Mira Tzur is excited to announce her recent involvement with her company One Circle Productions, as Actress/Exec Producer in the feature film “Arugam Bay” Directed by Marco Carmel, that just wrapped in Sri Lanka, a country under bankruptcy. The experience she had is worth telling

NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Being an Israeli/American actress, producer, author, former counterintelligence officer & a french countess from the Theraube lineage among other titles she collects as a renaissance woman,  plays the role of Brooke, an American actress who escaped her comfortable vain lifestyle in Hollywood to explore a spiritual lifestyle in the surfing exotic oasis “Arugam Bay”. 

The film tells the story of three Israeli soldiers serving the military during the Lebanon War. One of the boys gets killed, having made a pact to surf together after their service, they convince the girlfriend of the deceased friend to join their journey. The three travel from Israel to the magical southeast coast of Sri lanka – Arugam Bay. A well-known destination for professional surfers. The bay is located a 10-hour car drive from the main airport of the largest city, Colombo.

One of the soldiers, played  by Maor Schwitzer an Israeli well known film star, started a romance with latest friend’s girlfriend, played by another Israeli moviestar – Joy Rieger. They meet Brooke, played by Mira Tzur who portrays the social chief of the Island ,who with her spiritual lifestyle, now secretly sells psychedelic drugs to cure PTSD among other mindfulness hardships she believes she can cure.The Dynamics between the Israelis and Brooke are insightful on many levels. It is a winning combination flaunted by; extreme surfing abilities,meaningful friendship,healing, trust & travel to exotic locations that makes the plot relatable on many levels to all international  audiences.

Given the growing economic struggles of Sri Lanka, that have recently led the country to a bankruptcy and political upheaval filming conditions were extremely difficult during the shoot.

Not having electricity, fuel and experiencing food shortage was just some of the obstacles the cast and crew needed to overcome. They established a strong bond with some of the local people and businesses as filming on location obviously helped bring economic prosperity to many of them.

The Italian Footwear company P448 is one of the film sponsors – a sneaker brand that focuses on Sustainability to keep our environment pure. They recycle their soles and use vegan products. They use mix leathers from lion fish and surfers especially wear their brand to keep our Oceans purified. 

For more information on Mira Tzur current projects; 
check out  her Instagram @mira.tzur 
And award winning guide book “Anonymously Famous” (Amazon, Barnes & Noble…)
www.anonymouslyfamous.com
www.miratzur.com. www.onecircleproductions.com

This list is about the Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. We will try our best so that you understand this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. I hope you like this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay. So lets begin:

Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is known as a surfer’s paradise and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. It is one of the areas of the world that you must visit at least once in your life. With the world famous Yala National Park as its neighbour, Arugam Bay is fortunate to be surrounded by a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elephants and crocodiles. The bay is trendy and a great place to spend at least 3 days. Use this Arugam Bay guide to plan your visit. Located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a lively seaside town known for many things, including its beautiful palm-fringed beaches, lively surf scene, and laid-back vibe.

However, because Arugam Bay is somewhat off the traditional Sri Lankan route, this underrated gem is often overlooked by travelers and backpackers. However, we firmly believe that a trip to Arugam Bay is well worth it. Arugam Bay embodies much of what makes Sri Lanka so popular, it is a tropical beach town with many interesting attractions nearby: the fascinating Kudumbigala Monastery, the picturesque Elephant Rock and the adventurous Kumana National Park to name a few. . Of course, there are plenty of other amazing places to discover in Sri Lanka, but there is something magical about this laid-back fishing village on Sri Lanka’s relatively unspoiled east coast.

Kumana National Park Safari

Kumana National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden delights. It is a very special place with lots of wildlife and stunning scenery! Also known as Yala East, many tourists opt for a jeep safari from Kumana National Park. It is certainly one of the best things to do in Arugam Bay if you are interested in rare wildlife. This 357 square kilometer park is much less visited than its busy neighbor, Yala National Park. Consequently, it’s not as crowded and much less of a zoo-like experience. This is true even during peak season. The density of animals in the park is lower than in other national parks in Sri Lanka, but it is not uncommon to see a leopard and other amazing animals. Like elephants, crocodiles, turtles, white cobras, wild buffalo and many birds.

go surfing

One of the most popular activities in Arugam Bay is surfing, which is why it had to be number 1 on this list. The area is full of surf shops offering lessons and surfboards for rent. The bay is considered the best surf spot in Sri Lanka and attracts surfers from all over the world. It is good to know that it is a great place for amateur and professional surfers. Some of the most popular surf spots in Arugam Bay are Main Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Pottuvil Point and Elephant Rock.

Relax on the beach at Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay Beach is a great place to relax where everything moves in slow motion. The beach is a moon-shaped curl of soft, golden sand and is home to some of the best surfing in the country. Although there is a lot of fun in and around the area, such as shopping and surfing, one of the best things to do in Arugam Bay is to visit the beaches and relax. Grab a coconut, apply some sunscreen and take some time to enjoy life on the beach. Arugam Bay is just a small town with a few hundred inhabitants. Everything is scattered along a path, parallel to the coast. So even if it’s not on the beach, everywhere in Arugam Bay there’s a laid back beach scene and that’s what first drew surfers and sun worshipers to Sri Lanka.

