Well after nearly 24 hours in transit the team, along with the other groups, have safely arrived at the Jaga Bay Hotel, Weligama. A long journey with a 3 hour stopover in Dubai. Dubai airport as you might expect was large, opulent and expensive!
Opting for the ‘traditional’ breakfast before arrival at Colombo I was somewhat surprised to have chicken curry and rice. Passage through Immigration was smooth and quick – a stark contrast to USA Immigration when there recently.

What followed was an amazing kaleidoscope of sight, smell and sound during the 4 ½ hour minibus ride from Colombo to Weligama. The experience ‘enhanced’ by some amazingly brave roadcraft! More than once we were certain that a head on collision would occur during a crazy overtaking manoeuvre!

Coconuts in abundance growing everywhere, and roadside stalls obviously selling coconut water, with everything else appearing to go to waste.  Also noted a shop in one of the towns that looked as though it was making coir mats from coconut fibre. Hopefully we will be able to investigate and understand if there is any relationship between the different coconut industries.

Jagath the owner of Jaga Bay very hospitable and after our long journey suggested a trip to a sandy beach nearby. Very relaxing, and the sea very warm. Bizarrely a coconut floating in the waves!

So to work tomorrow and a meeting at the Ruhuna University Agriculture Faculty at Mapalana.