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Just South of Arugambay: A Human/Elephant Conflict

Published on 27/10/2009 in Blogs, front page, people and wild life. Closed

So, we rented some push bikes and set off for Peanut Farm. 100 meters out of the gate,A?Jerry fell over and skinned his knees. He had blood running down his legs but the cuts werena??t deep. We said wea??d wash it in the ocean and moved on. South of Arugam Bay Norvasc prescription assistance is a surreal landscape, surrounded by a sea of dry paddy fields, parades of water buffaloes, peacocks. Even elephants.

We left Peanut Farm because it was getting dark and wea??d been warned not once or twice but thrice about elephants. At least I had. I also ran into an elephant on the way to the bar once (in Yala) and he tried to kill me. I avoid wild elephants like Ministera??s sons, and Ia??d heard they were causing trouble in Arugam Bay.

The Good Part Continue reading ‘Just South of Arugambay: A Human/Elephant Conflict’

Britains visit Attractions like Arugam Bay

Published on 25/09/2009 in Blogs, front page, press coverage and the bay. Closed
A typical Sri Lanka Beach

A typical Sri Lanka Beach

Sri Lanka has enjoyed rising popularity among British travellers this year despite the global recession, according to new statistics.

The country’s tourist board announced figures showing that visitor numbers from the UK were 16.9% higher in August 2009 than in the same period last year.

From all tourism source markets, Sri Lanka recorded an overall increase of 32% in inbound visitors last month.

The tourist board also revealed that forward bookings indicate a strong finish to the year following the relaxation of travel advice by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK.

Sanjika Perera, Sri Lanka’s UK tourism director, said: ‘We have worked on a persistent promotional campaign in conjunction with the hotel industry back home and with our airline and tour operator partners in the UK and the results have been very positive.

‘To have improved visitor figures during the recession shows that the British public are aware of the diversity that Sri Lanka offers and keen to experience an Indian Ocean break, at an attractive price.’

Travellers can catch flights to Colombo to visit attractions such as Yala National Park and Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka.

Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire – let the journey begin! Cheap panmycin ADNFCR-408-ID-19378726-ADNFCR

source:

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7 Star Hotel for Arugam Bay planned?

Published on 22/09/2009 in accomodation, hotels, Money Matters, people and press coverage. 7 Comments
By Dhananjani Silva
The dawn of peace in the north east region has given people an opportunity to freely move around in these once war- ravaged parts of the island.

a??With the end of war, a major change in tourism will take place. There will be a natural influx of people to the country and Sri Lanka will not only become a tourist destination but it will be a place, for instance, like Hawaii or Penang island where people will come and build houses or have apartments,a?? said Prasanna W. Jayewardene, a pioneer in the hotel industry. One of his latest initiatives is a massive hotel development project islandwide including in the north and east.

Turnaround City Hotel

Elaborating on his plans, Mr. Jayewardene who is campaigning to a??rediscovera?? the countrya??s potential to attract 10 million tourists annually within the next 10 years said his mission is to facilitate the building of 10,000 rooms. Under this, he said, a number of hotels and sites will be developed and either sold or operated at different stages. However, the main hotel a??Mudliara?? in Kalpitiya which has 2050 rooms will be retained. a??We wona??t sell this as we want this to be our icon,a?? he said.

Under this project a mixture of both mega as well as small individual projects will be launched in different parts of the island. From small hotels of 10 rooms to large hotels with over 1000 rooms, each will have a different name and concept, Mr. Jayewardene explained.

Turnaround City Hotel, a five star hotel with 50 rooms in Kilinochchi, the five star Sun Ocean in Mullaitivu with 25 rooms, Golden Sands hotel and Turquoise hotel in Trincomalee with 25 rooms each, Whale Watch in Trincomalee with its 25 luxury suites, Rising Sun Beach hotel with its 10 rooms in Batticaloa are some of the hotel projects to be launched in the north and east. The five-star Peninsula, a 50-room city hotel project with full conference facilities in the heart of Jaffna town, will be an ideal meeting place for business people, aid workers and officials, Mr. Jayewardene said. The architects will include many of those who worked on the Elephant Corridor project.

