Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri-Lanka 2019

Please allow me to take 10mins of your productive time. Appreciate you taking time to read through till the end 🙏🙏.

Red Mosque in Colombo City Centre

I'm sure you've heard about the tragic suicide attacks in Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday church services. Three churches and three 5-star hotels were targeted, with two of the churches in the capital city of Colombo and the third church in eastern Sri Lanka. All three hotels are also in Colombo.

Various theories are circling about the attackers and their motives, but the crucial point is the devastating loss of over 250 innocent lives, including a dozen tourists. The victims' families now face a lifetime of coping with this heart-wrenching loss.

This gruesome event wasn't religious; it was a horrific and ruthless terrorist attack on humanity. The entire island mourns more than 250 lost lives and over 500 injured individuals.

As some may know, I was born and raised in Sri Lanka before moving to Germany for further studies. I feel profound sadness and anger due to these events, but Lord Buddha's teachings help me manage my emotions and focus on helping those affected. I am also grateful for the support I receive from my diverse team at "Ruuk Village."

As the European vacation season approaches, think about how you can indirectly support Sri Lanka's recovery and rebuilding process. With Kalpitiya being a top destination for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, Lonely Planet and other publications declared Sri Lanka as the "Destination of 2019." Encourage friends and family planning to visit Sri Lanka this year to go ahead with their plans. Our resilient island nation will soon bounce back with its security forces providing safe environments for residents and visitors alike. Let's not allow terrorism to intimidate or deter us.

Kindly remind your friends and loved ones to continue traveling to Sri Lanka – it is one of the best ways we can stand united against such violent acts like terrorism. We cannot let terrorists disrupt our lives or claim victory. Local authorities will do everything they can to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

Share this message with anyone planning a trip to Sri Lanka, especially those who may be unsure due to the current situation. The world must support and stand by the Sri Lankan community, and visiting this beautiful island is one way to do so.

Thank you, and I hope you all have a fantastic summer while supporting tourism in Kalpitiya , Sri Lanka
Roshan

Blue church Sri Lanka

Our mission in a NUT-SHELL

Your hosts are all locals

Family is the centre of every sustainable developement

Sustainable Kitesurfing in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka: Preserving Nature and Community

Tourism in Sri Lanka, particularly in Kalpitiya, faces challenges in being entirely green and socially responsible due to the potential negative impact each traveler may have on the environment. This is where sustainable initiatives like kitesurfing in Kalpitiya play a crucial role in preserving the natural, cultural, and social landscapes.
Our mission is to prioritize the development of the local economy and inclusivity in Kalpitiya. We achieve this by hiring and involving over 99% of area stakeholders in our business operations. Our strategy focuses on providing year-round income for team members and carefully selecting sustainable services using local resources. We aim to promote partnership-based tourism and support the Kalpitiya economy by avoiding non-regional foods (km0), gradually phasing out chicken from our offerings, and prioritizing soya products over meat.
To protect the natural beauty of our lagoon-front location, we have rejected traditional GRID electricity, opting for solar-powered lights to minimize diesel generator consumption. Our eco-friendly tourism efforts in Kalpitiya, renowned for its thrilling kitesurfing experiences, are in line with our commitment to preserving the environment and supporting the local community.
For more information on our sustainable kitesurfing experiences in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka, please email us at contact@kalpitiya.info.

Kalpitiya Service vs Cost Question

Kalpitya Cost vs Service

Discover the beauty of Kalpitiya with our authentic Dolphin and Snorkeling tours. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's magnificent marine life and, if luck is on your side, you might even spot whales! Experience the magic of Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka alongside skilled local boatmen from nearby fishing communities.

Our dedicated boatmen possess extensive water experience, though they may not be formally trained tour guides. Their authenticity allows you to immerse in genuine Sri Lankan culture while supporting local communities' tourism development. As these locals master their tour guiding skills, you contribute to sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.

Usually, our tours cater to intimate groups of two r maximum 6 adults, hence it can be challenging to compete with cost-effective options from the south coast. Large boats there can accommodate up to 40 passengers, significantly reducing costs per person. However, Kalpitiya offers a unique experience led by expert fishermen who partner with small businesses like Ruuk Village.

Imagine embarking on an adventure with just two local guides dedicated to finding dolphins in the vast Indian Ocean! Our specialized boats typically spend around 3 hours searching for the perfect dolphin hangouts.

To give you an idea of the journey, we've listed some locations below. Our small fishing boats are modified into passenger vessels with a maximum capacity of six. Keep in mind that tour costs depend on the number of guests; more passengers make for a more economical experience. If you prefer larger boats and lower prices while spotting dolphins and whales, consider heading down south.

