Author Archive for Web mistress

Kumana Park – Today –

Kumana National Park.
Is also Known as 
Yala East.
It’s just South of AbaY and  totally unspoiled.
Still a true Paradise.

Today dear Mr. HANSA spotted Leopards and took a lot of photos.
Here are just three of them.

Mid November 2022

SCOTT & LILA – S. L. Music Video

Everyone in the remote Bay of Arugam
Remembers fondly this amazing Duo!
They performend nearly every night in various AbaY Establishments.
And delighted audiences specially in the 
Old Siam View Music Pub. 

Here is their new music release.
Thank you so much for your help!

Hi everyone, we would like to share a new song and music video of our duo SCOTT & LILA
 
“Told You Once” Music Video in Sri Lanka
https://youtu.be/5wX8U8I3_7Q
Simple Link:
https://ampl.ink/x6y8z
Follow those two awesome, talented Musicians Here:
https://linktr.ee/SCOTTandLILA?utm_source=qr_codeh
Hope you enjoy, and thank you all for the support
?
__________________________________________________

May Day!

Relocate to sunny Arugam Bay NOW!

The main Surf and holiday season has just begun.
And as there are indications of travel restrictions:
We strongly advise anyone to travel across NOW.
Otherwise you might remain stuck in the South, West or North.

Arugam Bay has been VERY lucky and most fortunate that not even One single C-19 case was ever confirmed.
And also our shops and restaurants remained open throughout.

Let’s keep AbaY safe & Secure – but also enjoy the unparalleled freedom this remote Enclave offers.

“ASQ” in AbaY ! – From 1st. April

2021 High Season, Arugam Bay!

Hello Yellow Again!
“Safe & Secure”


In order to revive the badly damaged tourist industry wise authorities have announced sweeping plans to assist all Tourist Board approved  enterprises.


Just in time for the East Coast Main Season, as from the 1st. April the entire Arugam Bay area has been declared to be a designated Tourist Quarantine Bubble. Also known as ASQ.


Below is a summary of the main innovations and concessions:

  1. Tourists must land at designated Mattala Rajapaksa Airport
    It’s just just 2 hours from AbaY
  2. No stops allowed on route to AbaY
    It’s just just 2 hours from AbaY
  3. The Military will re-establish the Old Bridge Control Point
    a. Between the Muslim town of PottuVille and AbaY
    b. The only way in or out of our remote resort = Safe & Secure!
  4. All passengers will be tested and checked in at this point
    a. PHI – Public Health inspectors from PottuVille will attend
    b. PHI – PS| They done an outstanding, excellent job in this area. Not one single C-19 case here!
    c. If negative: FREE entry to the AbaY region will be granted
  5. Tourists are then welcome to stay in ANY establishment in the Bay
  6. Tourists and surfers can freely move around and socialize at any time
  7. No Masks or Muzzles requirement will be enforced
    = As this realistically can not be monitored in a Surf, Fishing and Farming  Community anyhow
  8. To boost Tourism even further
    a. Liquor Licenses will be issued automatically. Free of charge
    b. Duty free shops will be opened in the Bay itself. Unlimited purchases for foreigners!
    c. Parties and events will be allowed at all times. No permits required
    d. Visas are offered to all suitable and interested  surfers and Visitors until end 2021
    e. Special Seasonal East Coast Beer will be supplied. At discount prices.
    f. To create worldwide attention and act as FREE a global promotion:
    g. The Old CORONA is Out – Caruna Extra  is Inn !
    see link below

    Traditional East Coast Beer

    New Non Lion Beer launched just for Arugam Bay (2010)

PS|
A small technical irritation needs to be resolved.
That is what to do when visitors eventually – if or when after a year or so – they decide to leave glorious Arugam Bay?
Departing back to their homeland, once tested negative (for C-19..;-) presents no issues.
But what to do if they wish to remain in Sri Lanka, or are Nationals of this amazing Nation:
A quarantine period of 14 days in …Colombia might be unavoidable 😉

FREE nVIP Bus Service Launched

Good News!
Caring GOSL has launched an improved “Deep Blue Line” bus service.
Island Wide!
FREE – Complimentary Service
In order to cope with expected increased demand
In COVID-19 Curfew weeks

nVIP Bus Service

 

Features include:
1.) Regular Service
09:00:   Arrives sharp on time
15:00:    Return to Places of Residency

2.) High Security
Skilled Driver
Up to 9 Conductors

3.) Gender Separation
Ladies are in separate compartments
To be protected from unwanted  male advances
Female Conductoresses are also present at all times

4.) Designated Routes
Usually terminates at well known local landmarks
Such as Correction facilities
And Courts of Justice

5.) A totally FREE Service
No tickets will be issued
Some trips may be postpaid

N/VIP Bus
Service


6.) Smart uniforms

All staff easily identified by a neat brown livery
Unlike to unregulated dress code of private operators

7.) Local – Feeder Services
Can be arranged in smaller, also Deep Blue Vehicles
Usually a Tata Jeep
Or Pick Up Truck

Feeder Jeep

 8.) Mini Bus Services
The White Van / Mini Bus Services have been discontinued herewith

9.) Security
Is fairly guaranteed

10.) No stops en route
Direct Services!
Fast, swift transfers are guaranteed

The public is advised to remain at Home.
In order not to overload this generous, complimentary Bus Service
Stay Safe!