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Prasanna Jayewardene

Also planned are four seven star hotels, in Yala, Trincomalee, Arugambay and Kandy designed exclusively with an up-market international hotel operator, said Mr. Jayewardene who was also the founder and the developer of Elephant Corridor.

According to Mr. Jayewardene, lands for the hotels have been identified and the projects are now in the development stage. Since each project has a different concept they have to be developed individually he said.

Emphasizing that at every stage, Sri Lankans will benefit from this project Mr. Jayewardene said it will give an opportunity for Sri Lankan professionals living abroad to come home and provide their expertise towards the projects.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090920/Plus/plus_20.html

BFO: We do not advise against travel to Arugam Bay

Published on 01/08/2009 in Blogs, front page, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

The British Government has issued a new travel advice to British nationals visiting Sri Lanka. It advices British on increased anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric in Sri Lanka due to the upsurge of Sinhala extremism. The travel advice said: a??The end of the military conflict has seen an upsurge of nationalism in Sri Lanka.

As a result,anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric has increased, including from senior Government figures. This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises.a??

The summary of travel advice: Continue reading ‘BFO: We do not advise against travel to Arugam Bay’

UK: Visit Famous Arugam Bay ….!

Published on 17/07/2009 in Blogs and front page. Closed
Source: Onlanka News – By Walter Jayawardhana

UKa??s national morning free sheet leader (circulation 1.36 million) in a boost to Sri Lankan tourism told its readers to visit the a??beautifula?? island nation a??with amazing beachesa?? and opined a??Tourists can help Sri Lanka recover.a?? Continue reading ‘UK: Visit Famous Arugam Bay ….!’

Invest in … Arugam Bay!

Published on 16/07/2009 in front page, Money Matters, press coverage, Security & Safety and services. 0 Comments

SL-FlagThe British government has expressed support for the efforts to resettle displaced and the development in Sri Lanka’s north and east.

After a fact finding mission to eastern province, British High Commissioner in Colombo, Dr. Peter Hayes, told BBC Sandeshaya that he was impressed with the improvement in the security situation. Continue reading ‘Invest in … Arugam Bay!’

Spectacular end to champions surfing contest in Arugam Bay

Published on 07/07/2009 in Blogs. Closed

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a??A fantastic opportunity to discover one of Sri Lankaa??s greatest assets a?? the excellent and spectacular beachesa??– Director of UK Pro Surf Tour
a??Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contesta?? reached its climax today when UK grabbed the award of the first place in the open event category beating 47 other competitors in one of the most exciting surfing events in the world, held off the Eastern coast.

Minister of Tourism Promotions (Non Cabinet) Faizer Musthapha attending the presentation ceremony highly commended the participation of the a??UK pro- surf toura?? contestants, particularly since they arrived before their Government eased its Government advisory to enter Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

The British government relaxed some travel restrictions on Sri Lanka yesterday. Continue reading ‘Spectacular end to champions surfing contest in Arugam Bay’

Britain relaxes travel restrictions on Sri Lanka

Published on 03/07/2009 in press coverage and Security & Safety. Closed

UK Mission

UK Mission

The British government has relaxed some travel restrictions on Sri Lanka. British High Commission Dr Peter Hayes said UK no longer discourage British holidaymakers from enjoying leopard-spotting at Yala National Park, surfing at Arugam Bay or admiring Trincomalee harbour, one of the worlda??s deepest natural ports.

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a??Wea??ve taken this decision based on our assessment of the improving security situation in these parts of Sri Lanka.,a?? he said in a press release. Continue reading ‘Britain relaxes travel restrictions on Sri Lanka’

Kataragama Kumana up to Pottuvil roadway link

Published on 04/06/2009 in front page, Ideas, Money Matters, press coverage, services and the bay. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .
Hatton National Bank

Hatton National Bank

A?

