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{{Short description|Town in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
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{{Unreferenced|date=October 2008}} {{EngvarB |date=May 2017}}
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{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
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<!-- Basic info ----------------> <!-- Basic info ---------------->
|name = Arugam Bay |name = Arugam Bay
|web = www.astravels.me.uk
|native_name =
|settlement_type = Town |settlement_type = Town
|image_skyline = Arugam bay beach.jpg |image_skyline = Beach of Arugam Bay.jpg
|image_size = 300px |image_size = 300px
|image_caption = Beach of Arugam Bay |image_caption = Beach of Arugam Bay
| nickname = Arugam Kudah
|pushpin_map = Sri Lanka |pushpin_map = Sri Lanka
|coordinates = {{coord|6|51|N|81|50|E|display=inline,title}} |coordinates = {{coord|6|51|N|81|50|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Sri Lanka
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| subdivision_name1 = ]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = ]
| subdivision_type3 = ]
| subdivision_name3 = ]
}} }}
'''Arugam Bay''' ({{langx|ta|அறுகம் குடா}}, ]: ආරුගම් බොක්ක​), known locally as "Arugam Kudah", is situated on the ] in the dry zone of ]'s southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient ] (Mattakallappu Desam). Arugam Kudah's literal Tamil translation is "Bay of ]".
]
]
'''Arugam Bay''' (({{lang-ta|ஆருகம் குட}})), known locally as "Arugam Kudah", is a bay situated on the ] in the dry zone of ]'s southeast coast. The bay is located {{convert|117|km}} south of ], {{convert|320|km}} due east of ], and approximately {{convert|4|km}} south of the market town of ]. The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is predominantly ],<ref>http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7717.2008.01058.x/abstract</ref> however there is a significant ] and ] population to the south of the village, as well as a number of international migrants, largely from Europe and Australia. While traditionally fishing has dominated the local economy, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years. Arugam Kudah's literal Tamil translation is "Bay of ]". Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality breaks in the area, however tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby ]


==History== == Geography ==
The bay is located {{convert|117|km}} south of ], {{convert|320|km}} due east of ], and approximately {{convert|4|km}} south of the market town of ].
Many of the buildings were destroyed in the ]. The Government's Ministry of Defense CCD (Coastal Conservation Department) created what is now described as Arugam's second "Tsunami" at the end September 2011 when all beach side structures were demolished by bulldozers. Due to its popularity among tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only. As late as 2011 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community. Although there is a huge demand for an international school, one huge new building donated by the people of Japan remains largely unoccupied since the grand 'opening' ceremony in 2007.


⚫ The nearby ({{convert|4|km}}) Muslim village of ] is the center of commerce and transportation while tourist accommodations lie along the beach to the south of Pottuvil Arugam Bay ({{convert|4|km}}) is also the gateway and the only road access to the Yala East National Park. In {{convert|2.2|km}} distance there is ]. This area is known as Kumana ({{convert|44|km}}), to be reached via the Tamil/Sinhalese settlement of ] ({{convert|17|km}}) and the Tamil shires at ] ({{convert|32|km}}). The local area is home to a number of elephants, often travelling between ] and Kumana national parks.
The bay hosts a large fleet of fishing boats which operates off the beach. Many organizations donated boats after the tsunami and as a result there are far more fishing boats than ever before. The main beach is a bit dirty, compared to nearby beaches which are rather more aesthetically pleasing and also have excellent waves.


==Development== == Demographics ==
The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is predominantly ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Robinson |first1=Lyn |year=2008 |title=Post-disaster community tourism recovery: the tsunami and Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka |journal=Disasters |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=631–645 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-7717.2008.01058.x |pmid=18479472 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2008Disas..32..631R }}</ref> There is also a significant ] and ] population in Arugam Bay.<ref name="Srinivasan-2024" />
Many organizations claim to have done extensive work in the area. No notable progress can be observed locally and on close inspection, as late as New Year's Day, 2010. The main road, shown below in 2004 still looked the very same at the end of 2009. Despite calls for a walking street contractors have recently (September, 2010)completed construction of a fast trunk road through the hamlet. Repeating the mistakes made in other seaside tourist resorts such as Negombo and Hikkaduwa. US 'Mercy Corps' has been the most active of any organization. Funded by Oprah Winfrey's 'Angel Network', following a huge fund-raising TV series in the United States. Sadly, none of their projects survived the first year of operation. A new bridge has been constructed by USAID. It was opened for traffic in 2008. It replaced the 1960s, original landmark box girder construction linking Arugam Bay with Pottuvil. At the 312km mark on the main A4 (the famous Colombo High Level Rd. - PottuVille), an excellent shortcut side road exists, which ends up in the very middle of Arugam Bay itself. This picturesque drive avoids the dusty town of ] Also no bridges need to be crossed.