Yoga in Arugam Bay

It is well known that surfing and yoga go hand in hand; This is probably due to the calm and relaxing environment that both activities offer. As such, Arugam Bay is a top yoga destination; If you walk down the main street, you will see many yoga centers. After a long drive up the East Coast, a yoga class is quite invigorating. And yes, the trip to Arugam Bay is highly recommended to enjoy all the splendor along the way. A small and highly diverse nation, Sri Lanka offers a wonderful collection of experiences that are best enjoyed on a road trip. Join any rental car Sri Lanka has to offer and enjoy the joys of driving along the beautiful coastline.

see the fishermen

Fishing has been a large part of the economy in and around Arugam Bay for many years. If you visit Pottuvil beach in the morning, you will see the fishermen pulling their nets onto the beach. The nets are attached to hundreds of meters of rope and take about two hours to pull out of the sea. You will also find many colorful fishing boats lining the beach at Arugam Bay. If you pass by in the morning you will see how the fishermen classify their catch before selling it.

Tuk Tuk to Peanut Farm Beach

There are plenty of other coves and beaches just a short drive from the main road, so strap your board to the roof and hit the road. Peanut Farm Beach is another epic surf spot south of Arugam Bay. This was our favorite place of all. It is a great unspoiled place with a beautiful white sand beach, rock formations, trees and thatched roof huts. It is popular for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Not only that, they also have an amazing beach shack that serves fresh food and smoothies. There is only one guest house in the area and it consists of tree houses. It’s around the corner from Peanut Farm Beach.

Visit to the Kudumbigala Monastery

Kudumbigala Monastery is a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride from Arugam Bay. It is a place that you will love if you are a history buff! It is estimated that this Buddhist monastery was founded in the year 246 BC. It was built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It was used by monks who wanted to escape the city and follow a path to enlightenment. Don’t forget to explore the nearby hiking trails and caves, and climb to the top next to the monastery for beautiful views of the area. The climb to the highest viewpoint takes about 1.5 hours, so the best time to do it is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the jungle, rocks, and coastline.

Shop till you drop

As for the tourist spots, Arugam Bay has some great shops. It is home to some authentic local brands and local bikini tailors. So if you need a dress made or want to replace your bikinis, you’ve come to the right place! Sitting directly parallel to the shoreline and attracting surfers and sunbathers, this hippie town is a great place to stock up on all your unique, locally branded clothing. From cute logo t-shirts to flowy, boho dresses, it’s the style hub of Sri Lanka. There are other quirky pop-up shops that also sell beach towels and handmade seashell souvenirs.

Time to visit Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, there are two monsoon seasons on the island. On the east coast, where Arugam Bay is located, the monsoon season runs from November to January, so avoid this period. The best time to visit Arugam Bay if you want to surf is during the months of June to September. This is also the high season and the best time for snorkeling and diving. However, if snorkelling and diving are not activities that interest you, you can also visit Arugam Bay between February and May.

Hang out at Hideaway Arugam Bay

If you are just looking for a relaxing night, Hideaway Arugam Bay is a great place to unwind. There are loungers spread out on the floor, as well as a happy hour between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. The Hideaway is a boutique guest house on Arugam Bay opposite the main surf beach with a lovely laid back vibe. It is a family friendly guest house set in 6 acres of lush tropical gardens in the heart of the city. So if you’re looking for a great way to end a day at the beach, be sure to add Hideaway to your list of things to do in Arugam Bay. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more lively, we’ve heard good reviews about Whiskey Point.

Final words: Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay

I hope you understand and like this list Best Things to Do in Arugam Bay, if your answer is no then you can ask anything via contact forum section related to this article. And if your answer is yes then please share this list with your family and friends.

source:
https://www.bollyinside.com/articles/best-things-to-do-in-arugam-bay/#Yoga_in_Arugam_Bay

by Lal Anthonis

Lahugala is a magic word that never fails to stir a tingle of excitement and bring a thrill to all those who know and love our jungles and their denizens. It is a little village with two fairly large wewas or tanks, one known as Kitulana and the other by the name of the village itself. It is situated 14 miles inland from the little town of Arugam Bay in the south-east coast of Sri Lanka. Both these tanks are overgrown with a kind of grass, now known as Lahugala grass. It is referred to in Sinhala as beru, which reaches well up to the height of an elephant.

As for me, Lahugala tank holds a special, precious memory. It is now over 50 years since, yet I remember it as if it were only yesterday. I stood on the verandah of that dilapidated circuit bungalow at the edge of the tank, with my parents at my side and with a pair of over-sized binoculars in my seven-year old hands. I gazed across the grass of Lahugala at my first pair of wild elephants.

It was at that moment that the ‘jungle bug’ first bit me and the feelings grew in me like a spreading illness. Many are the jungle jaunts I have done and many are the occasions I have visited Lahugala tank since then. Yet on that day long ago I never ever imagined that Lahugala tank was to give me some of the finest moments with wild elephants.