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The development of the North and East should be fast tracked along with the rest of the country to ensure that the benefits of the victory against the LTTE filter down to the people. The process should be reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction, Chairman Hatton National Bank (HNB) Rienzie Wijetilleke told Daily News Business.

He outlined certain proposals which can be implemented utilizing the internal resources which will yield quick results. a??We dona??t have to depend on foreign aid for everything as there are many ventures that the banks can support,a?? he said.

Extending a new roadway link along the southern coast beyond Kataragama along the coastline through the Yala sanctuary, Kumana up to Pottuvil Purchase ethionamide pronunciation (through/around Arugam Bay) and setting up small hamlets along that roadway with a planned program is very important. Continue reading ‘Kataragama Kumana up to Pottuvil roadway link’

Return to……Arugam Bay

Published on 23/05/2009 in press coverage. 1 Comment

In The Times (of London, sic Zofran tablets price ) yesterday, correspondent Jeremy Page argued that Britons should not visit Sri Lanka.

Mr. Perera (white gown) and Celebreties

Mr. Perera (white gown) and Celebreties

Quotes by:
Sanjika Perera, Director – UK & Ireland, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

In his article Defeat of the Tigers is welcome: the conduct of the war is not, Page said: “Britain has helped to rebuild Sri Lanka’s tourist industry: Britons accounted for 18.5 per cent of the foreigners who visited the former colony’s famous beaches, wildlife parks, tea plantations and Buddhist temples last year. Only India sends more tourists. Many Britons also own property there, especially around the southern city of Galle, not far from where Arthur C.Clarke, the British science fiction writer who settled in Sri Lanka, used to love to scuba dive. The question facing British shoppers and holidaymakers is this: should they continue to support Sri Lanka’s garment and tourist industries? Sadly, the answer must be no.”

Generic names for fosamax Today, the head of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in Britain presents his own view. Let us know what you think below:

“It is always challenging when politics and tourism become intertwined. For the past 10 years tourists have been coming to Sri Lanka despite the breakdown of the ceasefire, terrorist activity and the continued civil war.

Following the devastation of the Tsunami to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry, British aid and support helped to rebuild the industry.

Tourism is the lifeline of Sri Lanka’s economy, it has and will even more in the future affect every member of the Sri Lankan community and their ability to rebuild their lives. The government has plans to develop the Northern areas as a priority to attract new tourism products and visitors into this part of the country and with it income for the local population.

By recommending that the largest producer of tourists to the country boycotts future holidays in Sri Lanka will only make the lives of the displaced community, the local tourism industry and the population in general harder to rebuild.

After the Tsunami the Sri Lanka Tourism, Industry strove to rebuild its infrastructure and business successfully with the assistance of the British Travel Trade despite the civil unrest in the North of the country.

Now at last Sri Lanka can offer a completely peaceful, terrorist free option and tourists will know that their money is contributing to the rebuilding of the community as a whole.

On behalf of Sri Lanka’s Tourism industry I would like to thank our British tourists for their support over the past years. With peace comes hope for a revitalised tourism product and they will be able to return to explore even more of our beautiful country.

Some of the island’s most beautiful beaches will once more be accessible in the east such as Passikudah and Trincomalee, while Arugam Bay is famous as one of the most prominent surfing destinations in the world. Yala National Park, home to leopard and elephant, will also be reopened to tourists.

As part of Sri Lanka Tourism’s new strategy there will be several annual events organised over the next year including the Hikkaduwa Beach Fest in July, the Jazz Festival in October, Negombo Beach Fest in December and the Tea Festival scheduled for next year.

With the 2 for 1 holiday deals still in the market for all bookings during June for travel up to the end of October, now is the time to come to Sri Lanka, enjoy our warm welcome and be part of a peaceful future.”

source:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article6343263.ece

#04 Arugam Beach Resort

Published on 11/04/2009 in accomodation, Blogs, cabanas, restaurants and the bay. 3 Comments

arugambay surfing Arugambay Beach Resort, Sri Lanka Buy actos medication

(Text by BEVERLEY JANSZ) The sunny golden beaches of Arugambay in Sri Lankaa??s East Coast, which was almost devoid of tourists for the last 20 years due to the ethnic conflict, has come alive again. It is back to sun, sea and sand for both foreign and local tourists in their numbers in the wake of the Governmenta??s peace initiative.

