info (and all of our associated sites and pages) do not check, endorse or recommend any of the published A?ofers or any financial transactions.
This is a matter purely between you and the advertisers!

For confidential, impartial & non commercially minded advice contact:
arugamsurf@gmail.com

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AbaY’s first ATM

Good News!

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“Seylan” Bank beats all others. To be AbaY’s 1st

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Arugam Bay has today become a proper Tourist Resort!
This ATM is located at the #31 Pacific Hotel
(formerly “Royal Garden”)

*********************************************************

However, here is a piece of history:
10 years ago, 2003
A forward thinking local manager of the
Bank of Ceylon
Established Arugam Bay’s FIRST ever BANK:

This was Arugam Bay’s 1st and only Bank

This was situated under the Siam View Hotel
And washed away end 2004
Never to be re-opened
Below is the story about this bank:
https://www.arugam.info/?p=702