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Know Hope

Published on 22/09/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage, Security & Safety and the bay. 0 Comments

Know Hope

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This was written for the latest issue of Montage magazine, out now at bookshops and gas stations and stuff

Sometimes itA?a??a??s easy to forget that we all love this country, regardless of our position on the war. Too often the peaceniks are so shrill and the warmongers so angry that they forget what they have in common. Sometimes you wish you could just pile the whole country into a van, drive to the beach and pledge our allegiance to king coconut. Because it really is a nice place to live, besides all the death around.

Sri Lanka is a failed state and a very successful island. The land is fertile and things grow. If you know how to relax, the lifestyle is not bad at all. There are beaches everywhere and – being an island – you can simply switch coasts as the seasons change. When the sea rises in Hikkaduwa you can drive straight across the country to Arugam Bay. If itA?a??a??s too hot you can drive up-country to Nuwara Eliya. You can munch achcharu on the corner or sip thambili on the edge of a national park. There is a great beauty to this country, made all the more poignant by the ugliness of war.

Even Colombo – the StateA?a??a??s battered wife – still has her charm. Step out of the car and there are hidden shops, fantastic properties, street food and enough to explore. Behind the security barriers there are quiet avenues, shaded by the canopy of trees. The great neighborhoods (Fort the foremost) are mostly high security, but any private home with a garden can be an oasis. If you look down on Colombo for above (but not within 2 km of the PresidentA?a??a??s house!) youA?a??a??ll see that itA?a??a??s still quite green. The city is packed with people, but itA?a??a??s also full of trees and flowers and fruit. If you drive out of Colombo you can be in paddy in no time, which is really quite a luxury.

Sri Lanka is still not the most culturally fertile (both locally and internationally) but what it may lack in the quality of its music, arts and theatre, it makes up for in community. The theatre is still an opportunity to see and be seen, and every school event or fundraiser or dinner will be packed. People take their sports very seriously, and their schools, and the arts. Some of the events are pointless but – besides the point – there is a concept of fellowship which is quite sweet.

That can also get a bit cliquey, but then you can always go back out into nature and the stars are simply there and you can fit into any constellation you please. If you get hot you can swim and if you get hungry you can always find a pang and pol sambol somewhere. You can climb the hills, you can hike, you can see leopards and any number of things which are package tours for the rest of the world. And we live here.

At this time of national insecurity, we should try to remember why we live here at all, and why expats keep coming back. This is a great country. Great like eating rice with your fingers. ItA?a??a??s a big messy treat that makes you sweat and suffer, and you canA?a??a??t help but love it. Sri Lanka isnA?a??a??t a tourist destination or A?a??E?paradise lostA?a??a?? or anything so mundane. ItA?a??a??s a beautiful place whose failings make it human, and thus lovable. And itA?a??a??s OK to love your country, whatever your position on the war.

source:
http://www.indi.ca/2008/09/know-hope/

Security beefed up in Pottuville

Published on 22/09/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

By Yohan Perera andSenaka De Silva

Security was tightened in Pottuvil after the sudden death of a Muslim youth who was being held in the Monaragala remand prison, police said.

The victim 24-year-old A. Saleem and Buy minocycline tablets 18 others were arrested by the Pottuvil police two weeks ago while cutting firewood in a forest at Etimale in Potuvil.The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress which expressed concern over the killing alleged that the victim had been beaten to death by the police. SLMC General Secretary Hassan Ali told the Daily Mirror that the police had allegedly forced him to admit that he was involved with the LTTE.

Mr. Ali said the victim had only gone to the forest to cut firewood for his livelihood when he was arrested by the police. A?a??A?Forcing one to agree to their point to justify their conduct has been a usual practice with the police,A?a??A? he said.

He said the victim had been killed during an interrogation carried out by the police while he was in prison

The SLMC General Secretary said the party had advised mosque authorities in the area to provide information on the killing to them after which the matter would be taken up with the government.

Pottuvil police Inspector Sena Suraweera said 19 people including Saleem were arrested for cutting firewood illegally. They had been remanded by the courts later. Mr. Suraweera said he Buy etodolac 500 had fainted while in prison and was admitted to the Monaragala Hospital where he had died.

Police said the suspects were arrested on suspicion that they were supplying food to the LTTE cadres who were hiding in the forest.

Meanwhile Police Spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera said he had not received any report about such an incident.

Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Chandana Kumara who carried out the post mortem decided to send parts of the body to the Government Analyst.

source:
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=26869

Jellyfish Updates

Published on 22/09/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, people, press coverage, services and the bay. 1 Comment

The Jellyfish issue has caused a controversy at Arugam Bay Cheap cefixime .
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An older story and background information has been published here on 20/July/2008:
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Press Freedom?

Published on 18/09/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008

2 journalists threatened in Ampara
Colombo Times

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Two journalists covering a protest against the TNA in Ampara this morning (Sept. 17th) were threatened by a person who claimed himself to be a coordinating secretary to Minister Myown Mustafa. Buy nizoral in canada A?A?

Correspondents Wasantha Chandrapala of BBC Sandeshaya and Achala Upendra of Swarnavahini have complained to the SSP of Ampara of the incident at Saindamarudu town.

Meanwhile, the Free Media Movement led Five Media has strongly condemned the threat issued to the two regional journalists.

They said in a statement that this was yet another assault on the people’s right to information.

It called on the government to conduct a proper inquiry and requested parties concerned to allow regional correspondents to engage in their profession with respect.

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Okanda: Just 28km South of Arugam Bay

Published on 16/09/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage, Security & Safety, stop over Ideas and the bay. 1 Comment

Ukanta Malai Velayudha Swami Temple, Okanda

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Teertham at Ukanta Malai
Teertham at Ukanta Malai
Pada Yatra pilgrims stand before Ukanta Malai Velayudha Swami Temple [16k]
Above: Pada Yatra pilgrims stand before Ukanta Malai Velayudha Swami Temple before offering service to excavate silted teerthams (below at left).

At the foothill ofA?A? Buy shallaking Okanda MalaiA?A?is theA?A?VA?A?lA?A?yuta CuvA?A?miA?A?orA?A?Kanta CuvA?A?mi Temple, dedicated to God Skanda. Here, like atA?A?Valli MalaiA?A?in India, Lord Murukan occupies the foot of the hill, while his sweetheart Valli occupies the peak. Symbolically, at theseA?A?sakti peethams, Lord Murukan accepts His position at the feet of Valli Amma, as Her servant and devotee.

Okanda Malai, a remote rock-hill on the coast at the intersection of the Eastern and Southern Provinces, has been referred by tradition as one of the places where Emperor Ravana halted for worship on his journeys from Lankapuri to Koneswaram. The theme of taking rest is reflected in the nameA?A?Ukantai, for it is said that here Lord Murukan and others ‘sat down’ (utkantA?A?r) and rested.

Okanda Hill top has by long tradition been cited as one of the places where a divineA?A?katirA?A?from Lord Skanda struck. Veddas preserved the sanctity of the place with a simple shrine of stick and ola leaves. According to another myth, the third ray from VA?A?kura Hill reached here and came to rest on this hilltop, making it a favorite site for Murukan worship. There is yet a third myth according to which, Valli and Murukan arrived in separate stone boats (which still rest on the beach) to reside on top of the Ukantai Malai. The temple is located along the eastern shores of the country, along which the pilgrims walk to KatirkA?A?mam. In places like PA?A?nama and Kumana, which are close to Ukantai, Tamils and Sinhalese lived in harmony even down to the present day.

Temple Structure
Valli Malai gets its name after the Valli Amman temple on this hillock. An image of PillayA?A?r and a VA?A?l are also found in this temple. The temple for Murukan is small and is only about three feet high. In front of this temple instead of Murukan’s vA?A?kanam the Mayil or peacock there is the rat or shrew, the vA?A?kanam for PillayA?A?r. Close to these temples is a platform under the tree with a fixed vA?A?l, and this may have been the original focus of worship.

In front of Valli Amman temple on top of the Valli Malai rock hillock are eight natural waterholes in the rock. One of these is referred to as Caravana Poikai; all are said to have been sunk during the Vanniyar rule. The entire hillock is said to have 32 natural waterholes, from which pilgrims traditionally draw tA?A?rtham water and pour it over themselves to obtain the blessings of goddess Valli who is believed to bath in the same pools, not only in ancient times but to this very day.

Worship
Regular pA?A?jas are conducted year round by the lone resident pA?A?cari and annual festivals are held for fifteen days; the last day falls on the new moon in July. The worship pattern is of folk tradition;t on the first day of the festival the flag is hoisted, but there is no Kotitambam.

During the procession, the VA?A?l is carried in a tray dressed in silk, and hence referred to as Pattu CA?A?mi. At the end of the water-cutting ceremony, the procession goes to Valli NA?A?cciyar shrine. Here milk rice is cooked by a few selected people and offered to the gods. Ascetics are said to reside in the hillocks scattered along the seashore. A prominent samA?A?dhi or final resting place is said to be the resting place of one of the famous ascetics who lived here.

