Archive for the 'From our own Correspondent' Category

A veteran Arugam Bay international tourism investor speaks

Published on 26/10/2024 in Arugam Surf Club, Arugambay Surf Club, From our own Correspondent, front page, hotels, Nature, new, people, press coverage, the bay and Traveler's Reports. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Saturday, 26 October 2024 01:28

By Surya Vishwa

Dr. M.T.A. Netzband-Miller has been connected with Arugam Bay since 1977 and now lives there permanently. In this interview, he speaks about why he chose Arugam Bay to establish his tourism venture and shares insights on the potential of tourism in Sri Lanka, his adopted country.

The awesome View towards AbaY Main Surf Point. Taken from the Old Siam View Ocean Fronted location

Q: Please introduce yourself and your contribution to tourism in Sri Lanka.

I am Dr. M.T.A. Netzband-Miller; 75 years of age, who grew up in different countries. My mother was from Netherlands and my father from the Isle of Man. I grew up and studied in Kenya and Uganda. 

I have been connected with Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka since 1977 and am living there permanently. I owned a hotel in Arugam Bay which was one of the oldest hotels here which got partially destroyed where the rooms and roofing were affected during the tsunami and now it is restricted to a restaurant and music as well as sports pub. The name is Old Siam View Sports and Live Music Pub. In addition I currently own the oldest hostel in Arugam Bay which has around 40 beds. Both establishments are in the same complex. My current wife and children manage them.

My mission has always been to promote this area and we did so throughout the civil war in Sri Lanka and post-tsunami years.
I am the founder and administrator of a few dozen internet based groups and pages that promote Arugam Bay and its tourism.

Many of these social media promotions are in foreign languages. Most are neutral tourism based information platforms that promote Sri Lanka which is a wonderful tourism destination.

Q: Why did you choose Arugam Bay for establishing your tourism venture in this country?

 In my profession as a foreign consultant I had the blessing to visit and work in 119 nations; in all the continents.

In my travel I have not experienced any other resort which – in my view – has as much potential as Arugam Bay. It is a very blessed and very special place on earth.

Even now, after 47 years I have the same feeling once I cross the AbaY Bridge into our enclave!

I consider Sri Lanka and Arugam Bay to be my home and always feel happy to be back home whenever I travel elsewhere.


Q: What are your insights on the potential of tourism in your adopted country?

In short, I can say that the potential of Arugam Bay is incredible. 

I fell in love with Arugam Bay and also with my first wife – a Sri Lankan, on first sight in 1977 and we married soon after.

The nature based bounty of this nation is certainly incredible – but it needs a re-think on how to get it right in tourism strategy.

AbaY is special because of many factors:

Firstly, the weather. It hardly ever rains here. However, it is not arid, due to rivers ending here. Generally there is no rabies, no dengue, no sand flies and no COVID. 

We are also many kilometres away from the next towns so no industry and no pollution.

This means that there is around 100 km unspoiled oceanfront to the south and also to the north. There are dozens of fine surf breaks and no sharks. There is amazing wildlife. Not just Kumana or Lahugala but even all around Arugam Bay. 

Arugam Bay has a nice mixed community. There is no tension between residents in general. There is a great government hospital and now a state pharmacy. There are many other wonderful reasons why one should visit this part of the world. 



Q: What do you see as the supporting factors as well as obstacles for tourism here in this adopted country?

The supporting factors include the amazing nature, great climate. The factors that have to be rectified include the visa issues which are a real concern and way behind many competing nations.

The court system must be improved. It takes too long and is unfair to visitors. Budget airlines should be promoted.

Mattala is a perfect location for a tourist hub and this has to be seriously thought of.



Q: In Sri Lanka there is a new fear psychosis concerning an attack in Arugam Bay. With your long experience here how do you assess this situation? 

