Arugambay tourism boom sparks law, safety and infrastructure concerns

Arugambay, Sri Lanka’s world-famous surfing paradise, has once again entered peak season, drawing waves of local and foreign tourists between July and October. Once a quiet fishing village, the Eastern coastal hotspot is now one of the island’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.

But behind the glossy image of surfboards and beach bars lies a series of concerns ranging from weak law enforcement and unregulated businesses to electricity shortages and women’s safety fears.

Over the past few years, Arugambay has attracted particular attention due to the rising presence of Israeli tourists.

Local business owners argue that authorities practice double standards in enforcing regulations. While some restaurants and hotels are compelled to close their bars on religious holidays such as poya, others openly sell alcohol in defiance of the rules.
Many businesses also operate without proper registration, raising suspicions of tax evasion. Owners say that if Arugambay is to be developed as a formal tourism zone, regulations must be applied equally to all operators. Despite repeated appeals, authorities have yet to respond.

 

Spread the love
Tags:

Leave A Comment

Social