Revival in water sports activities:

East coast back on tourism map

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

The 30-year terrorism put an almost complete stop to Sri Lanka’s boat building industry and water sports activities, thus depriving the country of revenue and water sports enthusiasts an opportunity for recreation.

This was even sadder since Sri Lanka is an island with tremendous water sports potential.

The country was also deprived of revenue via tourism from the water sports sector. The Ministry of Economic Development, soon after the ending of terrorism, reactivated the Pasikudah tourism zone and today it has over 100 star class rooms. SriLankan Airlines too reactivated water sport activities in the East by successfully hosting the Arugam Bay International Surfing Championships.

This event once again put the East Coast in the World Tourism Map.

The Sri Lanka Navy followed this up by successfully conducting a water sports festival in collaboration with East Expo 2011 Exhibition Secretariat at Dutch Bay, Trincomalee.

An official of the Navy said the aim of the event was to develop water sporting prospects along the Eastern Coast and reactivate the water sports activities that had been suspended for 30 years.

Swimmers, triathlon athletes and other water sports enthusiasts from all over the island participated in the events with great enthusiasm. The 500m sea swim was open only for the schoolchildren in Trincomalee and 169competitors participated in it. The local community enthusiastically supported the organisers, witnessing the games and encouraging competitors during the festival.

The prizes, trophies and certificates for the winners were awarded by the Eastern Province Minister of Agriculture, Animal Production and Development, Rural Industries and Fisheries Dr T Nawarathnarajah. Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Jayanath Colombage and Director General of East Expo 2011 Dr A.Hilmy also participated in the events.