It is noteworthy that at Okanda Malai, as atA?A?Valli MalaiA?A?in South India, Lord Skanda’s abode is at the foot of the hill while His divine sweetheart, Goddess Valli Amman, occupies the summit. This is as though to express silently the fact that at these divine places Lord Skanda places Himself at the feet of Valli Amman, whose station, as it were, is more exalted than that of Lord Skanda Himself.Even today, Okanda remains as a remote jungle shrine, in part due to its geographical location and partly due to the long ethnic conflict, which has made access to Okanda more difficult and even dangerous than ever. However, development work has resumed as of 1999, including the restoration of the ruined 20-mile jungle road from Panama the nearest inhabited village, and the immanent completion of a new temple for Lord VA?A?lA?A?yudha SwA?A?mi.

For information about efforts to preserve the sanctity of Okanda Malai and its traditions, see this detailed article by theA?A?Living Heritage TrustA?A?or go to the home page of theKataragama Devotees Trust.

Information on this page is taken fromA?A?
“Skanda-Murukan cult in Eastern Sri Lanka: Continuity and Change”A?A?by N. Shanmugalingam.
See also:A?A?
Sacred sites of Lanka map
Directory of Murugan Bhakti ashramsA?A?
home

Traditions
Features
Sacred Space
Research Articles
Resources

source:
http://www.kataragama.org/centers/okanda.

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Attraction in Sri Lanka …. Arugambay

Published on 15/09/2008 in Blogs, press coverage, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

Sri Lanka indeed seems to be an exciting tourist destination among all the others destinations in South Asia and is also renowned for its ancient monuments, as well as other nature spots such as beaches, lakes, mountains and even museum galleries. This country has all that it takes to sooth your souls with all its charm that it exhibits and engulfs. So just in case, you want to see and experience an unusual vacation then this seem to be the best place leaving you behind all those lush green memories.

Historical monuments and landmarks seem to be the best visiting tourist spots in Sri Lanka, as most of them are located in its capital town, Colombo. Moreover, itA?a??a??s also the financial hub of the country and is dotted with several nature spots and tourist attractions. There are many notable visiting ancient sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Aluvihara and even Mihintale. Colombo is the present capital of the country, while Anuradhapura was the previous one.

Amongst all the natural spots in this country, beaches occupy a leading place, since there are many beautiful beaches, which are a good blend of sun and sand. This beautiful combination of the sun and sand has all it takes to make you feel like spending all your life on those beaches. The cool breezes, along with those gusting waves are some of the thoughts that one can never forget. Some of the famous beaches that are really worth visiting are kalutara, Bentota, Mount Lavina and Arugam Bay.

And itA?a??a??s not only beaches and coasts that Sri Lanka is famous for, but there are other such nature spots too that would rob you of all your stress and worries, giving your some calm and peace. Sri Lanka is also a home for a number of waterfalls, rivers and lakes, which also seem to be included amongst its primary highlights. All those splendid waterfalls are among the best sought after tourist attractions that are located in those dense lush green forest and woods in Sri Lanka.

These waterfalls that are found in the forest are among all those that fall from great heights and indeed are a feast to your eyes. And itA?a??a??s not only the beaches that are worth seeing but also these waterfalls that are famous too, such as the Diyaluma waterfall, the Kirindi waterfall, the Bambarakande waterfall and St. Claries are some of the best in the country.

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source:
http://dynamicslanka.com/attraction-in-sri-lanka-seychelles.html

Off to Tokyo. Arugam Bay

Published on 15/09/2008 in Money Matters, people, press coverage and services. 0 Comments


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Eastern Province Chief Minister and Deputy Minister of Tourism to attend JATA Travel Fair in Japan

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Asian Tribune
Colombo, 15 September, (Asiantribune.com):A?A?Under the new policy introduced by Ministry of Tourism, Chief Minister and the Minister of Tourism of Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan Kumarasamy is joining the delegation, headed by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faiszer Mustapha, to participate at Japan Association of Travel Agents – Travel Mart (JATA), one of the largest international travel fairs in Asia, to be held in Tokyo Big Sight from September 18 to 21.

His participation at JATA is in line with the policy of the Ministry of Tourism, that is, to share the resources and expertise with all the provinces for better exposure of the countryA?a??a??s tourism being a concurrence subject.

According to the Ministry policy to involve the Provincial Councils in tourism development, Sri Lanka Tourism on two occasions offered the Chief Ministers of Southern and Central Province to attend travel fairs overseas.