== Economy ==
The more long lasting development efforts have been carried out by a consortium of two Italian NGOs, 'ICEI' and 'Overseas', which are the only development agencies still present in 2013 in the area, working on responsible tourism and sustainable agriculture. As a legacy for the work carried out by these two NGO, a local organization, acting as a social business, has been established: '''Ecowave'''. Ecowave is currently managing an outlet in the main street of Arugam Bay, providing market opportunities to the farmers, and offering community tourism itineraries for travelers.
While fishing has traditionally dominated the local economy, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years.{{When|date=October 2024}} Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality breaks in the area; however, tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby ].


Much of the bay, as well as the neighbouring town of Pottuvil, were destroyed in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ratnatunga |first=Kavan |date=January 9, 2005 |title=Lost to the sea |url=https://lakdiva.org.lk/tsunami/arugambay.html |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=lakdiva.org.lk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-16 |title=Surviving the Tsunami at Arugam Bay |url=https://thuppahis.com/2023/03/17/surviving-the-tsunami-at-arugam-bay/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=Thuppahi's Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫ ==Surfing==
The Arugam Bay area is home to a number of quality surf breaks, the most popular of which being 'Main Point' located towards the south of the bay. This is a right hand point break, with a rock/reef bottom, and has a number of sections with occasional barrels. Other breaks in the area include Whiskey Point and Pottuvil Point to the north, and Elephant Rock, Peanut Farm and Okanda to the south. These breaks have attracted a steady stream of international tourists for several decades.
Arugam Bay has a good local surf scene and is home to some of Sri Lanka's most talented surfers and in recent years surfers from Arugam Bay have dominated national competitions.<ref>http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/surfing/events/1331635603143/red-bull-my-wave-sri-lanka</ref> In mid-2010 the ] hosted its first international surf contest in the Bay. The winner of such was Australian ] . ASP repeated their contest tour in 2011 added a women's competition to the men's long board championship at Arugam Bay.


=== Conflict between fishing and tourism ===
==Surrounding areas==
During the period of fighting between the central government and Tamil separatists tourism was fairly low key and the hotels often bought the catch of the fishermen.<ref>The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, p. 386</ref> As a result of the peace, tourism expanded and many fishing people who had moved to areas less touched by the conflict returned. Hotel owners began to complain about the smell of drying fish and how the fishing huts blocked their view.<ref>The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, pp. 386–7</ref> In the aftermath of the Tsunami fishing people were forbidden to return, officially on the grounds of safety but allegedly as a result of pressure from the hotel owners.<ref>The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, pp. 388–97</ref>
⚫ The nearby ({{convert|4|km}}) Muslim village of ] is the center of commerce and transportation while tourist accommodations lie along the beach to the south of Pottuvil Arugam Bay ({{convert|4|km}}) is also the gateway and the only road access to the Yala East National Park. In {{convert|2.2|km}} distance there is Pasarichenai Beach. This area is known as Kumana ({{convert|44|km}}), to be reached via the Sinhalese settlement of ] ({{convert|17|km}}) and the shires at Okanda ({{convert|32|km}}). The local area is home to a number of elephants, often travelling between ] and Kumana national parks.

=== Israeli tourism and businesses ===
Arugam Bay is a popular destination for Israeli tourists.<ref name="Srinivasan-2024" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-23 |title=US warns of attack threat in Sri Lanka surf haven popular with Israelis |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3283506/us-warns-attack-threat-sri-lanka-surf-haven-popular-israeli-tourists |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=] |language=en |agency=]}}</ref> Many eateries, spas and other retail outlets in the area display signs in ]. Israeli tourists have set up a ] in the area.<ref name="Srinivasan-2024">{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Meera |date=2024-10-23 |title=As Sri Lanka expresses solidarity with Palestine, Israeli tourists dominate island's scenic Arugam Bay |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/as-sri-lanka-expresses-solidarity-with-palestine-israeli-tourists-dominate-islands-scenic-arugam-bay/article68786687.ece |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> 20,515 Israeli tourists visited Sri Lanka between January and August 2024.<ref name="Srinivasan-2024" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 2024 |title=Israel issues travel warning to parts of Sri Lanka over terrorism threat |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/israel-issues-travel-warning-parts-sri-lanka-over-terrorism-threat-2024-10-23/ |access-date=October 26, 2024 |work=]}}</ref>