Midway in the afternoon one day in August 1974, Mervyn Gunasekera and Chandima Karunaratne, two of my friends and I arrived at the Lahugala lodge for a three day stay. At about 4 pm the first herd of elephants broke cover across the tank, almost at the very same spot that I had seen my first wild elephants many years earlier.

The bungalow keeper Samuel, who was called Sam for short, and I decided to approach the elephants by jeep. Leaving my friends in the lodge and keeping as close as possible to the edge of the jungle, we drove up slowly on the pockmarked lunar-like surface of the dried tank bed.

About a quarter mile from the lodge, the edge of the jungle goes round a bend and when we drove up to this point the sight that met our eyes was unbelievable. The entire area from the water’s edge to the jungle was a mass of elephants. The next moment they heard or saw us, and they all made off into the jungle in a swirling cloud of dust.

I switched off the engine and waited quietly. A few minutes later they came out again, all 87 of them. We watched them at very close quarters until the late evening light started to play tricks with our vision. In the greying dusk, the elephants moved like spectres against the darkening undergrowth of the forest.

A close call

It was on the second day at Lahugala that I had one of the most frightening experiences in the wilds. It was a warm but breezy noon and we were about to sit for a chilled refresher when I spotted an elephant on the bund some distance away. Very soon there were five of them and as they were some distance off, I decided to approach them on foot to do some photography.

Sam and I set off along the bund. The breeze was in our favour and we were confident that we could approach the animals without being detected. By the time we were within 50 yards of the elephants, the entire herd (about 60 of them) came out into the open and was feeding on both sides of the bund.

It has been a habit of mine when doing photography in the jungle, to turn around every now and then to find out what was happening behind. This practice had prevented many a sticky situation for me. But on this day, fascinated by two young elephants playfully fighting, and another young one rubbing her giant bottom on the bund trying to get at an itchy point with an irritated look on her face, I entirely forgot about the rear. It was then that I thought I heard the familiar ‘flop’ of an elephant’s ear flapping behind us. I turned round slowly and looked down at the bund.

For 250 yards the bund stretched away and there was nothing on it. In the hot afternoon it looked desolate and little whirls of dust rose from it, like tiny ghosts rising from this dusty path to dissolve in the wispy breeze.

I could see the lodge far away and the figures of my two friends that seemed to float in the heat waves that raced across the wewa, as they stood on the rock in front of the lodge.

The only other signs of life were a few grey langurs that sat on the branches of a large tree that grew just below the bund. I turned back to the herd and was just beginning to enjoy the scene when I heard my name being called in a loud and clear voice, which was Mervyn’s. It was one short shout, but I noticed the tone of urgency in it. I whipped around, and there, barely 20 yards behind us, on the bund stood ‘jumbo’. He was a magnificent beast, a very large bull.

Sam’s bravery

He was looking our way, with his trunk half lifted and its prehensile tip drawing little designs in the air. His ears were outstretched. For a moment time seemed to stand still, and in the deadly silence, I could hear the drumming in my chest like the beat of an engine. The breeze caressed the nape of my neck and sent a chill down my spine, while my knees were feeling weak. After my initial shock, I whispered to Sam, who was still watching the herd, that there was an elephant behind us. In a moment he gathered the situation and making a gesture with his hand, he wanted me to follow him.

Watching Sam walk towards the bull with an air of confidence and absolutely no outward sign of fear took away that feeling of helplessness from me, yet it was with leaden feet and a sweaty brow that I followed him. The bull stood still with his ears still out. His trunk was now lowered, but its tip was still curved slightly upwards. It was a grand sight. He looked intently at Sam with a quizzical expression on his face. Then a deep rumble came from that cavernous belly, and he gave a throaty growl that seemed to shake the very bund that we stood on.

Not for a moment did Sam falter but kept walking towards the elephant. Then an ear-splitting squeal rent the air and the elephant gave way. He turned around, yet with that air of dignity these beasts possess and slowly walked down the bund. Then turning round again at the edge of the jungle, he watched us. At this point no more than fifteen feet separated the bull from the bund. Sam, that brave man, stood on it and wanted me to get past him. My involuntary quick strides brought trumpeting from the bull. I turned round expecting him to be coming after me, but Sam was behind me with a wide grin on his face.

It was with a sense of relief, now that our path of retreat to the lodge was once again clear, that we sat on the bund and waited for the bull to come out. Within minutes he obliged by coming on to the bund and walking towards the herd. He then got into the wewa and started to feed on the luscious grass. I noted then that I was thirsty, and once again looked into Sam’s grinning face. He then said, “Sir, your beer must be getting warm”.

Mock fight

There was another incident that was pleasing to watch as long as it lasted and then left delightful memories after it was over. Just after a 20-minute shower of rain that left as suddenly as it came and made the evening damp but sunny, two young bulls came on to the bund and started pushing each other and banging foreheads in a playful wrestling bout. This went on for some time till they got down from the bund and entered the jungle from where we could hear them. The din however was getting closer and we waited expectantly.