Note:
nV.I.P. = not Very Important Person

Arugam Bay Surf Club News

 

Challenging the status-quo and empowering women in her community

March, 27, 2020

We all have the power to change things. We’re all responsible for building a more just and equitable world and in 2020 challenging the stereotypes and being #EachforEqual is what International Women’s Day reminds us. Here’s a story of someone breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and transforming lives.

Women account for the majority of the global tourism workforce but tend to work in low-paying, informal and low-status positions. But Lathika Lakmali is an impressive woman who challenges the status-quo – while defying cultural boundaries and social norms – to lead and make a name for herself as a Surf Instructor and harnessing tourism as a tool for empowering women in her community.

Traditionally, especially in conservative localities such as Arugambay, women are expected to assume the role of a daughter, sister, wife, mother and care giver. Although Arugambay continues to grow as one of the popular surfing hubs in the East of Sri Lanka, there exist many misguided perceptions with regard to surfing and the tourism industry as a whole. Villagers hold the stereotypical impression that surfers are skimpily clad and party hard brining disrespect to traditional values. It was acceptable for tourists to indulge in the sport, but it definitely didn’t fit with the communities beliefs on what a career was supposed to be and definitely didn’t fit with the role of a woman who are most traditionally limited to the activities in the domestic sphere.

However, Lakmali and her husband who’s the President of the Arugambay Surf Club and one of the 28 ISA certified coaches in Arugambay recognize the opportunities for growth in the industry. And what began as a hobby displayed a possibility of turning into a career, especially with the increase in solo female travelers or women being more comfortable learning how to surf from other women. They believe that they can find a balance with their personal life, the professional life and their interest in surfing in Arugambay. They realized how women were often uncomfortable taking lessons from male instructors. Yet, offering services without a formal license to international travelers remained a concern as tourists want to be sure they will be safe in the water and be able to really learn how to surf a wave from an expert.

A pathway for informal surfers to be formally recognized by the industry with S4IG support

To address this concern, the Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) program funded by the Australian Government’s Aid program in partnership with the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations extended support towards managing visitor expectations by offering tailored programs to strengthen local Surf Clubs to manage and improve their service standards.

It allowed Lakmali to confidently march on and be recognized as an instructor doing something she loves. She can still support her family and support her community and earn an income from her business – surfing. Such initiatives by S4IG encourage more women to enter the tourism industry, seek income opportunities and mentor the next generation of female leaders. It also created a pathway for informal surfers to become internationally recognized, and for more women in the area to consider not only pursuing surfing as a career but to simply be brave enough to indulge in the joy of surfing. Since her participation in the program by S4IG and licensing as an instructor, the Arugambay Surf Club has seen an increase in membership and interest by girls. Tourism gives women many opportunities that allow a blending of roles and responsibilities. Enabling women to engage in paid employment in many different ways and pursue the things they enjoy.

Inspiring generations of surfer girls 

For Lakmali, surfing has now become a family affair. She often takes her daughter – aged 6- with her when she surfs and her husband who is also an ardent surf lover and an S4IG participant as well. He is extremely proud of his wife pursuing her passion and celebrates her success – a truly modern Sri Lankan family. She proves that women can offer something new and exciting to a traditionally male-dominated industry and experience.

She has inspired an entire generation of girls who dream of riding waves of their own one day in the future in surfing and other pursuits. Lakmali aims to extend personalized and deeper travel experiences via female surf lessons that showcase the potential for a career professionally. She is a fine example that women are more than capable of building a new business ecosystem around women in tourism while defying cultural norms and the traditional labour market.

Along with her supportive husband, she plays a strong role in mentoring the next generation of females, like her own daughter, and in the process, is actually changing the face of tourism in Arugambay for the better.

source:
http://bizenglish.adaderana.lk/challenging-the-status-quo-and-empowering-women-in-her-community/

(0)

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)

Good News – For a Change!

Good News from Remote Arugam Bay!

