Sri Lanka\u2019s eastern coastal resort Arugam Bay plays host for the second consecutive year, to the \u2018SriLankan Pro Surf 2011\u2019 – one of the world\u2019s top-rated surfing events, as part of SriLankan Airlines\u2019 multi-pronged strategy to position the island as one of the world\u2019s most sought after travel and sporting destinations, the airline said.<\/p>\n
With two principal events \u2013 the LongBoard Men\u2019s Championship Event and the ShortBoard Women\u2019s World Qualifying Series Event – the \u2018SriLankan Airlines Pro 2011\u2019 tournament will attract top stars of the surfing world to Arugam Bay from 30th August to 4th September, with over a 100 competitors from around the world. The women\u2019s event is also a Six Star World Qualifier and will be held in Sri Lanka for the first time with nearly 60 participants from Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Hawaii, South Africa, Peru, Chile, Japan, UK, Indonesia and France, billed to ride the waves off Sri Lanka\u2019s east coast.<\/p>\n
Organized by the Australian Surf Professional ASP, the SriLankan Airlines Pro 2011 is an important event for professional surfers. It has the highest rating of \u2018Six Stars\u2019 on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour by which competitors qualify to contest for the World Title. \u2018SriLankan Airlines Pro 2011\u2019 will showcase the picturesque southeast resort of Arugam Bay aka A-Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, positioning it as a destination for all types of beach lovers, and not just for surfers.<\/p>\n
SriLankan Airlines\u2019 Chairman, Nishantha Wickremasinghe said, \u201cSri Lanka is firmly back on the world travel map and has proved its ability to host mega events such as this. Having been associated with the sport of surfing for nearly a decade, SriLankan Airlines is happy to bring this top level competition to our shores once again, thus showcasing both Sri Lanka as a holiday destination and the stunning A-Bay in particular.\u201d<\/p>\n