This is sequel to a decision taken by Milinda Moragoda Minister of Tourism in leveraging Tourism resources in true sense from centre to provinces, allowing Provincial Tourism Authorities to gain foreign exposure as central agencies do.

During the Ministers first year in office in 2007, he decided to request Southern Provincial Chief Minister & Tourism Minister Shan Wijelal de Silva to attend 2007 ITB in place of him. In 2008 Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake participation at ITB in Berlin and he pointed out to media after the participation at the fair that although in the earlier days Sri Lanka only had the beach but now the country has so many aspects and purposes for the tourists to come. A?a??A?In the central province there is trekking and so many other new ideas and we will work together with the Tourism Ministry he further added.

A?a??A?Eastern Province Chief MinisterA?a??a??s participation at the JATA Travel Mart is vital because, East has lots to offer as a destination and several events have been planned to promote this province, and places like Nilaveli, Arugambay, Pottuvil resorts are earmarked for developments with construction of rooms and other facilities,A?a??A? said Deputy Minister of Tourism.

He further added that the Chief Minister of Eastern Province would be meeting the media and the travel agents in Japan to share his experiences and work towards development programmes of the Province.

A?a??A?His visit is justifiable with the concurrent development of the country, to promote the demands of the provinces,A?a??A? he said.

During his visit, he will also be attending the opening ceremony Sri Lanka Culture and Heritage Exhibition at Tokyo Museum on. The Chief Minister will be accompanied by Mr. M. Ninzer (Azad Moulana) and Mr. K. Nanthakopan (Ragu).

JATA WTF is held annually since 2003, comprising of two complementary events- a travel congress and exhibition. The World Tourism Congress is a marketing conference structured around a key theme in travel and tourism.

JATA World Travel Fair is both a trade show for travel industry professionals to exchange information and build relationships, and a consumer travel fair where exhibitors can showcase travel products and appeal directly to potential Japanese travelers. This fair will serve to stimulate Japanese travel demand and launch new travel trends.

– Asian Tribune –

source:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/13253

Paddle4relief Presents Current Top US Artist

Published on 15/09/2008 in Blogs, Ideas, parties, people, press coverage, presse-deutsch, Security & Safety, surf, taxis and the bay. 0 Comments

September 14th, 2008

Paddle for Relief

After 2 successful Paddle4relief music gigs, P4R are returning to A?a??A?The AggiA?a??A?, Braunton, with a headliner all the way from the USA. The Tom Fuller Band, plus support from local bands and artists will show off their talent on Saturday 20th September. The P4R music events are getting bigger every year with more and more people supporting the charity whilst enjoying the sounds of live acoustic, blues, indie, punk and rock music. The local charity has it nailed when it comes to putting a show together. The Tom Fuller Band The Tom Fuller Band are a rock outfit from Chicago, US, yet seem much more British in their delivery. They have that certain humour and tongue in cheek approach that bands from this side of the water seem to have mastered. Vocal harmonies are very much in comparisons with the Beatles, and I suppose, the Beach Boys, and they are not afraid to dabble in the realms of pop before returning to a more melodic rock approach The Tom Fuller Band gives new meaning to melodic classic pop rock music. His heartfelt inspiration of life experiences come through in the classic soft rock music he writes and sings. Each melodic rock tune on his CD LP A?a??A?CHASING AN ILLUSIONA?a??A? represents a classical contemporary pop rock music sound that invokes emotion that can be felt in each melodic verse. Plus Support Mendella Mendella are a five piece band from North Devon, after their return from Belgium, they are ready to A?a??A?On Top Of The WorldA?a??A?. This electrically energetic band entertains all ages and is building a strong relationship with all listeners. What they lack in age, they make up for in musical ability and performance experience. They have a wide and varied spectrum of influences that blend into their own style of punk rock. Toby Parker on drums, Chappell on lead guitar, Jude Davies on bass, Green Jay on guitar and Butters vocals always wins the crowds over with their confidence and British rock culture. Douglas E Powell Douglas E PowellA?a??a??s eclectic mix of acoustic guitar and harmonious vocals is certainly a good fit in the West Country. His music aura turns everyoneA?a??a??s attention to the stage embracing the crowdA?a??a??s hearts. The mix of Americana and folk music sends out a comforting yet reflective message to the ear. There is depth and meaning to the songs and you find yourself trying to identify the mood of each tune. Becky Loney Becky enjoys singing soul and jazzy tunes and exploring vocal harmonies but also loves working on different projects that enable her to experiment with different styles of music. Her soulful sound sends chills down your spine. Becky has been performing as a professional singer for the past nine years and has been fortunate enough to have experienced a very colourful career. She has been involved in a variety of musical projects from dance bands, duos, trios on ships and various other venues to touring and recording with original bands. The Chimps with Lipsticks Aydan, Ben, Kiya, Ollie and Sam are members that are not shy to Indie, rock and acoustic talent on the stage, with their local fan base; it is always a full house. They have flare and charisma to fire you up for a pure rock night. Their success has been evident finishing in the top 3 of A?a??A?The Battle of the BandsA?a??A?.