Full Information about

1.) Health matters (Covid -19)
2.) New Books published (in English and German about AbaY)
3.) Weather and Surf reports
4.) Security updates (Military and civil)
5.) Tourist Visa is FREE again for most Nationals!

Full Details will be publish here within the next few days

(0)

So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 surfing from Sept 25 to 29

World Surfing League Qualifying Series 3000, also referred to as So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is all set to be staged at the world-class point break of Arugam Bay from 25 to 29 September, with the participation of over 122 surfers from 24 nations.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau announced that the surfing event has been extremely well-received by professional surfers from around the world while many have expressed their keen interest to participate and witness the qualifying rounds in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau noted that while entries are still being received, nearly 122 surfers from 24 nations have entered the final list. This impressive line-up includes participating countries such as Australia, Indonesia, France, Venezuela, Israel, USA, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, South Africa, Costa Rica, Argentina, Japan, Ireland, Chile, Belgium, Peru, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka. World Surf League (WSL) Regional Manager Asia and Global VNR Producer Steve Robertson remarked, “We are here to deliver positive stories about Sri Lanka to the world. This is all about a magnificent surfing event and a global promotion about Sri Lanka. All Sri Lankan media is encouraged to engage with World Surf League. We want to work with the domestic media as well. It’s been a great journey, and we are looking forward to the event. We want to bring out a superb event, where everyone is a winner, and we want to keep coming back here, and just to reiterate of how great Sri Lanka is as a destination.”

“It will be so amazing to have the WSL come back to Sri Lanka,” said Sri Lankan Surfing Federation President Hiran Ukwatte. “We can’t wait to witness a world-class event and watch the positive effect it will have on surf sports in our country and on surf tourism to the area. Arugam Bay is a world-class wave with some fantastic local surfers like D.A. Lakshitha, Praneeth Sandaruwan, and Lesitha Prabath to name a few. These surfers are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with and surf with surfers from all around the world,” he expressed.

Many of these surfers are very well-known within the world professional surfing ranks and many are serious contenders to represent their nations in next year’s 2020 Japan Olympic Games, where surfing makes its Olympic debut. One such surfer is the fast emerging Rio Waida from Indonesia. The powerful youngster placed 3rd in the WSL World Junior Championships in 2018 and he is already identified as future star of the sport.

“I am very excited to be coming to Sri Lanka for this great event,” said Waida. “I’ve heard great things about the waves in Sri Lanka and it is always fantastic for us to have the opportunity to compete in quality surf ? I can’t wait!”

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 will also play as a huge opportunity for some of the local surfers to take on the international professionals as wildcards in the event. This opportunity is something that has been made possible through the WSL and the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes remarked that the event will amplify Sri Lanka’s position as a major surfing and tourist destination. “Over 700 visitors are also expected to be present, in addition to the 122 surfers who would be in the country. The surfers and visitors are scheduled to spend at least 10 days in the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay,” he said.

The So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 Men’s QS3000 will run from 25-29 September, and the ground arrangements will be handled by Lanka Sportreizen. Head to www.worldsurfleague.com or the WSL App for more information. Click here for more information on Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

source:
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19B/Sep15_1568525691CH.php

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/

Arugam Bay – Surfers’ paradise

Arugam Bay in the Pottuvil Divisional Secretariat Division in the Ampara district is one of Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots.

Arugam Bay is a famous surfing spot that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The tourism industry, which suffered a severe setback after the Easter Sunday attacks, is still recovering after the relaxation of travel advisories by many countries. Lonely Planet, one of the most popular travel magazines in the world, still lists Sri Lanka as the top destination for 2019 despite the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Arugam Bay is one of God’s greatest gifts that enhances the beauty of Sri Lanka, to the extent that it can be described as a ‘tourist’s paradise’.

 

Arugam Bay is located on the southeast coast, 320 km from Colombo and can be reached within seven hours via Moneragala. Arugam Bay beach, a wide sweeping sandy beach around the village of Ulla, is an attraction all year round.

The beach is not the only attraction in the area. The surrounding countryside encompasses the loveliest scenery that spans mangroves, jungle, lagoon, river, paddy fields and dunes, all of which are popular with tourists.

Thousands of local and foreign tourists visit Arugam Bay each year. The area is also reputed for its rich cultural heritage and famous places of worship such as Muhudu Maha Vihara, Magul Maha Vihara, the Kudumbigala archaeological site and Aukenda Temples. The Kumana National Park and the sand dunes are other attractions.

The surfing season in Arugam Bay starts in April and ends in October. During the season, the wind is predominantly offshore. Two kilometers inland from Arugam Bay is the scenic Pottuvil Lagoon. Local fishermen offer tourists boat rides on the lagoon.