There is a total over reaction. No one here is worried. I have been talking to many foreigners here and they do not feel that their lives are under threat in anyway whatsoever. Nobody locally has been attacked. There seems to be only an overdose of rumours. It is said that there was a fear of an attack of some sort on a small Jewish community centre around 200 metres from our place. It is a premises which had chairs and tables and kitchenware to enable cooking and serving of meals. It has never been operating as far as I know as a synagogue. The military seems to be handling the situation very professionally. One thing I can say with certainty is that none of us feel we are threatened by any terror linked attack.



Q: So you reiterate that the situation is calm in Arugam Bay and safe for foreigners?

Yes. I was busy in Colombo trying to resolve a serious visa issue concerning my locally born and raised children when the news came in about a security issue in Arugam Bay.

We at once decided to return, to support their mother (home alone in AbaY).

In Colombo all warned us not to go claiming it’s dangerous.

We arrived this morning at sunrise to AbaY, our hometown.

We were totally surprised that all is calm, quiet and nobody seems to be concerned at all.

In fact most locals – and I know everyone under the age for 50 here – are unaware of what all this extra security on the street is all about. We generally feel that it is to show that this nation cares for its foreigners and we salute the Sri Lankan military for their efficiency.



Q: Could you comment on the concept of peacebuilding and tourism in this world as a whole which needs peace quite desperately?

 All my life we always insisted on treating everyone with respect and without any prejudice. No matter what skin colour, religion, race or nationality.

Every human has the same hope for life to be better each day. They all care for their own family, children, wish for peace and happiness. Only twisted agendas or misguided interpretations get people to hate and fight each other.

Even now, with the increasing global conflicts we admire when so-called enemies meet, talk, find solutions and end up with a hug. My advice is to clear the mind, ignore pre-programmed opinions and give everyone a chance by listening to each other.

We demarcate persons based on countries according to global popularity or disfavour as it may be at some given point. There is now focus on Israelis. But how many of us have actually had a civilised chat with a real person from these nations? We as tourism operators do that, every day and both sides always have a point. One thing all of us humans have to remember is that two wrongs never make it right.

Source:
https://www.ft.lk/harmony_page/A-veteran-Arugam-Bay-international-tourism-investor-speaks/10523-768434

AbaY is on What’s Up !

Published on 14/06/2021 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, press coverage and services. 0 Comments

Times have changed!
Since this web site was established – the first ever Tourist related one on our island.
About 20 years ago.
Static Web Pages.
And also semi outdated Facebook Pages (like our own “Arugam Surf”) were hugely popular earlier. But  are less exciting and less relevant these days

Why?
Because they are not updated regularly.

As a result, Arugam Bay has moved on.
And is now very well presented on
WhatsApp
Below is a mini Directory almost daily updated Groups.
We invite you to Join us!
Just use the links provided, if any (or all) are of interest to you!

AbaY Tourist Self Help Group

AbaY Restaurants / Delivery

AbaY Chat & Humor

AbaY Amazing Offers

AbaY NOW-Live Events only

AbaY Debtor List

AbaY Events, Parties etc.

AbaY Surf & Sports News

Note:
Other Groups and pages will be added.
Some of the above are moderated.
Others are FREE for everyone to post & Publish – anything

 

 

SCOTT & LILA – S. L. Music Video

Published on 26/05/2021 in From our own Correspondent, front page, people and the bay. 0 Comments
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
?
__________________________________________________

Sponsor a Beach Clean Up!

Published on 15/05/2021 in From our own Correspondent, front page, Money Matters, people and the bay. 0 Comments

Sponsor a beach Clean Up

Waste Less AbaY

May Day!

Published on 01/05/2021 in From our own Correspondent and front page. 0 Comments

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.

Seriously Now: S.L. is open for Visitors !

Published on 08/04/2021 in From our own Correspondent, front page and press coverage. 0 Comments

We are Happy to report and confirm that the progressive Government has relaxed rules for Tourists and Visitors with immediate effect.
The graph below essentially says it all.

This is for Real and an ideal summer time to visit and surf in glorious Arugam Bay!