Most importantly, the money that P4R raises from the music gigs that have been held this year will be taken back to the little fishing village known as Arugam Bay, on the South East Coast of Sri Lanka. The development in the village has been overwhelming. Tim Tanton has rebuilt new schools, cabanas, tea rooms, also formed a swimming club for the children to rebuild their confidence back. Most recently designed and implemented a new water supply project with well renovations. The rebuilding of this beautiful community would not be possible without the support and commitment of people all across the UK. P4R have raised A?A?5,000 since January this year. Please join us in celebrating the hard work and efforts and enjoy an electric rock night. A?a??A?The AggiA?a??A? Braunton Saturday 20th September 2008 7pm -12pm Entry Filed under: Musical Line Up, The AGGI SESSIONS

source:
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East to be showcased at Japanese fair

Published on 14/09/2008 in Money Matters, press coverage, services and the bay. 0 Comments


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East to be showcased at Japanese fair
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A Government delegation for a major trade fair in Japan this week, where the Eastern Province would be showcased as a prime tourism destination in Sri Lanka, includes Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesaturai Chadrakanthan.

It would be the first overseas trip for the former rebel turned politician who assumed the post of Chief Minister in May this year. Deputy Tourism Minister Faizer Mustapha who will be part of the delegation said that the Eastern PC CM is being included in the delegation as part of the Tourism MinistryA?a??a??s continuous policy of tourism promotion as the subject is on the concurrent list of the Provincial Councils.

A?a??A?We have a continuous policy of working with the Chief Ministers of the provinces and the Southern province and Central province ministers had accompanied us for trade fairs earlier,A?a??A? he said. He added that since the Government is giving specific focus to the East now and Arugam Bay has been a surfing destination for the Japanese, the East would be spotlighted at this trade fair, which is one of the largest trade fairs in Asia.

The delegation will also include the Chief MinisterA?a??a??s private secretary Kumaraswamy Nandakoban and TMVP spokesman M.M.M.Anzeer. The trade fair will begin on September 19.

source:

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080914/News/sundaytimesnews_16.html

Drawing the A?a??E?ultra-richA?a??a?? tourist to ….Arugam (?)

Published on 14/09/2008 in Money Matters, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

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By Natasha Gunaratne
The Ministry of Tourism is embarking on an ambitious project to attract ‘ultra-rich’ tourists to the luxury accommodations on 14 islands in the Kalpitiya Dutch Bay Region with golf courses, amusement parks, observation towers and even a full-fledged international airport for which an airstrip has already been earmarked in Pallavi close to the naval base.

The total investment is expected to be US$4 billion. According to the Ministry which held a press conference this past week to explain the ‘Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Development Project’, Sri Lanka will stand to benefit significantly in terms of employment, infrastructure development and to make tourism the number one foreign exchange earner in the country.

The Ministry is seeking cabinet approval for a business model which will serve as an investor guide by mid-October. The Cabinet will also be responsible fore appointing a technical evaluation committee (TEC) and a cabinet appointed tender board (CATB). Requests for proposals (RFP’s) should commence in mid-November. The project will be a public private partnership (PPP), expected to start in the early part of 2009 and will finish 5 years from the date of commencement. The islands are connected to the mainland by sand bars and the Ministry is planning on constructing bridges with a ferry service from Puttalam.

The Kalpitiya project is meant to create a new, exclusive tourism destination in South Asia and according to the Ministry, is probably the best opportunity for the future of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and a solution for Kalpitiya regional development. Secretary to the Ministry Mr. George Michael said 12 of the 14 islands, surpassing 4000 acres of land have already been acquired. Mr. Michael said the process was fast tracked by Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda who got cabinet approval for a high powered steering committee which is headed by former diplomat Bernard Goonetilleke. A separate project office for Kalpitiya has also been set up and is headed by Prasad Galhena, project director.