Chairman, Arugambay Beach Resort, Dr. Param sothi, who built the resort over 20 years ago, but was unable to even visit it for over 10 years due to the ethnic war, was all smiles and showed signs of relief. Continue reading ‘#04 Arugam Beach Resort’

Fresh approach to Tourism

Published on 31/03/2009 in Money Matters, press coverage and Security & Safety. Closed

By Cheranka Mendis in Trincomalee daily mirror-logo

War in the east is finally very nearly over. Brand new opportunities await those who wish to grab it. Acres and acres of land stretch out on both sides of the road, desolate yet marshy. Land for the future, for development, for growth. Sun shines bright, sandy shores beckon the visitors and the sea waves crash down gailya?? Our East, the virgin land of opportunity. Continue reading ‘Fresh approach to Tourism’

Arugam Bay’s other attractions

Published on 19/03/2009 in Blogs, press coverage, stop over Ideas, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Arugambay

MAGUL MAHA VIHARA
Actoplus cost Between Buttala and Pottuvil and situated at Lahugala, famous for large herds of elephants even during the day, is the ancient Magul Maha Vihara built by King Dathusena between 516 -526 BC. Later, Vihara Maha Devi wife of the Parakrama brothers renovated the jungle covered shrine and installed one Order torsemide online

of the most exquisite moonstone carvings in Sri Lanka. The above information was found in a rock inscription dating back to the 14th century AD. You will be amazed by the extent of the ruins and their exquisite design.
Arugam Bay is well known among the serious surfing community, but the perfect wave is only one of its attractions. Dolphin pods, beloved of the local fisherman, often play in the bay, and the surrounding country is thick with wildlife, birds and extensive monastic ruins. Sastharvila, Kudumbigala, Muhudu Maha Vihara and

Tarulengala are ancient Buddhist ruins in the vicinity dating back from the timeless past. Nearby Okanda, an important (though isolated) Hindu shrine, is on the pilgrim route from Jaffna in the north to Kataragama. Okanda is also the gateway to famous Kumana Villu, where water birds nest, and the Yala east national park with miles of unexplored golden beaches.

http://negenahiraurumaya.blogspot.com/2009/03/arugambay.html

RCFA annual recital strikes hopeful note

Published on 16/12/2008 in press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

On the lighter side of Silly Lanka life we have found this article:

December 15, 2008 A?a??a?? cerno

The Royal ColomboA?A?FlatulistA?A?Association held its annual recital today at the Gandapokuna auditorium. TheA?A?chiefA?A?guest was theA?A?deputy non cabinet minister for A?A?Rural Recreational Sports Infrastructure and Up country Mango Cultivation, Mr Maha Horachandiya.Many new and old members showcased their skills. The highlight of the event was a solo performance by Mr.Godarala Thatamanagama. Mr.Thatamanagama had recently returned from Ireland where he had been awarded the rarely awarded title of BraigetoriA?A?- a first for a Sri Lankan. His performance of the traditionalA?A?Flatulist classic A?a??A?Unum saltum et siffletum et unum bumbulumA?a??A? was greeted with a standing ovation.Past president of the RCFA, Dr A?A?C.O.W Harakakakula delivered theA?A?Joseph Pujol memorial oration. He gave an entertaining historical overview of the society and identifiedA?A?numerous statistical indicators that pointed to steadyA?A?continuousA?A?growth in potential members. The current president Mrs Kasanaballa,A?A?took up this fact andA?A?outlined several growth initiatives already underway. The most prominent being government support via theA?A?Mr Maha Horachandiya A?a??A?visionaryA?a??A? scheme.
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In hisA?A?speech, the minister pointed out thatA?A?FlatulistA?A?themedA?A?entertainmentA?A?is an ideal form of low cost socialA?A?recreation. He thanked the association for its patriotic role in maintaining public morale in a time of war and global economic difficulties. He said that bothA?A?Up country Mango Cultivation policy and the RCFA would clearly benefit fromA?A?Flatulence. He invited the RCFA to make a concerted drive to recruit rural members into its ranks. With this aim in mind, A?a??A?Unum saltum et siffletum et unum bumbulum How much ranitidine can i give my dog A?a??A? has been translated into Sinhala and Tamil. The minister hoped that when the war was over, widespreadA?A?Flatulence willA?A?strengthen the bonds between all Sri Lankans.