On 23 October 2024, ] increased security in Arugam Bay after being notified of a possible threat to Israeli tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Krishan |date=2024-10-23 |title=Sri Lanka police raise security at popular surf site over threat to Israelis |url=https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-israeli-tourists-arugam-bay-threat-6830ce9034e4efbc86bb6f578c593427 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> Troops were deployed and police patrols were increased near the Chabad house.<ref name="CBS News-2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-23 |title=Troops deployed to Jewish community center in Sri Lanka surfing town after U.S. warns of possible attack in area |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jewish-community-center-arugam-bay-sri-lanka-possible-attack/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> ] warned Israelis living in the area to leave immediately and to avoid large gatherings.<ref name="Ellis-Petersen-2024">{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=2024-10-23 |title=Israelis told to urgently leave Sri Lankan tourist areas after terrorist threat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/23/israelis-told-to-urgently-leave-sri-lankan-tourist-areas-arugam-bay-after-terrorist-threat |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The ] issued a travel warning for US citizens as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansler |first=Jennifer |date=2024-10-23 |title=US and Israel warn of potential attack on tourist locations in Sri Lanka |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/23/politics/us-israel-warn-potential-attack-sri-lanka/index.html |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>

Israel's warning came after calls on social media to boycott Israeli businesses in the area, reportedly due to anger in the ] at Israel's wars against ] and ].<ref name="CBS News-2024" /><ref name="Ellis-Petersen-2024" /> ] accused Israeli businesses of operating illegally in Sri Lanka and creating a "serious security threat that could derail Sri Lanka's tourism recovery efforts".<ref name="Ellis-Petersen-2024" />

On 24 October, three Sri Lankans were arrested over threats against Israeli tourists.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moses |first=Claire |date=October 24, 2024 |title=3 Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Possible Threats Against Israeli Tourists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/world/middleeast/sri-lanka-israel-us-warning-arugam-bay.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241024124743/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/world/middleeast/sri-lanka-israel-us-warning-arugam-bay.html |archive-date=October 24, 2024 |access-date=October 26, 2024 |work=]}}</ref>

⚫ == Surfing ==
{{Main|Surfing in Sri Lanka}}
] locations in ]]]
Arugam Bay is a popular surfing location<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Surf Atlas: Iconic Waves and Surfing Hinterlands|editor1=Klanten, Robert|editor2=Gartside, Luke|editor3=Flanagan, Rosie|publisher=]|date=2022|isbn=9783967040586}}</ref> and is also the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. It is also rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world, known as Ofek's main point. It has also hosted most of the international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lanka.com/events/surfing-in-arugam-bay/|title=Surfing in Arugam Bay|date=2014-01-01|website=Lakpura LLC|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-30|archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930175403/https://lanka.com/events/surfing-in-arugam-bay/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also hosted the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economynext.com/arugam-bay-world-surf-league-event-shows-sri-lanka-a-safe-destination-officials-24009/|title=Arugam Bay World Surf League shows Sri Lanka, a safe destination|website=Economy Next|access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_19B/Sep15_1568525691CH.php|title=So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is set to run from 25 Sep to 29 Sep|website=Colombo Page|access-date=23 September 2019}}</ref>

In October 2018, the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club registered with the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka, making it Sri Lanka's first female surf club. As of October 2024, the club has 13 members, many of whom are certified instructors trained with support from the Australian government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Meera |date=2024-10-24 |title=Sri Lanka's first female surf club at Arugam Bay breaks gender norms |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/sri-lankas-first-female-surf-club-at-arugam-bay-breaks-gender-norms/article68778419.ece |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Arugam Bay}} {{Wikivoyage|Arugam Bay}}

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Latest revision as of 13:16, 13 November 2024

Town in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Town in Eastern, Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay
Town
Beach of Arugam BayBeach of Arugam Bay
Nickname: Arugam Kudah
Arugam Bay is located in Sri LankaArugam BayArugam Bay
Coordinates: 6°51′N 81°50′E / 6.850°N 81.833°E / 6.850; 81.833
CountrySri Lanka
ProvinceEastern
DistrictAmpara
SecretariatPottuvil

Arugam Bay (Tamil: அறுகம் குடா, Sinhala: ආරුගම් බොක්ක​), known locally as "Arugam Kudah", is situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient Batticaloa Territory (Mattakallappu Desam). Arugam Kudah's literal Tamil translation is "Bay of Cynodon dactylon".

Geography

The bay is located 117 kilometres (73 mi) south of Batticaloa, 320 kilometres (200 mi) due east of Colombo, and approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the market town of Pottuvil.

The nearby (4 kilometres (2.5 mi)) Muslim village of Pottuvil is the center of commerce and transportation while tourist accommodations lie along the beach to the south of Pottuvil Arugam Bay (4 kilometres (2.5 mi)) is also the gateway and the only road access to the Yala East National Park. In 2.2 kilometres (1.4 mi) distance there is Pasarichenai Beach. This area is known as Kumana (44 kilometres (27 mi)), to be reached via the Tamil/Sinhalese settlement of Panama (Sri Lanka) (17 kilometres (11 mi)) and the Tamil shires at Okanda (32 kilometres (20 mi)). The local area is home to a number of elephants, often travelling between Lahugala and Kumana national parks.