However, if you appreciate personalized service and authentic experiences – despite not being up to standard tourist offerings – Kalpitiya is the perfect destination for exploring Sri Lanka's stunning waters and taking part in unforgettable Kitesurfing adventures.

BAR REEF

Bar reef is around 16km from RuukVillage beach ( 8.2 sea neutical miles).
Use the following link to check on goole maps

Or use the following url : www.tinyurl.com/RuukVillageBarReef

DOLPHINS HANGOUT

Use the following link to understand how far we drive in to open sea to see pods of dolphins. Use the following link to check on 

Or use the following url : www.tinyurl.com/RuukVillageDolphin

Description how these small fishing boat locate dolphins

When the sea is calm, small fishing communities can go in to the deeper water to look where the tuna is moving, and these small fishing communities live off this art of fishing. And to complement this situation, the dolphins also hunt for tuna. This is exactly the situation that every dolphin safari boat is keeping an eye out for. Our local boatmen do is, look where the small fishing boats hangout to do their fishing, and then check their surroundings accordingly.

If the small fishing boats are there and then also the flocks of tuna, then the dolphins are there too. Throughout the year the above mentioned hunt of tuna by dolphins takes place, but due to the reason that there are no small fishing boats to spot them, it is then difficult for our local boatmen  to spot the dolphins. When the Indian ocean becomes rough the small fishing boat don't go out that often anymore. This means the season is declared from November to March when the winds die out.

First ever Volkswagen Bulli in Sri-Lanka

At Ruuk Village, we understand that the journey is more important than the destination when exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka. That's why we provide a beautifully restored Volkswagen Combi (T2) and a driver for your comfortable and enjoyable trip from Colombo International Airport to Kalpitiya. This scenic 144 km journey gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the diverse natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

We seamlessly arrange airport transfers for a truly unforgettable Kitesurfing adventure in the Kalpitiya region. Immerse yourself in the lush environs, breathe in the fresh air, observe wildlife, and take in the fragrances of roadside fruit stalls during this 4-hour drive along Sri Lanka's magnificent countryside. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at contact@kalpitiya.info.

Moreover, our distinctive VW Surfer-Van offers transportation services to other popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, ensuring a memorable and convenient travel experience across this beautiful country.

Comparing Kalpitiya with other places in Sri Lanka

Exploring Kitesurfing and Tourism in Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya became famous because of the wind conditions which prevails through out the year.

Why Kalpitiya Is Different: A Thoughtful Take on Tourism, Service, and Local Roots

Welcome to our exploration of Kalpitiya, a hidden corner of Sri Lanka that’s quietly gaining attention, not just for its epic winds and flat lagoons, but for its fresh, community-rooted approach to tourism.

As someone born in Sri Lanka and now living in Europe, I’ve seen both worlds. The expectations of international travelers and the reality of building something meaningful back home. This blog is a reflection on that journey, and a guide to help you appreciate Kalpitiya for what it truly is.

🌴 A Quick Glance Back – How Tourism Started in Sri Lanka

Tourism isn’t new to Sri Lanka. It started gaining momentum as far back as 1968, with hotspots like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mt. Lavinia near Colombo becoming beach destinations for early travelers. Family-run guesthouses popped up across the south coast simple places with good vibes and freshly caught seafood.

Then came 1983. A decades-long conflict pushed tourism into retreat. And while many regions faded from travel maps, local families continued quietly offering food, beds, and warm welcomes sometimes without knowing if guests would ever return.

🕊️ Post-War Revival — Kalpitiya Enters the Scene

When peace returned in 2009, Sri Lanka reopened to the world. As the south filled up again, the north-western peninsula of Kalpitiya emerged with something fresh to offer — wind.

The area’s potential for kitesurfing had already been noticed around 2008 / 2009. Soon, a handful of pioneering kitesurfers, both Sri Lankan and foreign, began laying down the foundations for a new kind of tourism. Adventurous, offbeat, and far from the crowds.

🪁 Kalpitiya — A Young Destination With High Hopes

Unlike the south coast, Kalpitiya has a young history in tourism. This means two things:

1. Higher initial investment: Building here from scratch, whether it's a kite school, eco-lodge, or restaurant comes at a cost. The infrastructure is minimal. Roads are dusty. Electricity isn’t always guaranteed. Investors have to bring or build nearly everything.

2. No mass tourism legacy: There's no chain of hand-me-down hotels or inherited businesses. Kalpitiya’s service economy is being written right now and you, the traveler, are part of that story.

💡 Understanding the Cost of Service

Here’s something many visitors miss, service in Sri Lanka isn't free, and in Kalpitiya, it’s not cheap to deliver.