Following his speech students from two Maha Vidyalayas in Vavuniya and Matara gave maiden performances of the translated songs. Many in the audience,A?A?includingA?A?the minister were moved to tears.A?A?Attendees were encouraged to fill out A?A?an online surveyA?A?at the end of the proceedings.A?A?The recital ended with the national anthem performed by theA?A?RCFA orchestra.

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Posted in Art, Arts and Culture Colombo, Colombo, Colombo art, Culture, Sri Lanka, humor, humour. Tags: , , ,

Arugam Bay Blog on Tripadvisor

Published on 26/11/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage and the bay. 1 Comment

Posted on: 16 September 2007, 19:Tripadvisor30

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Hiya,

Has anyone been to Arugam Bay? Or stayed at any of the guesthouses there? I would like to know everything if at all poss. Or if you would recommend staying soemwhere else i would like to hear it.

Thanks

Sarah

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Birmingham UK
Joined: Jan 2006
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Posted on: 16 September 2007, 22:22

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Hi

We stayed in Arugam Bay last year.

Suggest you take a look at the following site which give some good information and blogs, comments etc about Aurgam Bay and hotel, facilities etc.https://www.arugam.info/category/accomodation/

We stayed at the Siam View Hotel (SVH) when we were in Arugram bay. Accomodation there is very basic but the restaurant and bar are excellent; best food in ABay. They only a few rooms left after the tsunami destroyed most of the hotel, as with a lot of the hotels and bars in Arugam Bay. We stayed there mainly to provide practical support after the tsunami – Arugam Bay received very little or no funding from the various Non Government Relief organisations. If you read some of the blogs on the site you will see that the author (Fred) is very bitter about the lack of support.

I think Arugam bay is definitely worth a visit as part of a tour, the beach, surf, swimming and diving are probably the best in Sri Lanka. The best accomodation is probably the Star Dust Hotel –

see http://www.arugambay.com/

If you are going there I would recommend staying at the Star Dust but eating and drinking at the SVH.

You may find that you have to contact the local AB hotels to arrange transport – some of the Colombo based taxi drivers give misleadiing info about the safety in the area. It’s perfectly safe.

Regards

Nova Scotia, Canada
Joined: Jun 2006
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Saby_Baby
Posted on: 17 September 2007, 0:30

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Thanks for the info.

How much is food and drink? We are looking at staying in that area for 10 nights. Is there lots of activities to do?

Thanks

Sarah

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Birmingham UK
Joined: Jan 2006
Forum posts: 146

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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 1:20

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Hi Sarah

Food and drink in the Siam View Hotel was very reasonably priced. When we were staying there were quite a few surfers and students from OZ and the UK using the restaurant. Most of them didn’t have a lot of money.

I can’t recall the exact price, but it was one of the cheapest places we visited in Sri Lanka.

If you are there during Full Moon they have big Poya beach parties at night.

If you want to find out more, suggest you post a question on the Arugam.info site.

Regards

Ken

Birmingham UK
Joined: Jan 2006
Forum posts: 146

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Cheap prinivil zestril Posted on: 17 September 2007, 1:29

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Sorry, forgot the add that if you are into water sports and surfing this really is excellent. You can hire a surf board for the week for not a lot of money.

If you can’t surf, then I suggest getting paying for a few lessons from one the beach boys. The beach is really exccellent for learning to surf; the waves sweep across and into the bay, so it’s a great place to learn. If you are an expert surfer then you can go a few miles south to the point where the waves are much bigger, but they sweep across at right angles to the shore.