“ASQ” in AbaY ! – From 1st. April

Published on 30/03/2021 in 1st April, From our own Correspondent, front page, people, press coverage, services, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

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 😉

Paul. Topps it. In AbaY

Published on 07/02/2021 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, people and press coverage. 0 Comments

Russian karaoke singer, a book launch, wine tasting and the tattooed man: The Whinging Pome at the Arugam Bay

Jezzabel and I set off at 8 AM from Colombo and expect a six-hour journey to get to Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka but with non-stop driving. I know it won’t be six hours even though Jezzabel has packed enough egg sandwiches for a full day family bus trip.
Our Muslim driver Neaz is not a “speedy Gonzales” but we must thank god it’s not a Friday with prayer stops. We get on the expressway, heading south till it finishes, then take a short dual carriageway, then a fast empty road to our destination, The scenery is changing from arid areas to a green lush landscape with lakes, lagoons, and stunning views. With these changes come the herds of goats, then buffaloes walking in the water, back to herds of thin white cattle that remind me of cows I’ve seen in parts of India. In the middle of nowhere, the road is so straight and the trees are planted at uniform spaces, creating a guard of honour for the passing traveller. It reminds me of France with plantain trees which were said to give assistance to Napoleon’s troops moving in difficult weather conditions. These trees today are thought to be responsible in some way for one in eight road accidents in France.

We are finally in the village of Pottuvil, taking sharp rights and lefts through shanty houses in a strong Muslim area, then to Jetwing Surf, which is ten minutes from the more famous Aragum Bay. You can’t surf in front of this hotel as it’s too rocky and rough, and I ask the manager “so where do I surf?” Looking me up and down with some doubt about my surfing profile he says “a few minutes away.”

Whenever anyone uses the phrase “a few minutes away”, I’m always sceptical. In India, this can mean an hour.

“Is this running, walking or driving?“ I retort.

We don’t get to the recommended beach but in fact, some people rank this area as one of the best surfing locations in Asia during May to September, along with other locations of some fame such as Whiskey Point, Crocodile Rock and Elephant rock.

This is a very modern beach hotel with a funky reception area, a collection of circular chalets, and an open dining area overlooking a curved pool and the sea. The chalets are large and extremely well designed with lots of space, a big bed and a chilled outdoor bathroom.


The criticism we had heard of the hotel prior was that there is no air conditioning. As I pass the back office of the reception I see a mobile aircon unit and it’s not long before it’s in our chalet, with three fixed fans on full blast. My princess, Jezzabel likes a room ice cold when she gets to bed. I generally have to extensively cover myself as its too cold for a white boy from Africa. It’s good that we are all different but our different requirements for bedroom temperature generally results in me having less sleep and constant phlegm. Too much detail you may say, but bedroom temperature disputes amongst couples are more common than you think.

It’s a long weekend in Arugam Bay and likely the last of the season. Those who are here are from Colombo to enjoy the beach and party, or others who have just forgotten to go home. Some belong in the “unwashed” category. The last time I was here was two weeks before the Tsunami in December 2004. I recall staying at the Stardust hotel and canoeing along the river. Sadly the hotel and the town were hit quite hard by the Tsunami, both losing lives. The town is now a thriving tourist location, though given it’s post-COVID, it’s hard to spot many foreign tourists. Those that are here have likely exceeded their visa period and have no desire to go back to their home countries, which are still being hit hard by the COVID phase two.

Jezzabel is off to the “Hideaway”, one of the few larger hotels in the town. She is meeting girlfriends and to listen to their local heart-throb. Actually, Jerome is a Sri Lankan Aussie as is my wife. I’m off to Siam View, an institution here in the town and well known across the island to all who have visited A-Bay, as some call it. Fred, the owner has been in Sri Lanka for over 35 years, gives me a warm greeting. I’ve known him for twenty years. Fred has had a colourful life with a Maltese/ German background but always comes over as a carefree Englishman, with ten or more kids, I’m not sure he knows the exact number. His Thai wife is a really lovely lady who always has a beaming smile and a friendly greeting. His property was hit by the tsunami but Fred bounced back into business very quickly. It is the go-to place, everyone meets there and there is never a dull moment with music, musicians, karaoke etc.