They broke cover just in front of the lodge, bursting out of the undergrowth, with one bull chasing after the other. The first one in a hurry did not notice the large pool in front of him, just below the anicut. Before he could stop himself his forelegs crumbled, and as if in slow motion, slithered head over heels into the water. He was up in a flash and stood watching his companion at the edge of the pool with a bewildered, almost human, expression on his face.

Largest herd

The climax of our stay at Lahugala came in the morning before we left. The enthusiastic voice of Mervyn woke me up, and was almost pleading with me to get up as I loathed to leave the comfort of my cozy camp bed and face the morning chill in order to see what he was looking at. When I responded I saw, right across the wewa, almost stretching across our entire field of vision, the largest gathering of elephants I had seen till then.

We gave up our count at 200, as the centre section of the herd had already started making their way into the jungle. By 8 am they were all back in the forest. Once the elephants had gone, an indescribable feeling of loneliness and desolation pervaded the place.

These incidents took place in 1974 and at that time Lahugala was not declared a national park. The lodge was leased from the Department of Irrigation and run by Wildlife and Nature Protection Society for its members. It was handed over to the Department of Wildlife once the place was declared a national park. Visitors were then not allowed to walk along the bund.

However, in the 1980’s when I was Honorary Secretary of the Society and consultant and adviser to the then Director of Wildlife, I had the privilege of traversing the bund, when I had some excellent experiences with elephants. I also had some exciting footage from the bund when filming for national television.

In 1974, when I did not have much experience in the wilds, the incident on the bund as related here, was terrifying. In the 1980’s, when I worked extensively in the field in an honorary capacity for the Director of Wildlife, I had more nerve-racking experiences, but I still consider the incident on the bund a ‘sticky moment’.

Chandima Karunaratne and Mervyn Gunasekera made many more jungle trips with me and shared many an exciting event. Sadly in 1996 Mervyn passed away. Though no longer with us, his memory, like that of the herd at Lahugala, will always remain with us. The bungalow keeper Samuel was employed by the Society, and when the bungalow was handed over to the Department of Wildlife, he left the Society and I have completely lost contact with him.

(To be continued)

(Excerpted from Jungle Journeys in Sri Lanka edited by C.G. Uragoda)

Visiting Israeli film crew at Bandaranaike International Airport with Frames TV & Film Productions and Sri Lanka Tourism officials

• Feature film is expected to be screened in Israel and over 50 countries across Europe  
• UCM, Sri Lanka Tourism and Frames TV & Film Productions to co-produce film
• SLTPB says project is a great opportunity to promote destination SL and mitigate ‘current negative publicity’ towards country

Israeli film production house United Channel Movies (UCM) is currently in Sri Lanka to shoot its latest feature film ‘Arugam Bay’ in the eastern region of the island nation.  

The filming will start on May 3 and is expected to wrap up by May 22, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) said in a statement to the media yesterday.

The main filming will be taking place in Arugam Bay, Colombo as well as in Tel Aviv – Israel.  This film is expected to be screened in Israel and over 50 countries across Europe.

“I have been travelling to Sri Lanka for over 15 years and it is like a second home to me. The current situation facing Sri Lanka did not stop my return to the island and undertaking this film.  We are happy to be back in Sri Lanka and I’m confident this film ‘Arugam Bay’ will gain greater success,” said Film Director Marco Camal while sharing his thoughts on filming in Sri Lanka.

While creating a greater promotion for the destination of Sri Lanka as well as the Eastern province as an unforgettable beach destination, with many adventure and leisure activities, the SLTPB said the Arugam Bay project expects to generate foreign revenue for the country’s economy. 

The statement highlighted that the project is a great opportunity for Sri Lankan international film industry as well as for the inbound film tourism industry.  

The film is about a young Israeli group travelling to Sri Lanka for surfing and life experiences. The film will also highlight the warm hospitality of Sri Lankan and the genuine love and care offered to foreigners in general, the SLTPB said.

Sri Lanka-based international film production company Frames TV & Film Productions will be joining hands with UCM Productions, Israel Film Commission and Sri Lanka Tourism to produce the film.

Sri Lanka Tourism and the partnering organisations expressed confidence in the popularity generated via this film helping to mitigate the ‘current negative publicity’ towards Sri Lanka and inspire more international productions to select the island nation as the most preferred tropical film destination. 

The SLTPB said it supported the destination promotional film production as part of the ongoing International Film Tourism Promotions and expects to further promote the island as one of the leading film location destinations in South Asia.

FEATURES

Published 1 day ago 

on 2022/04/24

by Dianthi S.U. Wijeratne

The following morning we left for Gal Oya from Arugam Bay through Siyambalanduwa. While traveling we saw Govinda Hela, a mountain which the British called Westminster Abbey. Further away was another mountain, known as Vadinagala, which was seen even from the campsite in Gal Oya National Park.

After a drive through scenic country, we arrived at Inginiyagala in the Gal Oya valley. Here we stopped to have a look at Senanayake Samudra. The meaning of Samudra is “sea”. It most probably would have looked like a sea had it been full of water. Unfortunately the water level was well below average due to the drought that was prevailing at the time. Most of the rocks at the bottom of the tank too were exposed.

