Beruwala Travel Forum

The first wave wasn't too bad - probably 5 or 6 foot. The restaurant had been swamped but this dispersed quickly leaving a complete mess which we offered to help the staff clean up. The sea then receeded right out so we went back to the beach and helped pick up waterlogged Ipods etc. We then returned to the hotel and had a shower. It was then as we stood on the balcony that the huge wave came in. It crashed over the beach bar which became completely submerged, raced across the pool ripping up the concrete tables then smashed everything through the ground floor. The resturant had water up to its roof. Everyone that was standing on the terrace rushed into the lobby as water & debris pounded against the hotel structure sending spray over the terrace. The speed and force of the water was phenominal. The sound of the glass breaking and doors being caved in still haunts my dreams at night. All of the bungalows suffered major damage with most of them gone completely. The baby dear in the compound near the Pearl Bar couldn't escape and sadly died. Happily, Sammy and the rest of the beach boys crossed beyond the red flag and came into the hotel so they're all ok. The Mangement Team arranged for us all to be moved from the Health Suite in the gardens, where we'd spent the day, to a Conference Centre in Columbo. We were greeted with many familiar faces of Neptune staff who'd already set out matresses, pillows, sheets etc. We were immediately supplied with a boxed Pizza from Pizza Hut and water. Over the next couple of days Aitken Spence provided for every immediate need. They even opened a free bar, converted the cinema into a restaurant and provided cigarettes. From the time the Tsunami struck not one meal was missed. Even though it was an awful experience I'm pleased to report that all staff and guests at the Neptune are safe. The aftermath forged many strong friendships, a lasting appreciation to the staff at the Neptune, a strange type of bond with Sri Lanka and its people and a desire to return as soon as possible.

Thank you ever so much for the information on Neptune Hotel. We were there twice last year were really anxious to know what had really happened and by relating your experience we could just about imagine how it happened. What you said about the staff is correct they really are the best staff I have ever met in all my travels throughout the world. I am really happy that no one was killed.

Happy to hear you are safe. What a terrible unforeseen nightmare.

Thanks for the information on the Hotel Neptune, I got married there 5 years ago this January and was concerned about the hotel and staff.

Glad to hear everyone at the hotel and sammy and the beach boys are ok. The Hotel Neptune and Sri Lanka itself have been my favourite ever destination and it is good to hear that all of the truly lovely staff are safe.

I enjoyed a holiday at the Club Palm Gardens some three years ago, and have many fond memories of the staff there, Sammy and others from the beach, such happy smiling people, who truly made you feel welcome. I am so glad to hear that those who ply their trade on the beach there survived. For those that dont know Sammy, well he is a local legend, a tall man for a Sri Lankan, gentle in nature, with a big beaming smile, and a good firm handshake. Anything you need, be it a tour around the island, tailoring, gemstones, or a bottle of good Arrack, well Sammy is the man who can point you in the right direction.
I can still remember being invited to Sammy's house to meet his family and have tea with them, each morning we would discuss the relative chances of the horses running here in England, and was amazed by his knowledge and love of the sport.
I am so glad to hear that he has survived this disaster, and truly hope that everyone else who made my stay there so memorable has done so as well. I certainly aim to go back there shortly.

Thank you for advising how it was at the neptune hotel on that awful morning.
We travelled to sri lanka in 1998, & 1999, & 2001- got married, & 2003, and were due back march 05, all at the neptune hotel. We have many good friends who work at hotel, they advise hotel is open, but only 1st & 2nd floors, swimming pool, and restuant, are open, but no guests yet.Telephone & email connections are good, train track has re-opened, also so have the schools. Our friends advise we should travel sept 06. We canot do, but WE can go march 06.
Maybe see you there.
Take care.