At Fred’s place, I encounter a rather opinionated and overweight Ex British navy chap who says he is a secret squirrel working for the British Government, tracking undesirable Sri Lankan’s who are trying to get into the UK illegally. Exiting from the conversation as quickly as I could without being extremely rude I meet up with some friends.

Amazingly I find a wine I’ve never seen before, a Malbec blended with Pinotage, a great wine for the price. When I get the bill for the wine there is some mix-up, and the barman/waiter seems to have over-charged me. He is so laid back, he is nearly horizontal, and a few sharp words follow. We will meet again tomorrow.

Night two and its the launch of my book on the east side of Sri Lanka, “The Whinging Pome – To The Point.” The venue is Fred’s place, Siam house.
I check if all my wines are here where I left them the night before, in the fridge. They are all there and I explain to the barman how the night will flow and what his role will be. It is 7.30 PM and my guests are meant to all be here. I ask Fred for the list of attendees, and he gives me some 36 names. I ask how many have confirmed, and he tells me none, which he says is typical of the folk in A-Bay. At eight my first attendee arrives. She is a Russian karaoke singer in a short white dress who tells me she sings every night at the place. My second attendee, or so I thought, is a partially clothed white man who tells me his body is tatted from head to toe. Turns out he works part-time at Fred’s place.
Its 8.30 PM and as Fred had promised a crowd has arrived. A bigger issue for me then became the fact that the barman had gone AWOL, turns out he didn’t like my comments from the night before had walked off the job. At 8.30 PM I’m sharing the podium with the Russian whose dress only just covers her boobs, the tatted man whom I think believes he is a rockstar, my book display and a set of drums.

It’s my first book launch/wine tasting where I’m pouring the wine, serving it, and talk at the same time.

The Whinging Pome’s Random Rule No 185: Learn how to multitask. Prove the ladies wrong, men can do it!

Despite the chaos, I sell about 15 books, 5 to the local MP’s son. Not sure if he was sober. If he was then no doubt he would want them for free. A bunch of airline pilots who have just had their employment contract cancelled are hitting the wine. We have now over fifteen nationalities at the event. In between all of this I need to get the next wine out.

The Russian lady in white is bashing out a Russian song. By ten-thirty the numbers have swelled to beyond sixty people. I’ve got a deaf, out of tempo chap on the drums and the Russian lady giving it her all whilst trying to keep everything in her dress. The night continues with more book signings and characters now believing they are at a full Karaoke event grabbing the mike, whilst random people think they are Ginger Baker, the drummer of the bands Cream, Blind Faith, Hawkwind and more.

This I think is a new book launch concept; Books, Ballards, Booze, Boobs.

The next day we have the opportunity to visit the Kumana National Park but I’m keener to enjoy the beach and visit a few temples than visiting a bird sanctuary. It’s also about thirty kilometres from the hotel and my beach is in front of me and my first temple which is dated at 2nd BC is 4 kilometres away. The location is on a very wide beach, and its histhttps://thewhingingpome.online/russian-karaoke-singer-a-book-launch-wine-tasting-and-the-tattooed-man-the-whinging-pome-at-the-arugam-bay/?fbclid=IwAR186xAXgXlyiqA9LwCJa7sixdAk6TsAGNkWxnPX8yP7PgBU6V68oqiG6Egory is linked to Princess Devi being washed up at the location and some monastery being built. This is the third location in Sri Lanka where this same story is set.

Wifey finds some friends who are staying close by in another hotel and they take a Jeep and head to the park. Jokingly on their return, I make a jibe about “how were the birds?”. I’m bombarded with how great their safari was. This included sightings of two different leopards, an elephant charging their Jeep, and lots of other non-bird species.