For example, a one-way airport transfer from Colombo to Kalpitiya (144 km) costs around 70 to 90 euros. While this might seem steep at first glance, it reflects high Initial cost for Vehicles, being more than double the price as other countries, fuel costs, vehicle wear, and road conditions. As someone who understands both Euopean and Sri Lankan cost structures , I can say clearly: this price is fair.

🧠 Local Economics in Practice

Let’s break it down with a simple example:

• A local family who opens a small eatery in their home can offer delicious rice & curry for 2 to 3 euros. Their setup is basic. Their overhead is low. Their service is informal.

• A new investor, on the other hand, builds a modern kitchen, trains staff, sources ingredients daily, and has to meet hygiene and safety standards. Their meal might cost 6 to 8 euros. Same rice, different system.

Neither is wrong. Both are valuable. But the difference lies in what you expect and what you're supporting.

🏡 What Inspired Us: A Note on Ruuk Village

In the early days of Kalpitiya tourism, most services were run by expats or Sri Lankans from outside the region. Local youth stood on the sidelines, helping but not owning.

That’s why we created Ruuk Village an off-grid eco-project right by the lagoon, built to train and empower local teams. From cooking to kitesurfing, from reception to boat handling, the people you meet here are from this very soil.

We don’t aim to compete with the cheapest option. We aim to provide value, transparency, and a sense of place.

💰 Budget vs. Location — Why Some Prices Are Higher

Kalpitiya is full of contrast. You’ll find guesthouses in the backroads for less than €20 a night. But they might be far from the water, with no direct lagoon access.

If you want to wake up by the water, walk to the beach, or launch your kite from your front door, the price will naturally be higher. Land costs more. Logistics are harder. But the experience? Priceless.

🎒 You Always Have a Choice

The beauty of Kalpitiya is its range from budget backpacker stays to boutique hideouts and eco-retreats. Whether you’re here to ride, relax, or reconnect, there’s something for everyone of you.

But understanding the why behind the price helps you make better, more respectful choices not just for your wallet, but for the people you meet.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Kalpitiya is not polished. It’s not picture-perfect. But it’s honest, emerging, and full of promise.

If you’re the kind of traveler who looks beyond the price tag, who values purpose as much as pleasure, then Kalpitiya will welcome you in ways no other place can.

Thanks for reading, and see you under the palms.

— Roshan, Ruuk Village

Kalpitiya joins Sri-Lanka’s whale spots

Humpbacks resting and playing

Ruuk Village goes Solar

Kalpitiya is still developing and still has a long way to go in the following areas.

• Public electricity coverage is still limited

• Roads are still being constructed

• Public water supply is still to be fully implemented

Ruuk Village had to find solutions to the above three obstacles, and we at Ruuk Village think that we have done pretty well finding solutions to cover the above. let me give a brief explanation as to, how we managed to find solutions to the above three obstacles.

The official road to Ruuk Village has a stretch of about 900m which is soft sand and only a 4x4 wheel can master this stretch. We decided to use our house boat to pickup our guests from the nearby fishing harbor (Thoradiya Jetty), and we managed to turn a weak point to strength. Our guests enjoys this short ride by boat to reach our village, they get a feeling of coming to and Island within an Island.

We have dug two tube wells which are connected to one water pump and we store the pumped water in to a 2000Liter water Tank on an elevated platform. This guarantees enough water pressure to the showers. Cabana's private showers allow our guest an experience of having a shower under the blue sky. This is a private shower experience just behind the Cabanas.

Since the beginning of the project (end of 2013), we have been using a Diesel generator to generate the needed electricity for a limited number of hours (18:00Hrs till 23:00hrs) per day. This was not the best solution and we started looking at all available options. And at last we decided to go for solar power. As a first step it shall only cover the needed power supply at least to a certain percentage.
Since May 2014 we have implemented the first phase of our "Ruuk Village Goes Solar" project with:

• 1 UPS unit

• 3 umbers of 80W solar panels

• Deep cycle battery (12V-150Ah)

We are in the phase of studying the solution and if all goes well we will extend the capacity with a complete off-grid backup system, which shall replace the generator almost to 98%.  Until we deploy a solar driven water pump. We will still need the Diesel driven generator to fill up our water tank. With the current solution we are able to cover the power need during sunlight hours completely (no heavy household items in use). We managed to reduce the usage of the generator to 2 hours from 5 hours daily.

Here are two short vine videos of the installation work done on site.

Part-I: https://vine.co/v/MD5PVVUTKKJ
Part-II: https://vine.co/v/MD5YHl1MLqn