The season for offshore dolphin viewing at Arugam Bay is from April to October and falls within Arugam Bay’s high season. Twelve kilometres south of Arugam Bay is Panama, the last inhabited village before entering the Yala East National Park. Panama lies inland, but intersects with lagoons and is rich in bird life

Twenty kilometres south of Panama is the village of Okanda that has a popular surfing spot. The village is home to a famous shrine located at the point where God Skanda is believed to have landed on the island.

Kumana National Park fed by a channel from the Kumbukkan Oya is the focal point of Yala East National Park. About 20 km into the park is the Kumuna Reservoir where mangroves host a wide array of aquatic birds, many of which nest in May and June. Among the birds, the painted storks, herons, egrets, Indian darters and little cormorants are common. Black-necked stork, one of the rarest birds of Sri Lanka, also finds a habitat in the park.

A few kilometers inland from Okanda lies the Kudumbigala forest hermitage. About 15 km inland from Arugam Bay (on the Siyambalanduwa – Pottuvil road), the main road that passes through the scenic Lahugala Park draws a herd of about 150 elephants during July and August.

Just east of Lahugala lies a cluster of ruins of the ancient Buddhist temple Magul Maha Vihara, built by King Dhatusena.

source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/08/14/features/193919/arugam-bay-%E2%80%93-surfers%E2%80%99-paradise

Security Update Easter Sunday 2019

  1. Crisis in Sri Lanka
    Please be informed that most social media have now been blocked and are inaccessible.
    Therefore Facebook, What’s Up, Instagram and Twitter
    as well as the BBC etc.
    Are no longer available on our island right now.
    This is in  reaction today’s bomb explosions
    And to stop rumors.Anyone feeling unsafe, anywhere, is invited to come to Arugam Bay.
    Where the Community and some hotels will provide FREE rooms.
    To anyone who requires comfort and shelter
    (Plenty of free rooms are available)

    Fact seems to be, that 
    5 Star Hotels and
    Christian Churches 
    are the main target:
    There are NONE of those in AbaY
    We just don’t have  a  church, and No Big Hotel.
    Also, the only and single road in & out of Arugam
    Is very easy to control.

    So it is realistic to assume, that 
    Arugam Bay is a very safe destination.
    History, in all those terrible war years have shown just that

    Nobody has an interest (so far) to blast a few surfers and pot smokers…
    This is a fact.This is NOT a tourist promotion,
    Nor does this post have any financial motive!
    But it’s a useful information
    And an invitation to anyone feeling unsafe elsewhere.
    The Community welcomes you.
    And money is not an issue at all.

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

Introducing: New Places in Arugam Bay

The remote Bay of Arugam is developing fast.
Here we mention a few new places in town.
(Photos and text supplied by the establishment)

Beach Wave Hotel

Owner Name : A.B.M. NaleemA?(+94777274337)
Manager : J.M. SilmirA?(+94752733380)
Booking Details rates :
2A?Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Side Sea View ( Air Condition)
January – March = 16 US$
April = 30 US$
May – June = 45US$
July – AugustA? = 65 US$

Cheap aristocort a Advair diskus 250 50 cost

September = 60 US$
October = 50 US$A? 48
November – December = 25 US$
2A?A?Deluxe Double Room withA?A?Side Sea ViewA?(Fan)
January – March = 15 US$
April =A?25A?US$
May to June =A?42A?US$
July & August & September =61US$
October =A?58A?US$
November – December =A?23A?US$
* note:A?We have this room information right now. Because we are currently building some more rooms. After creating rooms we will give you more information.

Explore Arugam Bay (Tours)

A local tour operator offers Kumana Safaris, Lagoon Trips and much more.
www.arugam.info has not tested them personally, but by all accounts they offer a decent, honest and good service.

 

You can contact them on their web site, as well as Facebook page.
On Tripadvisor it’s also mentioned, and the ranking seems to be good.
Trip Advice
In their own words, here are the services offered: Cheap cardizem er

Purchase indocinema21

We at, explore Arugam Bay organizing tours including but not limited ted to surf safaris, wild salaries, Lagoon eco tours and heritage salaries. A?also arranging transportation.
We are organising events and group meals for any size of group.
A?Also we arranging surf lessons and local culinary classes to learn the way of preparing Sri Lankan meals.
A?Our pre designed packages and other services are in detail in our website Order isoptin 40mg

AbaY will recommend

The Order rocaltrol generic name Buy hyzaar 50 12.5 Buy betapace prescribing Bay of Arugam
Is now developing very, very fast.
There are new hotels, new restaurants and many other businesses coming up just about every week.
In the next few days we will introduce a small selection of service providers and Bay newcomers.
Here on this page.
Stay Tuned!