So it’s another day, another road, and we are heading to Batticaloa. I don’t think this town is ready for The Whinging Pome but actually, after the Arugam Bay experience, anything and everything is possible.

Source:
https://thewhingingpome.online/russian-karaoke-singer-a-book-launch-wine-tasting-and-the-tattooed-man-the-whinging-pome-at-the-arugam-bay/?fbclid=IwAR186xAXgXlyiqA9LwCJa7sixdAk6TsAGNkWxnPX8yP7PgBU6V68oqiG6Eg

Air Force bombs Lahugala. With MAS seed

Published on 18/01/2021 in From our own Correspondent, front page and press coverage. 0 Comments

 

Sri Lanka Air Force said it had seed-bombed a 60 acre area in Lahugala in a reforestation bid in the fourth such operation conducted so far with material supplied by MAS Holdings, an apparel group.

The mission was organized by the Command Agro Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake under Air Commodore Suharshi Fernando with the Forest Conservation Department and the University of Peradeniya.

The mission is part of efforts to boost Sri Lanka’s forest cover from 27 percent to 32 percent by 2030.

The seed bombs were dropped today from a Mil Mi-17 piloted by Wing Commander Venu Silva Flying Officer Lahiru Chandrasekara.

Over 70,000 ‘seed bombs’ from dry zone species of Ehela (Cassia fistula), Mee (Madhuca longifolia), Karanda (Pongamia pinnata), Mailla (Vitex altissima), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna), Koan (Schleichera oleosa) and Madatiya (Adenanthera pavonina) were dropped.

“MAS Holdings contributed to this project by providing seeds which were used to fabricate seed bombs,” SLAF said.

The first bombing mission over Ranorawa Government Forest had been conducted in 2018 as a pilot project over a five acres with 5,000 seed bombs.

In 2019, another 67,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60 acre area in the Lahugala forest in Ampara

In December 2020 30,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 5 acres land area also in Lahugala National Park.

The SLAF said its Command Agro Unit is gathering data to monitor how seed bombs have germinated and are growing in changing environmental conditions. (Colombo/Jan15/2021)
Source:
https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-air-force-bombs-lahugala-with-mas-seed-77867/

Winter: The Best Season in AbaY !

Published on 01/11/2020 in From our own Correspondent, front page, the bay and wild life. 0 Comments

Arugam Bay is known for the Best Surf on this island.
True.
But little is known that as from November our Wild Life is even more awesome to admire.
KUMANA of course is famous for migrant birds.
But did you know that even from the Arugam Bay Bridge – walking distance from any hotel -:
You can admire Wild Elephants?

Truly Wild Elephants all around AbaY

Un

View from the AbaY Bridge

like Pinnawala or Udawalawe and other Parks it comes 100% FREE.
Free in Nature, Free animals, Free as NO entrance Charges!”
Name one other destination being as blessed as remote Arugam Bay!

Weekly Int. DJ Competitions @ AbaY

Published on 30/07/2020 in From our own Correspondent, front page, Money Matters and press coverage. 0 Comments

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

Awesome DJ Event at the Old Siam View

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

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

New! Party and Event Calendar Group

Published on 25/06/2020 in From our own Correspondent, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

We are Happy to inform you.

That the mellow, our very own peaceful Party and Event Life is continuing in and around Arugam Bay.

 

OPen – Liberal – Music nights for everyone to perform @ for example The Old Siam View

To make it easier, and to coordinate events.
And to allow our guests to plan accordingly, we created a new Group.
It’s on What’s Up of course, as we move away from Web Sites and even Facebook
To join us and receive  Daily Updates.
Just click the link below

AbaY Events, Parties etc.

