In the face of societal expectations and a lingering fear of the ocean—due in part to the 2004 tsunami—women from across Sri Lanka are now swimming and surfing toward a brighter future with the help of non-profit organization, SeaSisters.
We’re currently at The Surfer, one of seemingly countless surf camps around town—Weligama is famed for its beginner-friendly beach breaks. In the mix today are students, homemakers, and mother-daughter duos from nearby coastal towns like Mirissa and Midigama. Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re aged 11 or 55. With the aid of foam noodles, kickboards, and beach balls, participants are put at ease as they acquaint themselves with aquatic play in a 45-foot-long pool before taking the plunge, so to speak. Many will soon step foot in the ocean for the very first time. And it won’t be long until they, like SeaSisters’ director of programming, Kalpa Gandhari, declare it their happy place.
“I was born in the neighboring beach town of Unawatuna and, all through my childhood, was never given the opportunity to learn how to swim,” Kalpa says. “I spent years observing foreigners enjoying the ocean at my doorstep, but never really engaged with water sports of any kind.”
Safety is therefore one of the main ways in which SeaSisters is driving change, restoring the ocean as an enjoyable space. “Even Kalpa’s mother, who was initially curious about her role in our lessons, was inspired to join,” reveals Martina. “With a little encouragement, she discovered the pure, adulterated joy of being in the water at the age of 52.” Fostering such a connection with nature, they say, has to be paired with promoting environmental awareness.
“Most Sri Lankans don’t even know which ocean we belong to,” remarks Udani Hewamadduma, the organization’s ocean educator and program and community manager. “That’s why our education and advocacy sessions are just as important,” she says. Spanning school visits, beach clean-ups, and community events, these events address the issues of plastic pollution and sustainable consumption.
Societal expectations aside, the island is still reeling from the instability of recent years. The Easter attacks of 2019 were swiftly followed by the pandemic, when most visitors returned home, leaving SeaSisters without volunteer instructors. Tourism continued to suffer as anti-government protests and a crippling economic crisis took over the nation, but still the team persisted.
“With the economic crisis intensifying hardships for Sri Lankan women and their families, our programs are a place of hope and joy for many,” says Martina. “They get the chance to reconnect with their carefree side—something many haven’t experienced since childhood.”
Today, as the giggles across the pool intensify, almost setting the soundtrack for Martina’s words, it’s easy to imagine the positive ripple effect within families and communities as each SeaSister returns to herself and the waters she calls home.
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You can support the SeaSisters movement via GoFundMe.