Mr. Galhena said the Kalpitya project is completely eco-friendly with sustainable power generation and consumption, green technology, green building design. The islands will feature luxury accommodations and condominiums. He said the project will increase annual tourist arrivals by an additional 1 million and increase average spending by four fold. It will create 15,000 jobs through direct employment and 50,000 jobs through indirect employment.

Standards of living for the 1500 families in the area are expected to improve. The Ministry stressed that there will not be any displacement of communities and no resettlement. Road development, water and electricity, police stations and hospitals as well as the airport is aimed at boosting the infrastructure to create a mini city.

Mr. Goonetilleke said Sri Lanka has not exploited even one percent of its tourist potential. The stabilization of the eastern province has allowed for development of the eastern shores with planned projects such as Nilaveli and Arugam Bay. He said he expects the ultra-rich market in the Gulf to come to Kalpitiya as well as Indian tourists who have so far only come to Sri Lanka for shopping and very short stays.

Mr. Goonetilleke explained that there will be between 4,000 to 5,000 rooms in Kalpitiya with an average of 4, 5 or even 6 service personnel per room to guarantee luxury service. He also reassured other resort areas that their business will not be affected but that Kalpitya will serve as a magnet to pull in the tourists and disperse them to Colombo and other hot spots.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) Renton de Alwis said the SLTB has several plans for the East and are encouraging private sector investments. Pasikudah is a high end eco-friendly development meant to attract surfers. He said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting in the development of Kalkudah around the concept of ‘rooms in homes’ where the entire area would be identified as a resort with quality control assurances. This concept goes beyond the traditional resort definition of hotels but would still serve tourists who want to experience the local culture.

Mr. de Alwis said the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Sri Lanka Transport Board is painting two buses which travel from Colombo to Panama as a promotional campaign for Arugam Bay. The buses will be operational in three to four weeks.
source:
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080914/FinancialTimes/ft340.html
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Wonderful …. Arugam

Published on 14/09/2008 in Blogs, front page, people, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008

Arugam bay

A seven hour drive from Colombo to south east, approximately 320 km, take you toA?A?the famous surfing bay of Arugam which is located remote south east part of Sri Lanka close to pottuvil, a famous tourists destination . The pottuvil town, a 4km drive for the bay, is closest town center with majority muslism living in the area. Arugam bay is surrounded by a thick band of jungle about 70 km wide, roaming with wild elephants , tigers and birds , making it a paradise for tourism. Among those jungles are Lahugala National Park which is about 10 miles inland abounded with birdlife migrates to its wetlands and the hugeA?A?YalaA?A?National ParkA?A?which starts about 20 miles to the south.A?A?ArugamA?A?BayA?A?is also the gateway and only access to theA?A?YalaEastA?A?National Park.

On an average day, a wave can stretch as long as 150-300 meters and in a perfect day it could expand up to 500 meters. There are three break points surrounding the arugam bay “The Point”, “Pottuvil Point” and “Crocodile Rock”.

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source:
http://zerendibes.blogspot.com/2008/09/arugam-bay.html

Seven bodies found in Moneragala jungle

Published on 14/09/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

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Purchase micronase generic name The bodies of seven farmers with gunshot and cut injuries were found in a jungle in Kotiyagala in Siyambalagamuwa,A?A? Moneragala, yesterday, police said.Defence Ministry sources, quoting the police, said that civilians in Thahanattakanda in Bintenna had found seven male bodies with gunshot and cut injuries last afternoon and informed the police.

The ministry blamed the LTTE for the killings.

The source said the police, during their investigations, had found four bodies lying on a tractor trailer with wounds caused by bullets fired from a T-56 riffle and another three bodies on the tractor itself with pistol wounds.

A?a??A?Three of those civilians had been shot with pistols near the tractor they were using for cultivation work. The other four civilians had been shot with T-56 rifles from 500metres away,A?a??A? it said.

A?a??A?Police suspect that a group of LTTE terrorists infiltrated into the jungle and carried out the massacre during the morning hours,A?a??A? the source said.

These bodies were noticed when a group of villagers went to the jungle last morning. They had immediately informed the police. Later a special police team with Special Task Force personnel went to the scene, police said.

Police and troops are making arrangements with regard to judicial inquiries and other formalities.

Following the recovery of the bodies, a massive search operation was launched in the area.

Meanwhile, the three persons who were abducted last week by an unidentified armed gang, while collecting honey in the jungle off Alavai in Pottuvil, had not returned yet, police said.