New & Updated Social Media Links

Published on 17/05/2020 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, Money Matters, press coverage, Security & Safety and services. 0 Comments

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

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

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

AbaY Anti- Land Fraud Conspiracy Petition

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

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

Arugam Bay Surf Club News

Published on 30/03/2020 in Facebook Fan Club: Arugam Surf, From our own Correspondent, front page, people, press coverage, surf and Surf Federation News. 0 Comments

 

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/

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VISIT Now – For a Safe Holiday

Published on 03/03/2020 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, people, press coverage, Security & Safety and the bay. 0 Comments

This article is intended to inform concerned travelers of the risks involved to visit Sri Lanka.
And in particular travel to remote Arugam Bay (and, for example Kalpitiya).
Whilst there is nothing ever 100% risk free: 
The conclusion is that an island Nation, with just one single point of entry (Colombo Airport) is as safe as it can possibly be.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka now is a very secure island, and all authorities are working together very well, since the Easter outrage last year.
There is tight control everywhere, and all arrivals are checked properly.
The Health System, which struggled, but managed and coped well in a long civil war, the 2004 Tsunami and and many emergencies manages very well. They are equipped and trained much better that most other Nations. Plus it’s a true FREE National Health Service!
In addition, very remote destinations such as our Arugam Bay are far away from any other towns, 50km from any Industry, and again:
Arugam Bay is like another island, on an island.
Why?
Because once you reached the Bay through thick Jungles there is only one single road, via a long bridge in and out of the resort:
Arugam Bay is a true Dead End (i.e. Cul de Sac if “Dead End” sounds ill placed here 😉
There is NO passing – through – traffic at all.
For that reason there perhaps is no known Malaria, No Dengue and No Rabies in the Bay itself . Unique!
Just like the endless sunshine with 340 days/ year.
Further: With average temperatures around 30C:
It seems that the new Virus does not survive well
(As in colder climates; like influenza)

Obviously this is intended to promote Arugam Bay.
And would LOVE to attract you to come to us.
Summers are our High Season.
Our main visitors are from Israel, Australia, South Africa.
We hardly see Chinese or Russian Tourists  = maybe because those Nations are not known good Surfers?
This fact is perhaps fortunate for us…at this time…
Truthfully we really believe that if anyone wishes to travel, and be as safe and secure abroad:
Here highly recommend to you Arugam Bay (and Sri Lanka itself)
One of very Few minimised risk destinations you should look at.
Unique, Safe, Secure and with little of NO risk to catch this new infection.

Arugam Bay: New Books published.

Published on 28/02/2020 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, history, press coverage, services and the bay. 0 Comments 
Arugam Bay 
Must have something.
 Very Special. Even magical.
 
 Because we know of few resorts, which have the honour to have half a dozen or more Books and Novels, travel Reports and History Documents Published in Book Form.
 We refer to International publications; not Travel Guide Books.

Only recently, the  best seller “Der Krokodilfelsen” (The Crocodile Rock) was finally translated from it’s original two German editions into English:

This establishment above is also featured
And you may buy or borrow the book from there.

The Travel Novel is based on true facts, set in 1983 in Arugam Bay.
It gives a perfect insight into the Bay as it was then. 
And follows events all the way to Hawaii.
Highly recommended to buy and read!
Local  outlets are expected to stock it, but a link to Amazon will be published by the aithor herself in due course.
Frau Claudia reacted at once.
Here is the order link:
Order Here. From Amazon directly

Below a summary:
Sri Lanka 1983: For the first time, the young German backpacker travels alone to South Asia. In the fishing village of Arugam Bay, she meets the charismatic Tamil Sooriya with whom she bonds in a special relationship.It is a time when civil war begins ravaging the tropical island. Sooriya finds himself increasingly in danger. In a situation tense with political intrigue, they arrange for Sooriya to leave the country.Years later, destiny reunites them. Sooriya is now living in Hawaii where he has become an acclaimed copper artist and the spiritual leader of Mouna Farm Arts and Culture Village. Back in Sri Lanka, he is respected as a holy man.In 2016, Sooriya Kumar got the award of “Living Treasure of Hawaii.” In 2017 the Love Peace Harmony Foundation and the United Nations Association of Hawaii honored Sooriya as an “International Peace Builder.”