The Second Tsunami- This Time Caused BY The Government: A Sad Day In Arugam Bay

More pics of the destruction

 Owners and locals watching, yet most of them say "what to do?"

(if you didn't read this in our newsletter)

The Second Tsunami- This Time Caused BY The Government: A Sad Day In Arugam Bay

After devastation wiped out this country 7 years ago with a horrific tsunami, many begged and pleaded that nothing like that would ever happen again. Though no lives are lost this time like last, the hard earned work and toil to rebuild their lands, homes, restaurants and cabanas is now in vain. Many NGO's helped out most of the business owners to rebuild what was taken away 7 years ago. This devastation this week comes from their own government. The government came with bulldozers 3 days ago and took away the local people's land and all that was on it. They took 10 meters inland from the first vegetation on the beach. What we thought would be good for the locals, with surf contests and such, has caused the government to want their share in all the tourism. They have their own plans with big roads, huge hotels, etc. What has been our quaint little fishing and surfing village will now be turned up-side down. Most of the tourists are angry and appreciate the small cabana, local feel of A-Bay. Many of the locals are trying to send tourists this info to somehow get their opinions heard in the government in hopes to demolish their plan. 

To bring it a little more home for some of you, this is Asanka's Place, where we have continued to build a great friendship with him and his sisters and family (Johnson's family). This is Asanka as he looks on at what damage is left behind from the tractors. The sad thing is that they don't give them money for taking their land, but instead a bill that they have to pay for what it cost to run the tractor and the amount of work they had to do. Please pray for these families that have experienced loss. Thank you.