It had been quite a while since we went to one of the closest beach areas to downtown Colombo. We stayed at a hotel there in the 1980's and even during our last stay here in 2009. Today, however, we just went for the day. We left Nugegoda at about 9:00 am and returned by 2:00 pm. I think Sunday evenings is a popular time for the locals to visit.
The beach was nice and several huge nets were being pulled in by fishermen (and passersby). We walked all the way down to the famous colonial era hotel at the point. I was a little sad seeing things so slow. By now, I figured the area should be as developed as Pattaya, Thailand. I can understand tourist development was slowed by several decades to to the island's troubles. Tourism is apparently booming but it seems as if it's mostly being devoted towards high-end spa-type accommodations with the government chasing the luxury market. A more balanced approach to the type of visitors sought, would guarantee a more sustainable flow at various price points. It would make Sri Lanka for a more widely-known destination.
We ate at the Mountain Grill and had quite a lot of food, including my big beer for 12 bucks.