The security forces had launched a search operation in the area to trace the three men, after a complaint was lodged with the Pottuvil police on Tuesday, by a person who was with the victims and avoided abduction.

source:

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=26076

Viceroy’s Phone dropped at Arugam Bay

Published on 12/09/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage and stop over Ideas. 0 Comments

Blurry Visions

Renagel order

The train heading back home.

Mentat cost

Every now and then the sea demands an offering of some technology. A camera, iPod, phone, Poseidon wants something. Last time I dropped my phone in Arugam Bay. My camera has also been having recurring acid flashbacks. This time I flipped a jet ski in the Bentota River and lost my glasses. The curious thing about not being able to see far behind your nose is that it kinda makes one more kindly disposed towards people. EveryoneA?a??a??s a sort of warm and fuzzy blob and anyone getting within conversational distance gets a dumb smile until I can figure out who they are. I also find myself listening and thinking more. ItA?a??a??s an interesting altered state, for a while.

I could still take photos and then see the world in focus on that screen. That, alas, was also compromised because my camera is really screwed up and hallucinates these messy striations. But it was an interesting (office/conference) trip down south on the private Viceroy Train, then a day at Bentota. I was in the water most of the time at Bentota, but got some randomly interesting shots on the train.

The TrainA?a??a??s Crest, methinks

The Viceroy Special is a private train that you can charter. We chartered it for this GSMA AP Conference, and it was not charter at all. ItA?a??a??s A/CA?a??a??d and quite comfortable, and theyA?a??a??re serving you food and stuff throughout. I was sleepy on the way down, but on the way up it was really a quite pleasant way to travel.

ItA?a??a??s certainly more comfortable than the other means of travel, that being common train. Those are packed and hot and the foods not so good. I think the Railways Corp is actually a money losing enterprise as well.

As you can see from above, my camera now has a systematic problem with light. Certain levels cause it to spaz, giving these horizontal lines and striations. In this case the picture window is messed up, whereas the frame is not.

People live along the railtracks, in technically illegal shanties. You can see their houses stacked like matchboxes as you pass. People wash at shared taps and kids run about as you casually picture window through their backyards.

You can have coffee.

Get a lovely view of the sunset.

Through the lavatory window even.

Just after we passed Mount Lavinia a bomb exploded there, a minor one I hear. We got to Fort Railway station fine, though that place is still tinted with the memories of the rush-hour bomb not long ago. Colombo feels a bit still and there are unuttered stirrings in the north. Such is life. Sometimes its better to have your glasses off.

The rest of the photos are taggedA?A?A?a??E?viceroyA?a??a?? on Flickr.

source:
http://www.indi.ca/2008/09/blurry-visions/

Arugam Bay – World’s Best ….

Published on 11/09/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and surf. 0 Comments

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

Arubam Bay – World Best Surfing destination

Arugam BayA?A?was awarded the Highly Commended Best Destination award at the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony at Excel in Docklands, London on 14th November 14, 2007. Out of the thousands of nominations received, Costa Rica and New Forest were the other two nominees.


Arugam BayA?A?is classed among the top ten surfing destinations in the worldA?A?A? The village itself is a delightful experience. There are no big hotels. The community has developed tourism by dint of their own hard work and imagination.Three star establishments rub shoulders with low-key stilt cabins and coconut palm leaf cabanas, and tourists share the beach with local fishermen.The wild and rugged scenery, elephants meandering at the edge of the village, abundant birdlife, and mysterious archaeological sites have made this a long-time favourite destination for travellers.The three ethnic groups – Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, work and live in harmony. The population of 3,000 families is made up mostly of small family managed hotels/guest houses and restaurants.

POSTED BYA?A?SANJAYA BANDARA Average cost of sinemet
source:
http://zerendibes.blogspot.com/2008/09/arubam-bay-world-best-surfing.html

AT Elimite without prescription A?A?10:59 PM

Lahugala Park

Published on 11/09/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

Styplon price

Size 1,554 hectares
Main attraction Large herds of elephants
 

The Lahugala Park was initially declared a sanctuary on 1 st July 1966 and then upgraded to a national park on 1 st October 1980. Although this is one of the smallest national parks in the country, this is a popular location for elephant enthusiasts and bird watchers.

There are 3 tanks within the park. They are, Lahugala (243ha), Kitulana and Sengamuwa. The water from these tanks flow in to the Heda Oya. These tanks are largely silted up and support an abundance of Beru grass, which is a delicacy for elephants. These lakes also support a large variety of birds, local as well as migratory.


