Sri Lanka Tourism News, Events and Information
Sri Lanka Tourism News, Events and Information
Cricket is the most popular game among all the Sri Lankans, so much so that if you don’t know about cricket you may not be a Sri Lankan. Having won the world cup in 1996 Sri Lanka has emerged to be one of the best nations in this sport. Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club, (Located at P. Sarawanamuttu Stadium in Borella, Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club and Colombo Colts Cricket Club are just a few to name.
There are many private clubs and institutions to learn the sport. Austasia Sports & Leisure Club in Thalawathugoda and Fingara International Cricket Accademy are just a few of them.
Our national sports is Volley Ball. Government support is widely given to popularise this sport. Indoor facilities are available at the Ministry of Sports and at the National Youth Services Council.
There are three main Golf Courses, The Colombo Golf Club, The Victoria Golf Course and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. Golf in Sri Lanka, like many other British sports gained popularity on the Galle Face Green.
The Colombo Golf Club
The Colombo Golf Club was formed here and in 1896 moved to its present location which was a model farm originally owned by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa, a Ceylonese philanthropist.
In 1928 the privilege of using the prefix “Royal” was bestowed upon the Club by His Majesty King George V.
“From our small beginnings of a 9-hole course, we have been able to develop this land to an 18-hole par 71 course. We have to record the dedication, commitment and hard work of all of our past Presidents, Captains and Committee Members who sacrificed time, effort and energy to realise our common goal to be what we are today”.
The Victoria Golf Course
The 18 hole Donald Steel Designed Par 73 golf course is a treat for the experienced or novice golfer. Victoria Golf Course has won several awards, which include the best course in the sun continent voted by the Readers of the Asia Golf Monthly.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Within walking distance from the town centre, the course is spread over 90 acres of prime land. Built in 1891 the 18 holes golf course is one of Nuwara Eliya’s biggest attractions. It is reputed to be the only Golf Course where all the holes are visible from the Club House or accessible by car. In the old British Cemetery at the rear of the Club House is the memorial to Major Rogers, the elephant hunter credited with killing around 1500 elephants.
Sri Lanka Tennis Association in Green Path, Colombo 7 is the most recommended place to play tennis although many hotels and clubs offer the facilities. The national governing body has set their head office here with many courts to choose from.
Bentota is the most popular destination for water sports activities. It’s a coastal town in the southern coast, where the Bentara River falls to the sea. Along the delta and on the banks of the river many resorts have come up making this a up market tourist destination. The shallow waters, salt mixed estuary which is not the favourite for Crocodiles, less mud has made is extra special for water sports.
Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Wind Surfing, Kite Surfing, Banana Boat Rides, Jet Ski Rides and many more water sports and joy rides available.
Surfing
Arugam Bay is the best place to Surf in Sri Lanka. The bay situated in the southeast east coast of Sri Lanka in world famous as a No. 1 Surfing hot spots. The bay is located 320 km away from Colombo. ‘Pro Surf’ held during June and July is an international competition for Surfers worldwide.
White Water Rafting Kitulgala
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Sri Lanka
If you decide to visit, you have the opportunity to go whale and dolphin watching. The chances of spotting them are quite high as it is often mentioned that the density of whales and dolphins in the waters that surround Sri Lanka is one of the highest in the world.
These activities are done according to the two monsoons in Sri Lanka. During the months of May to September the North East Coast (Trincomalee) is popular and during the month of September to May the Southern Coast (Mirissa) is popular.
