After a lapse of three years the OBA members and their families went on a weekend trip to Trincomalee. Many of the members have been strongly requesting for an excursion especially with their family members for some time hence the trip was organised. This was different from the many of the OBA excursions in the past as it included their family members.
There were 23 in all without counting the children just about enough to fill a 30 seater Rosa bus. The journey was scheduled to leave Negombo at 5.30 am on Saturday the 6th. However, it was well past 6.30 am that we left Negombo which provided an excellent topic for the members to engage in conversation mostly in a state of humour for most part of the morning.
The breakfast stop was at Perera & Sons at Dambulla. Then we made a brief stopover at the Malima, Kantale for tea which provided an idyllic surrounding for relaxation and photography. Finally, we arrived at the final destination, Sober Island Resort Hotel, for lunch.
After a quick lunch the group departed to explore the Navy Camp including the training facility, the ship simulator, the museum and finally the grand tour of SAYURA, second largest vessel in SL Navy's arsenal. Due to time constraints, it was dark when we arrived at the dock but it did not deter the members from enjoying and learning the operational aspects of a large Navy ship. For many it was a first and unique moment in their life which is normally not available for the ordinary citizens.
Finally, the moment that all have been waiting for got off to a start past 9 pm. All gathered around a nicely laid out table outside the restaurant for drinks. There were drinks & light food for all which went on well past midnight. Some even stretched it after the dinner into the early hours of the following day in their private chalets. Though it was a hectic schedule for all the mood was great.
After a late breakfast on Sunday morning the group checked out from the hotel. Not much was planned for the day except spend the rest of the morning and whole of the afternoon on the beach. It was a beautifully landscaped private beach maintained by the Navy. While most members chose to take a dip in the sea some were constantly on and off the sea. A bar was open and in between the lunch was served. The departure from the beach to Negombo proved to be a much difficult task as most members were not keen to stop the good time they were having. Finally, the group left at 5.30pm.
Usually, the return journeys are quiet and sombre. But in this case Saminda Pathiraja kept the spirits up most of the way with his usual antics. He managed to keep everyone roaring in laughter.
Finally, the President-OBA was instrumental in much of the planning and organizing the trip and deserves a big "Thank You". All the Navy personnel who helped us along the tour are greatly appreciated. This trip wouldn't have been possible without the actual participation of the members in these difficult times.
Thank you all.