I have seen pictures of myself as a small child going with my parents and brother in a launch on Senanayake Samudra. I have my doubts that this facility is still available considering the security factor. This has been the first reservoir to be built after independence by D.S.Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of the country.

The vegetation within the park was quite green unlike that in Yala, Udawalawe and Kumana. One reason for this greenery may be the availability of water in Senanayake Samudra, which is in the centre of the park. The place was quite damp and cool.

In all probability there was only one motorable road within the park and there were no bungalows. After a drive of about two miles, we reached the campsite. While we were relaxing at the campsite I spotted two elephants with two babies in the far distance. After a short while we proceeded to Ampara. The heat was unbearable as it was 38 degrees C. On the way to Akkaraipattu we visited Deegavapiya Chaitya, which is said to have been built by King Saddhatissa 400 years after Lord Buddha’s demise.

In Sri Lanka there are supposed to be six medicinal troughs (beheth oruwa). A cavity in the shape of a human being is carved out of one piece of solid rock. In ancient times this cavity was filled with medicinal fluids, such as oils, milk and herbal mixtures, and the patient was immersed in it. One of the oldest medicinal troughs had been found in Deegavapiya.

My father was very keen on seeing it, but what we saw was something we never expected. It was lying as a heap of broken stone fragments in a corner of the temple. According to the chief monk, this trough was located about a quarter mile from the temple, and he had decided to relocate it in the museum at the temple premises. He had been in the process of getting ready to have it transported, when this historical piece of artwork had been blasted into several pieces with the use of explosives by some persons, whose identity was known to him.

We came back to Arugam Bay via Akkaraipattu, and on the way we passed through Sinharamuthuvaran, where a very attractive cadjan-roofed resthouse once stood, as well as Komari of Kavantissa fame. We returned to Colombo the next day.

Yala Block two

Block two of the Ruhuna National Park, which was seen across Kumbukkan Oya at Kumana, could be entered from Yala. I remember travelling this way in May 1992. When our Land Rover was being taken across Menik Ganga at Nana Thotupola, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the river due to its wheels getting stuck in the sand. Every effort was made to pull it out the vehicle with the help of the accompanying four-wheel drive pick-up,’ as well as that of about 25 men who were bathing in the river at the time, but to no avail.

Finally success was achieved with the help of the Land Rover’s winch, which was hooked on to the back of the stationary pick-up. Having thus entered Block two, we then proceeded a short distance till we came to Katupila Ara, which too had to be forded. I remember my brother-in-law wading across to check the path the vehicles should take.

Having safely crossed over, we came across a small water-hole where we saw a remarkable sight which was never before witnessed by any of us present. Though there were people in the party who were highly experienced in the ways of the jungle, this sight was unique to them too. There were over a hundred crocodiles of all sizes sun bathing all round the water-hole. They all crawled hurriedly into the water on the approach of the vehicle, and there was not even a ripple on the surface of the water to show that there were so many crocodiles in that small water-hole.

If a small animal, such as a deer, ventured there for a sip of water it would no doubt have been an easy prey. Having witnessed this scene, we realized that my brother-in-law had faced much danger from crocodiles in wading across Katupila Ara.

Further on, we came to Pottana where we saw a fresh water well built with masonry. It was an unusual sight in a jungle without human habitation. My father told us that it was a well that was built for the use of pilgrims on their way to Kataragama from Potuvil. This has been the path where a man-eating leopard had been lying in wait many years ago to attack sick and decrepit pilgrims.

In 2002 we repeated the trip. The water level in Menik Ganga was quite low and it was smooth sailing for the three pick-ups to cross over to the other side. On this occasion no one dared to test Katupila Ara before the vehicles crossed. The water was almost up to the bonnets and the windscreens did get washed in the process. We saw a huge bull elephant and a lot of buffalo grazing not too far from us. The road to Pottana was really bad. At a certain point I thought that each vehicle would topple on to its side.

Pottana Pitiya was a vast dry plain with thin vegetation. Beyond this was the lagoon and then the sea. We met a couple of visitors with a tracker cooking their lunch near the sea. They were kind enough to offer us some fried prawns as a snack. Unlike on the previous occasion we did not come across the small water-holes or the well of fresh water. Most probably we would have taken a parallel route.

On our return journey, we found that the water level in Katupila Ara was higher than in the morning. We crossed it with difficulty, the engine just escaping being flooded by the depth of water. On the other side of the Ara, we found a jeep which had been immobilized by water getting into the engine.

They had brought a mechanic from Tissamaharama to repair it. It was quite late in the evening and there was no sign of getting the engine started. Later we heard that the jeep had been towed the next morning for a major repair.

It was late in the evening when we reached Menik Ganga. We were so glad to see Block two after a lapse of 10 years.

In February 2004, while camping at Yala, we once again entered Block two. Proceeding northwards, we forded Katupila Ara, Pottana Ara and finally the broad Kumbukkan Oya, to reach Kumana. After visiting Kumana villu, we returned to Yala the same evening. It was a memorable journey, having passed through perhaps the most extensive plains I have seen.