There are also a number of locals who will take you sailing or rent a boat, also I believe that you can hire diving equipment as well.

There isn’t a great deal else to do at Arugam Bay, it’s very much a beach bum and surfers location.

It may be possible to go further south down the coast to Yala East National Park to do a safari, but you would need to check if this is open. it was closed at one time.

Regards

Nova Scotia, Canada
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Saby_Baby
Posted on: 17 September 2007, 2:02

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Thanks for all of the aswers. How did you get to Arugam Bay from Colombo? We were looking at making it a 2 day trip by train and bus. Any suggestions?

Birmingham UK
Joined: Jan 2006
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 22:06

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Hi Sarah

We hired a van and driver for the whole holiday which included 4 days in Arugam Bay.

However if you are going to spend a significant period in AB and don’t need a vehicle and driver then there are a number of alternatives:-

1. You could get the Hotel in AB to arrange a pick up at the Airport – that can work out quite expensive. I don’t think there are any direct bus services to Arugam Bay, only pre-arranged pick up by AB Hotels/taxis. They charge about $80/person

2. A good (and spectacular) alternative would be to get the train from Colombo toElla or Badulla; then negotiate with a local driver to drive your party to Moneragala and finally arrange with the Arugam Bay Hotel to send transport from Aurgam Bay to pick up up at Moneragala. The train trip from Bandarawela to Ella is amazing, the track even loops over itself in order to gain height.

The reason you will probably have to do the road part in stages is that it’s sometimes difficult to get drivers to drive to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay even though it’s perfectly safe – but they are normally ok going as far as Moneragala. There may even be a bus from Ella or Badulla to Moneragala but Sri Lanka buses can be a bit rough – but an interesting expperience.

You may find that most drivers going to Moneragala from Ella or Badulla prefer to take the longer route via Wellawaya as the road from there to Moneragala will be better, so getting out at Ella may be better.

Maybe Erik or Dave can advice, we didn’t travel on the A22 from Badulla to Moneragala so I don’t know the state of the road or if there are buses – I can only speculate.

From Moneragala to Arugam Bay there is only 1 big Police/Army checkpoint at Siyambalanduwa; the road is good but goes through a jungle area near Lahugala which is the bit that seems to worry some of the Colombo drivers – but it’s really safe.

Take a look at some of the blogs from Fred on the www.arugamBay.info site about travel to Arugam Bay.

You might even want to have a stopover somewhere on route such as Bandarawela or Ella, we stayed a couple of nights at the Bandarawela Hotel which is an old fashioned Hill Station Hotel and ok

Hope this helps

Nova Scotia, Canada
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Saby_Baby
Posted on: 17 September 2007, 23:29

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Thanks so much for all of your help. Were so excited and just cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xx

truro
Joined: Mar 2007
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jannerburns
Posted on: 27 September 2007, 20:47

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Hello Sarah!

Know you’re probably overloaded with all the great info that’s gone before but I had to chip in with one other accomodation reccomendation!

My cousin runs a place in Arugam Bay called the Galaxy Lounge (it has it’s own website so take a look.) It’s at the quieter end of the beach which means you can sleep at night when there are parties going on but it’s only a 5 min walk down the beach to the ‘action’!! You stay in beachside cabanas + the food is really great. Proper traditional Sri Lankan food but you can ask them to cool it down a bit if you’d prefer!!

As others have said, chilling + surfing aside there’s not much else to Arugam Bay but I spent the last week of my holiday in June at the Galaxy + it was awesomely relaxing!!

Have a great time wherever you end up!!

Rach.

Nova Scotia, Canada
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Saby_Baby
Posted on: 03 October 2007, 0:07

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Thanks for you info. I have had a look at the website and the place looks amazing. Im going to send them an email this week for rooms! Thanks Sarah xxxxxxxxxx

london
Joined: Mar 2007
Forum posts: 11

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Posted on: 07 October 2007, 14:04

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hi saby

just got back from arugam bay last week

glad you have got loads of great info,

just to add a few points

1. be prepared for a significant military presence all along the road from buttalla

to arugam bay. lots of soldiers and checkpoints. all friendly though

2. stardust hotel is horrendously expensive..i d’ont know why..60 USD for a room with no ac !!

