Habarana and Trinco...

It was the first time I’ve been to The Cinnamon Lodge at Habarana, and I must say I was pretty impressed. Not by the hotel buildings or the service or anything, but just by the environment. The abundant trees and the cool breeze blowing in from the lake is more than enough to refresh a weary soul. In truth, it’s not what I expected. I thought it’d be hot and dusty, but because of the amount of trees, you don’t feel the heat. I don’t know who designed the place, but they’ve done a great job. Man, how I wish I could build a house somewhere like that.

Trinco is booming with tourists these days, very much beneficial for the people in the area. Nilaweli beach was jam packed. During the two months since I first went to Tinco and last week, I think there is a noticeable increase in the amount of visitors. The boat operators to Pigeon Island are raking in the dough these days.

Coincidently, I came across this article in the Sunday Times about how the increased invasion of visitors is having an adverse effect on the coral population. Truthfully I also didn’t think about the effect of the visitors to the eco system till I read the article.

“This area was full of live corals three months ago, before the current tourist frenzy started at Nilaveli. Visitors who come to the island often walk on the corals and some of them even break the live corals to take home as souvenirs,” Eric said. A diving instructor who operates from Nilaveli Beach Hotel, Eric does several dives around the Pigeon Island reef daily.
Pigeon Island is one of the two marine national parks in SL, the other being Hikkaduwa, which from what I hear is not in a great state. What the marine biologists fear is that the same thing will happen at Pigeon Island.

I personally don’t see the attraction in bathing there, mainly because you can’t. The corals are razor sharp, and almost all who go in come out with several cuts. Sure, you can see the fish, but I prefer to have another way, rather than being covered with scrapes. I’ll take a sandy beach for a rocky one any day.

The other thing is the taking of corals as souvenirs. I don’t see the attraction in that either. It’s just adds more clutter to the house, which I already have a problem keeping clean. Then again maybe it’s just me.

Luckily the Navy is keeping an eye on things to make sure people behave. I saw several being advised by the soldiers to leave the corals they were carrying.

I’m not saying that I’m 100% environmentally conscious, but I try to be at least 80% whenever possible. I always try to stick to the mantra “Take only pictures and leave only footprints” where ever I go.

We are blessed with a naturally beautiful country, whatever the state of other things may be. That is why we have a great advantage in attracting visitors and promoting tourism. If we locals set an example of being environmentally conscious, and respecting our land, then the visitors will also learn to do likewise.

The work week was extremely busy, with tons of work, made maddeningly frustrating by network issues at office, gah… Looking forward for a relaxing weekend at home, well at least the Saturday. Its back to classes on Sunday. Gah…Gah…
Have a fun filled weekend all!

Little porky, has a funny expression. @ the Cinnamon Lodge farm

Trinco Beach

Like my sexy pose?

This bugger fell to the ground with a thud and was feeling woozy i guess :)