Yala Blocks three, four and five

The North Intermediate Zone was absorbed into the Ruhuna National Park. This step was taken when the government in 1964 banned the issue of licenses to shoot animals, thereby making the presence of Intermediate Zones where shooting was allowed, meaningless. This annexure was divided into Blocks three, four and five. The Department of Wildlife Conservation built a bungalow in Dambakotte in Block four, which was reached by travelling along the Buttala – Kataragama highway.

We left Colombo on December 21, 1996 and reached Dambakotte bungalow, where we were to stay three nights. The bungalow, which was about a kilometre from the road, was surrounded by tall jungle trees, while underneath them was a carpet of beautiful grass which was of a special green. About a kilometre further into the jungle was a tank, which we visited several times during our stay, but failed to see any significant wildlife except several varieties of water birds.

This area was said to be rich in bear population though we did not see any. However, we heard the loud mating call of a bear quite close to the bungalow at about 11 o’clock in the night. The noise faded away into the distance in a few minutes.

Block 3

We traveled to Galge, which was about five km from Dambakotte. About 200 yards away from the quarters and offices of the Department of Wildlife Conservation was an extensive slab of rock where there was a large natural water-hole or kema, which probably never ran dry during the drought. The employees used to draw their regular supply of water from this water-hole. On our way to this water-hole, a large wild boar accompanied us, and we thought it was a pet of the men working there. Little did we realize the danger we were in till we were told that it had attacked a police inspector a few days earlier and he was still being treated in hospital at the time.

The water-hole had caved into the rock sideways to form a very large cavity, while the opening into the exterior remained comparatively small. By these means only a small area of water was exposed to the sun, thereby reducing the amount of water that would evaporate. This contrivance probably accounted for the failure of the drought to dry the water-hole.

The impressive Ireson tower stood on a rock some distance from the water-hole. We reached it by shuffling along the narrow stony ledge of the water-hole with difficulty. This tower was an outstanding memorial to J P Ireson, who died of diarrhoea in 1922 at Monaragala, where he was planting. He was president of the Wildlife Society at the time, and it built this memorial to him at Galge, which could only be reached on foot or horseback at the time.

Ireson was an inveterate hunter, who used to come down frequently from Monaragala to hunt around Galge, which therefore was selected as the site for the memorial. However, on questioning the average man there, the answer would invariably be that it was a monument to an Englishman killed by an elephant at that spot.

From Galge we went through thick jungle, along the only available jeep track in Block three. In view of the many obstacles that greeted us, this track had not been used for a long time. We reached a large rock known as Paskema (five water-holes). Its surface had several water-holes of different sizes, some with beautiful lotus flowers, but it probably received its name from the fact that there were five significant water-holes in it. On climbing the rock we could see the jungle far and wide, the trees being festooned with flowers, young leaves turning crimson and woody creepers hanging heavily on branches.

Malwarikema

Continuing the journey, we came to Malwariweva which was a tank that had been renovated a short time earlier. We walked along the bund and saw pits on it which were produced by elephants whose feet had sunken into the earth as they descended into the water.

Further on, we came to Malwarikema that had, as its name implied, a water-hole which appeared beautiful with blossoming lotus. This was apparently an old monastic site. An unusual finding on it was the presence of two cone-shaped pits, several yards apart from each other. Each measured about eight inches in diameter and six inches in depth, and they were exactly circular and the walls perfectly smooth. The tracker who accompanied us explained that they were pits in which treasures were hidden in the olden days, and that treasure hunters had raided them and removed the contents.

It was difficult to believe this story. The pits were not large enough to hide such treasures, and it was unlikely that rainwater would be prevented from seeping in. It is a moot point how treasure hunters would have located them once the contents had been sealed off by the owners centuries ago.

Block five

The Buttala – Kataragama highway does not exactly follow the old jeep track, as it deviated about a hundred yards at certain points. The jungle that lies between this highway and the Menik Ganga is Block five. We had a bath in the river at a place at which two tributaries joined to form the main river. This was the point at which the elephants from Handapangala crossed the river when they were driven into Block four by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The wisdom of this man oeuvre is open to question, for several elephants died subsequently.

Indikolaweva was a tank in Block five which had been recently renovated. On the bund was an elongated piece of dung, which the tracker identified as that of a crocodile. He mentioned that it was rather poisonous to the skin, for blisters may form when trod on. On the other side of the long bund, we saw an elephant, while a tall tree nearby was crowded with hornbills. We did not see any other animals of significance, and this was true of all these Blocks. One reason for this scarcity of animals was probably the presence of tall jungle trees in the areas we visited.

(concluded)

(Excerpted from Jungle Journeys in Sri Lanka edited by CG Uragoda)

Sri Lanka is gifted with some of the best beaches in Asia as well as in the world that is wholesome in every aspect to name as great. It is also the reason that Sri Lanka has become one of the major travelling destinations for foreigners who are seeking to get some sunshine basking on a beautiful beach.