Being in the dry zone, the land is generally flat with occasional boulder formations. In addition to the elephants, the park is home to the endemic toque macaque, common languor, sloth bear, jackal, rusty spotted cat, fishing cat, leopard, wild bear, Indian muntjac, spotted deer, sambar, pangolin and black naped hare. The tanks and the surround area has become nestling places for wetland birds like pelican, purple heron, painted stork, lesser adjutant stork, white bellied sea eagle, grey headed fishing eagle, common kingfisher, stork billed kingfisher and white breasted kingfisher. Endemic comb duck, rare red-faced malkoha and Sri Lankan Spur fowl too can be seen the park.

There is no accommodation in the park it self, but Pothuvil and Monaragala can be used as the base when visiting the park.

On the nor then edge of the park is the Magul Maha Viharaya, an ancient temple built by king Devanmpiyathissa in the second century BC. This is said to be the location the king married princess Vihara Maha Devi. The foundations of the A?a??A?Magul maduwaA?a??A? where the wedding ceremony took place can still be seen in the vihara premises. The entire Vihara complex had covered an extent of around 10,000 acres where ruins of a palace, moonstone, monastery, bo-maluwa, stupas, ponds etc. are found scattered all over. The moonstone here is said to be unique in the country as this is the only location where elephants are carved with their mahouts in the moonstone.

Location

Lahugala National park lies in the basin of the Heda Oya, 16km inland from the coastal town of Pottuvil in the Monaragala District. The Pottuvil-Monaragala trunk road runs through the south-eastern sector of the park. It is 2 km off the main Monaragala A?a??a?? Pottuvil road some 5 km from Pottuvil.

Posted by Purchase unisom sleeping Rithika’s Hideout at 11:20:00 AM

source:
http://rithikashideout.blogspot.com/2008/09/lahugala-kitulana-national-park.html

Ps: No Photos found on their web site!

Arugam, Lahugala: Wildlife Conservation Society

Published on 11/09/2008 in Blogs, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society is selected to receive a
prestigious Equator Prize 2008 by the United Nations Development
Programme

The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society has been chosen by the
UNDPA?a??a??s Equator InitiativeA?a??a??s Technical Advisory Committee as one of
25 outstanding winners of the Equator Prize 2008. The Equator Prize is
an international award that honors community-based projects that
represent outstanding efforts to reduce poverty through the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

In their award notification the UNDP states, A?a??A?The level of
competition for the prize was extremely high and the depth of
nominations received was truly impressive. Among this yearA?a??a??s
remarkable entries, you provided us with a strong demonstration of the
inventiveness of community-based work currently being undertaken in
the tropics, often against tremendous odds. By receiving an Equator
Prize, the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society now joins an
increasingly influential avant-garde of 78 previous Equator Prize
winners that stand at the forefront of translating local action into
global sustainable development.A?a??A? According to Eileen de Ravin, the
head of the Equator Initiative of the UNDP, the Sri Lanka Wildlife
Conservation Society will now become an essential part of a core
global network of Equator Prize winners whose work will be enhanced
and promoted by the UNDPA?a??a??s Equator Initiative.

The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society states, receiving an
Equator Prize reflects the tremendous support the Society has received
from organizations such as the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA), International Elephant
Foundation and several other organizations over the years. These are
all organizations that share a similar vision to the SocietyA?a??a??s,
which is to develop a new paradigm for sustainable development and
biodiversity conservation, and it has been a great experience working
with them all. The Society has received felicitations from the First
Secretary, (Development) of the Canadian High Commission and the Asian
Elephant Conservation Fund Program officer of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service for been selected to receive an Equator Prize. The Regional
Manager for Global Vision International (one of our partner volunteer
companies) notes “Congratulations on the well-deserved award, itA?a??a??s
great to see the work you guys do get some recognition and I really
feel this is a huge credit to the huge effort made by all at SLWCS as
well as the volunteers and supporters who help push forward the
sustainable development initiatives you guys lead. From a personal
point of view IA?a??a??m also very proud to work with SLWCS, as having been
out to visit (albeit briefly) I have have seen the dedication and
long-term perspective that you have in place”

Ravi Corea, the founder president and CEO of the Sri Lanka Wildlife
Conservation Society, will receive the award in Barcelona, Spain on
behalf of the Society at an award ceremony that is been held during
the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place in Barcelona, from
October 6-10th.

Details about the award and the societies work can be found at
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment tegretol dose www.SLWCS.org,A?A?info@slwcs.orgA?A?or call on 011-2714710 or 0777-885330.
The SLWCS office is at 38 Auburn Side, Dehiwala.

source:
www.SLWCS.org, Purchase trileptal oxcarbazepine A?A?info@slwcs.org