3. have a look at hideaway..a delightful place set back from the beach with gardens and wonderful staff..real rustic charm

we only stayed a day as someone said

if you are not a surfer, there is not much to do. there is a lot of construction going on..its not the preetiest of beaches in my opinion,, the south e.g tangalle ,unawatuna

is on a different level.. would i go back

..only if i had a midlife crisis and wanted to surf !

Veddahs have disappeared from Arugam Bay

Published on 17/11/2008 in Money Matters, people, press coverage, the bay and wild life. Closed

VeddahsA?a??a?? world is a no manA?a??a??s land
CitizensA?a??a?? rights continue to elude LankaA?a??a??s original inhabitants. Many of them live at poverty level, and do not possess birth or marriage certificates
By Sujiva I. Kumari

The countryA?a??a??s oldest residents, a people whose history goes back a couple of thousand years at least, are in the humiliating position of not being even able to call themselves proper citizens of this country.A?A?
The Veddhas, Sri LankaA?a??a??s Aborigines, live much as they did generations back, in comparative poverty, and shunned by the rest of society, except for the occasional tourist, or journalist who meets them out of curiosity.

Most Veddahs do not have birth certificates, and few Veddah parents possess marriage certificates.
Meanwhile, little or nothing has been done by the authorities to improve the lot of the Veddahs, or to make them feel a part of Sri LankaA?a??a??s multi-ethnic community.

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AbaY Veddah
Veddahs: a neglected people

Once upon a time, the Veddahs lived largely along the Mahaweli River. Up to around 1945, a community of Veddhas lived in the Bibile area. In more recent times, the Veddahs have moved out to districts such as Moneragala and Ampara, living in remote villages such as Rathugala and Nilgala.Some 78 Veddah families live in Rathugala.

Sudubandiyala Aththo, one of the Rathugala residents, said his father came to the village from the Senanayake Samudraya area. He said the it would take the Veddahs years, even generations, to catch up with the modern world.

Veddah children, he said, face many obstacles in getting an education. They are shunned at school by the other students, and are made to sit at the back of the class. They are called names and taunted. Many Veddah children refuse to go to school because of the unkind treatment they get.Sudubandiyala says he has to travel 50 miles in order to collect get his Samurdhi allowance from the state.

Thalabanda, one of the village elders, said life in the modern world was difficult, and finding the basics a challenge. A?a??A?I am the leader of the Pollebadda tribe of Veddhas, and it is true that we have a very hard life,A?a??A? he said. A?a??A?Sometimes I wonder whether it would not be better to go back to our ancient bow-and-arrow way of life,A?a??A?

In 1997, ThalabandaA?a??a??s tribe gave up its traditional habitat and moved into village areas to begin life as farmers. Ten Veddah families were given a 10-acre piece of land by the state. The land was inadequate for the Veddah community. There was only one well for irrigation purposes, and this would run almost dry in the dry season.

Meanwhile, the VeddahsA?a??a?? movements are strictly restricted to the land they have been allotted. If a Veddah is found to have strayed outside the limits of the reserve, he or she is liable for a fine of between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000. Veddahs do not have this kind of money to pay penalties, and so errant Veddahs end up in prison.

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The Veddahs also have a housing problem. There are only 22 permanent houses, and the other 78 living spaces are mere shacks. The villagers wonder how they will manage with the limited land when the village population expands.

Worst of all, most Veddahas have no birth or marriage certificates. The lack of documentation means they face insurmountable problems when they try to find employment or interact with society at large.
A Veddah youth said it was time the Veddahs were given a better deal and treated like other Sri Lankan citizens.

A?a??A?The authorities should give us our rights,A?a??A? the 24-year-old said. A?a??A?We deserve better. We too are human, like the rest of society.

source:
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/081116/News/sundaytimesnews_21.html