As a result more and more visitors are flowing to these Sri Lankan shores every year and many of them are surfers. The attraction and arrival of these foreign surfing communities are one of the main reasons behind owning a growing surf culture in Sri Lanka. The major reason for the success of the industry is the specific beaches that Sri Lanka has which are extremely suitable and popular as surfing destinations across the globe like Arugam Bay, Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. Having more beautiful geological, archaeological and natural surroundings across the country also has been an extra benefit for Sri Lanka when we talk about tourist attractions to the island nation.

The next reason behind the success is the excitement created around the topic of surfing recently and which has been influential to create a buzz among the foreign crowd and locals. The establishment of the Surf Federation and the launch of the National surfing contest and some government involvements also have been the major reasons behind this success.

Although the private sector has not paid much attention to surfing, Red Bull fired the first shot through their Red Bull Ride My Wave. The Red Bull energy drink company has come as light in a tunnel that barely gets light and the Red Bull company is making a tremendous effort to increase the level of quality and make surfing in Sri Lanka more enjoyable and competitive. For the last six seasons Red Bull has proved that the event is successful and its importance for the sport to move forward and that is one of the major reasons that upheld the success in the sport in the country.

Sri Lanka is blessed with pristine beaches and perfect conditions in the ocean to create waves. Sri Lanka is more popular for its small wave surfing and this is great to attract every level of surfers from starter in the sport to the pros. The Southwest of Sri Lanka offers mellow beach breaks that create the vibe suitable for beginners like Weligama and Dewata. These small waves are pretty easy to manage and safe to ride for beginners and one of the best places to start as a surfer. This reason has been helpful to establish more surfing schools around the coastal line. Moreover surfers can surf Sri Lanka throughout the year depending on the time period of the year. The southwest season runs from November through to April while the northeast season runs from April to October.

The southwest of Sri Lanka also offers punchy A-Frame reef breaks such as the Hikkaduwa main reef, Kabalana The Rock and Madiha left. Surfing on the East coast, especially in Arugam Bay it is all about leg-burning long right-hand point breaks, every surfer’s dream. More experienced and fun-seeking people are flocking towards Arugam Bay every year and recently it was recognized as an international level surfing point where a lot of international fame has been floated towards.

The peak of Arugam Bay fame was acquired when the first international competition was organized in Arugam Bay in 2018. Annually the Sri Lankan national championship is also held in Arugam Bay and all these reasons are buckled up to bring fame and attraction from the international surfing community to Sri Lanka.
Source:
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/04/04/sports/why-surfing-suitable-sri-lanka-and-its-success

‘When I surf I feel so strong’: Sri Lankan women’s quiet surfing revolution

Women and girls have challenged conservative attitudes in the hallowed surf spot of Arugam Bay

Growing up in a small fishing village along the east coast of Sri Lanka, Shamali Sanjaya would often sit on the beach and look out at the boisterous waves. She would watch in envy as others, including her father and brother, grabbed surfboards, paddled out into the sea and then rode those waves smoothly back to shore. “I longed for it in my heart,” she said.

But as a local woman, surfing was strictly out of bounds for her. In Sri Lanka’s conservative society, the place for women was at the home and it was only the men, or female tourists, who were allowed to ride the hallowed waves in Arugam Bay, considered Sri Lanka’s best surf spot.

Yet now, as a 34-year-old mother of two and with another baby on the way, Sanjaya is at the forefront of a quiet female surfing revolution that has swept not just her village but the whole country. In 2018, she helped set up Sri Lanka’s first all-female surf club in Arugam Bay and in 2020 competed in Sri Lanka’s first women-only category in a national surfing competition. At four months pregnant, she’s still hitting the waves several times a week, and plans to compete again after her baby is born.

It began in 2011 with a knock from a neighbour. Tiffany Carothers, a surfing enthusiast and mother of two who had just moved in next door from her native California, asked Sanjaya if she wanted to come surfing. It didn’t matter that she’d only tried it once before, Carothers assured her, they’d lend her a board and give her some lessons.

Once she had a taste for the waves, Sanjaya could not be stopped. She proved to be a natural, taking after her father, who had once taught surfing, and her brother, who is a national surf champion.

“When I surf, it is such a happy feeling for me,” she said. “I am filled with this energy, I feel so strong. Life is full of all these headaches and problems, but as soon as I get into the water, I forget about it all.”

Yet she faced fierce disapproval, particularly from her brother. Their parents had died when she was seven and he was protective of his sisters, believing that their place was inside the home.

“My brother told me that it is not our culture for women to be surfing, that I should stay inside and do the cooking and cleaning,” said Sanjaya. Known for being headstrong, she decided to ignore him and would instead co-ordinate secret surf rendezvous, rushing to the beach at lunchtimes when her brother was eating or going out at the crack of dawn.

In 2015, after interest from other women in the village, Carothers decided to set up an event to teach more local girls in Arugam Bay how to surf. She and Sanjaya went house to house, talking to women and their families to persuade them to come along.

Initially many parents were reluctant, fearful about safety and that surfing meant partying, drugs and alcohol, or that, in a society that still subscribes to outdated views of light skin equating to beauty, being out in the sun would darken their daughters’ skin. “We told them we never do anything that disrespects our culture,” said Sanjaya. “We don’t wear bikinis, we don’t drink, it is just about getting into the waves.”