Demographics

The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is predominantly Muslim. There is also a significant Sri Lankan Tamil and Sinhala population in Arugam Bay.

Economy

While fishing has traditionally dominated the local economy, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years. Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality breaks in the area; however, tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby Kumana National Park.

Much of the bay, as well as the neighbouring town of Pottuvil, were destroyed in the 2004 Tsunami.

Conflict between fishing and tourism

During the period of fighting between the central government and Tamil separatists tourism was fairly low key and the hotels often bought the catch of the fishermen. As a result of the peace, tourism expanded and many fishing people who had moved to areas less touched by the conflict returned. Hotel owners began to complain about the smell of drying fish and how the fishing huts blocked their view. In the aftermath of the Tsunami fishing people were forbidden to return, officially on the grounds of safety but allegedly as a result of pressure from the hotel owners.

Israeli tourism and businesses

Arugam Bay is a popular destination for Israeli tourists. Many eateries, spas and other retail outlets in the area display signs in Hebrew. Israeli tourists have set up a Chabad house in the area. 20,515 Israeli tourists visited Sri Lanka between January and August 2024.

On 23 October 2024, police increased security in Arugam Bay after being notified of a possible threat to Israeli tourists. Troops were deployed and police patrols were increased near the Chabad house. Israel's national security council warned Israelis living in the area to leave immediately and to avoid large gatherings. The US Embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel warning for US citizens as well.

Israel's warning came after calls on social media to boycott Israeli businesses in the area, reportedly due to anger in the Muslim community at Israel's wars against Hamas and Hezbollah. Rehan Jayawickreme accused Israeli businesses of operating illegally in Sri Lanka and creating a "serious security threat that could derail Sri Lanka's tourism recovery efforts".

On 24 October, three Sri Lankans were arrested over threats against Israeli tourists.

Surfing

Main article: Surfing in Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay is one of the most popular surf locations in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a popular surfing location and is also the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. It is also rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world, known as Ofek's main point. It has also hosted most of the international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004. It also hosted the So Sri Lanka Pro 2019.

In October 2018, the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club registered with the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka, making it Sri Lanka's first female surf club. As of October 2024, the club has 13 members, many of whom are certified instructors trained with support from the Australian government.

References

  1. Robinson, Lyn (2008). "Post-disaster community tourism recovery: the tsunami and Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka". Disasters. 32 (4): 631–645. Bibcode:2008Disas..32..631R. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7717.2008.01058.x. PMID 18479472.
  2. ^ Srinivasan, Meera (23 October 2024). "As Sri Lanka expresses solidarity with Palestine, Israeli tourists dominate island's scenic Arugam Bay". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  3. Ratnatunga, Kavan (9 January 2005). "Lost to the sea". lakdiva.org.lk. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  4. "Surviving the Tsunami at Arugam Bay". Thuppahi's Blog. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  5. The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, p. 386
  6. The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, pp. 386–7
  7. The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein, pp. 388–97
  8. "US warns of attack threat in Sri Lanka surf haven popular with Israelis". South China Morning Post. Agence France-Presse. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  9. "Israel issues travel warning to parts of Sri Lanka over terrorism threat". Reuters. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  10. Francis, Krishan (23 October 2024). "Sri Lanka police raise security at popular surf site over threat to Israelis". Associated Press. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Troops deployed to Jewish community center in Sri Lanka surfing town after U.S. warns of possible attack in area". CBS News. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  12. ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (23 October 2024). "Israelis told to urgently leave Sri Lankan tourist areas after terrorist threat". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  13. Hansler, Jennifer (23 October 2024). "US and Israel warn of potential attack on tourist locations in Sri Lanka". CNN. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  14. Moses, Claire (24 October 2024). "3 Arrested in Sri Lanka Over Possible Threats Against Israeli Tourists". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  15. Klanten, Robert; Gartside, Luke; Flanagan, Rosie, eds. (2022). The Surf Atlas: Iconic Waves and Surfing Hinterlands. Gestalten. ISBN 9783967040586.
  16. "Surfing in Arugam Bay". Lakpura LLC. 1 January 2014. Archived from the original on 30 September 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  17. "Arugam Bay World Surf League shows Sri Lanka, a safe destination". Economy Next. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  18. "So Sri Lanka Pro 2019 is set to run from 25 Sep to 29 Sep". Colombo Page. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  19. Srinivasan, Meera (24 October 2024). "Sri Lanka's first female surf club at Arugam Bay breaks gender norms". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 October 2024.

External links

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