The end of the civil war in May 2009 not only brought a drastic increase of security and freedom to move in the streets for the people of Batticaloa, but also, only one year later, a largely disproportionate number of new banks as well as investment companies trying to make their luck in this up to then forgotten region of Sri Lanka. I can only hope that the land owners are wary enough and check the oh so clever proposals. And just have a look to the 1:1 crop (when clicked on) of the main image: No shoes, paddles, and kids that help to earn the family income. That is more the normality of life on the east coast.
The Neccder billboard to the right, admonishing to protect the wetlands, is just a nice descant, a reminder of yesteryear.