The first event proved so popular that they decided to make it a weekly gathering. But as gossip and local disapproval began to swirl, Carothers was pulled in by the Sri Lanka tourist board. “They accused me of trying to change the culture, that girls in Sri Lanka don’t surf and if I wanted to help their families I should give them sewing machines,” she said. “They threatened to kick my family out of the country if they saw me teaching surf lessons to girls.”

The police also began questioning the members, asking whether Carothers was giving them alcohol and drugs, and over half the girls stopped attending. But rather than stopping altogether, the remaining women took their club underground and would meet secretly on the beach and go on clandestine surf trips to other parts of the island.

Finally in 2017, after the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka was set up, there was a pathway for their own official surf club and in August 2018 Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club was born.Advertisement

They now have about a dozen core members, ranging from ages 13 to 43. Though they have broken through many of the local taboos, many of the women still face a backlash from their families and communities. Nandini Kaneshlingam, a 43-year-old mother of four whose husband killed himself in 2011, said she suffered so much stigma over being a mother and widow in her 40s on a surfboard that she almost quit the club several times.

But having persisted at the insistence of the other women, Kaneshlingam said that surfing had given her a new lease of life. “It was my children who came and pushed me on to waves,” she said. “After my husband died I was very sad and things were very difficult, but with surfing, it made me feel happy again.”

Ammu Anadarasa, 14, one of the club’s youngest members, said she had been mercilessly teased at school. “My friends at school used to fight with me about it, they’d say ‘Why are you doing surfing?’ and call me a boy,” she said. But when she showed her friends photos in a local newspaper of her surfing, they were impressed. “Now they know I am a good surfer,” she said. “I just wish more girls would do surfing.”

But having persisted at the insistence of the other women, Kaneshlingam said that surfing had given her a new lease of life. “It was my children who came and pushed me on to waves,” she said. “After my husband died I was very sad and things were very difficult, but with surfing, it made me feel happy again.”

Ammu Anadarasa, 14, one of the club’s youngest members, said she had been mercilessly teased at school. “My friends at school used to fight with me about it, they’d say ‘Why are you doing surfing?’ and call me a boy,” she said. But when she showed her friends photos in a local newspaper of her surfing, they were impressed. “Now they know I am a good surfer,” she said. “I just wish more girls would do surfing.”

Most of the women said they had learned to brush off the criticism, and had seen their husbands, family members and communities won over. Mona Nadya Pulanthiram, 35, a mother of two, had been terrified of the sea after her mother died in the 2004 tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. But after giving birth to her second child, friends persuaded her to give surfing a try, and she was amazed to feel her fear gradually disappear. Now she’s regularly out chasing the big waves, sometimes with her daughter in tow.

“People are always questioning my husband, asking why I don’t just stay at home and be a quiet, nice mum,” she said. “To those people I say: I am already a mum, surfing does not change that. When I am in the ocean, I don’t think about anything except catching the perfect wave.”

For Sanjaya, her greatest triumph was winning her brother’s approval. At Main Point, where waves are often two metres high, the pair can often be spotted out surfing together.

ost of the women said they had learned to brush off the criticism, and had seen their husbands, family members and communities won over. Mona Nadya Pulanthiram, 35, a mother of two, had been terrified of the sea after her mother died in the 2004 tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. But after giving birth to her second child, friends persuaded her to give surfing a try, and she was amazed to feel her fear gradually disappear. Now she’s regularly out chasing the big waves, sometimes with her daughter in tow.

“People are always questioning my husband, asking why I don’t just stay at home and be a quiet, nice mum,” she said. “To those people I say: I am already a mum, surfing does not change that. When I am in the ocean, I don’t think about anything except catching the perfect wave.”

For Sanjaya, her greatest triumph was winning her brother’s approval. At Main Point, where waves are often two metres high, the pair can often be spotted out surfing together.

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/05/when-i-surf-i-feel-so-strong-sri-lankan-womens-quiet-surfing-revolution

Spare Tourism Zones from power cuts – Progressive Hon. Minister

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has appealed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to spare Tourism Zones across the county from the daily countrywide power outages.

The Minister said that power cuts may risk the revival of tourism in Sri Lanka during this peak winter season, just as tourists have begun to return since the pandemic. The Minister has appealed to the President to consider many requests made by stakeholders in the industry to spare all Tourism Zones from the scheduled power cuts.

He said that Solar Power, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Minister Duminda Dissanayake who attended the last Cabinet meeting in the absence of the Power and Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge had agreed to discuss this matter with the Ceylon Electrify Board and to take further actions.

There are sixteen tourism zones including Nilaveli, Madhu river,
Arugam Bay,
Trincomalee, Kalkudah, Pinnawala, Dedduwa, Bentota, Kuchchaveli, Kalpitiya, Unawatuna, Negombo, Beruwala, Mount Lavinia, Yala and Ella in Sri Lanka at present and possibilities are seeking at least to spare theses zone from the daily power cuts,” the Minister added.