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. A viral video by an Australian DJ even questioned whether Arugambay was becoming “Sri Lanka’s Tel Aviv,” a claim that sparked unease given the ongoing Gaza conflict. Yet for local entrepreneurs, the controversy over Israeli visitors is secondary to deeper, unresolved challenges threatening the community’s economic lifeline.
Law enforcement gaps and double standards
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.
Tourist conduct and community standards
Locals have introduced their own codes of conduct, including restrictions on tourists entering restaurants shirtless or in bikinis. Far from sparking conflict, business owners report that most visitors comply. Many argue that clear standards not only preserve community values but also ensure that tourism develops harmoniously with local culture.
Israeli presence divides opinion
For many residents, Israeli tourists are not an issue but a blessing. They were among the first to return after the 2019 Easter bombings and again during the 2022 economic collapse, providing much-needed cash flow to struggling hotels and tuk-tuk drivers. Locals stress that for a town built on tourism, all guests are welcome, regardless of nationality.
Surfing safety concerns
With the growing influx of beginner surfers, experienced athletes worry that overcrowding could cause accidents. Locals are urging the government to station lifeguards trained specifically in surf rescue and to deploy surf patrols. At present, there are no emergency vehicles stationed in Arugambay, meaning injured persons must wait for ambulances from Pottuvil hospital.
Electricity, water and women’s safety
Infrastructure woes are also hampering growth. Prolonged power cuts, malfunctioning transformers, and inadequate voltage have disrupted hotels and forced tourists to cancel bookings. Water shortages add to the crisis, with locals petitioning for urgent upgrades. Meanwhile, women’s safety on the beach at night remains a concern after harassment incidents, with residents calling for solar-powered street lighting.
Authorities pledge solutions
Pottuvil Divisional Secretary N. Ahamed acknowledged the severity of the electricity and water crisis, promising three new transformers and desalination projects. Police say more than 100 officers are deployed during peak weekends, but admit that effective regulation requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
As Arugambay cements its global reputation as a surfing haven, its future depends not only on waves and tourists but also on whether Sri Lanka can enforce laws, upgrade infrastructure, and safeguard the very community that sustains it.
