Dubai American Academy | Sri Lanka

Follow along with DAA as they visit Sri Lanka

By Trans World Educational Experiences

February 25^th, 2025

Day 1 - A Warm Sri Lankan Welcome

After an overnight flight, the DAA team arrived safely in beautiful Sri Lanka, ready for an exciting adventure.

The journey kicked off with a scenic stop at the Ladyhill Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The picturesque setting set the tone for the rest of our tour.

Next, we made our way to Weligama, where the first of our surfing lessons awaited. The beach was spectacular, with golden sands stretching out under a clear, blue sky. The surf was perfect for beginners—gentle yet challenging enough to make it an exhilarating experience. Our instructors were fantastic, helping us catch our first waves and guiding us through the basics of surfing. It was the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka’s world-renowned surf spots.

After an action-packed first day, we headed to the stunning Hikka Tranz Resort - our hotel for the week and a perfect place to unwind after our fantastic first day.

Day 2 - Sunrise Surfing

We started our day bright and early with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for an exciting morning ahead. Soon after, we made our way back to Weligama Beach for a breathtaking sunrise surfing session. With each wave we caught, our confidence grew, and our skills visibly improved. It was an incredible feeling to be out on the water, fully immersed in the experience and having an absolute blast.

After an exhilarating session, we had certainly worked up an appetite, so we headed to South Lake Restaurant for a well-deserved and delicious lunch. A fantastic start to the day!

Day 2 - Schools and Smiles

In the afternoon, we visited Jinarathana School in Pareliya for a truly special experience. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with a traditional Sri Lankan greeting and treated to a stunning dance performance. It was a joy to meet and interact with the wonderful students, sharing stories and laughter. We also had the opportunity to give back to the school by helping paint the hall, making a small but meaningful contribution to their community.

After an unforgettable afternoon, we returned to the hotel to unwind with some pool time and a lively game of volleyball. The day was filled with laughter, connection, and incredible memories—one we’ll never forget!

Day 3 - Riding the Waves and Soaring the Skies

Day 3 of our amazing Sri Lankan adventure saw us returning to Weligama for another thrilling surf session. With each wave, everyone’s confidence soared as they mastered their pop-ups and carved through the water with ease. After an exhilarating time in the surf, the fun continued on the shore with kite flying and sandcastle building - pure beachside joy! After this we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the wave restaurant.

Day 3 - Turtles and Trivia

In the afternoon, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Turtle Conservation Project, where we got up close with different species of turtles. We learned about their habitats, helped clean and feed them, and even had the unforgettable experience of releasing some back into the ocean—a truly magical moment that left us all in awe.

The day didn’t end there! After a delicious dinner, we put our Sri Lankan knowledge to the test with a fun and competitive quiz. Laughter, teamwork, and a few surprising facts made for the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Day 4 - Sri Lanken Sports Day

This morning, we returned to the wonderful Jinarathana School, where we were greeted with another warm and enthusiastic welcome. The day kicked off with an energetic dance session with the pupils, setting the tone for a fun-filled morning. The amazing DAA students led lively sports sessions, including football, cricket, and volleyball, creating a fantastic opportunity to connect with the pupils through sport. To top it all off, we had the chance to donate some items to the children, which was a truly rewarding experience. A morning well spent!

Day 4 - Coffee and Cleanups

In the afternoon, we took a fun tuk-tuk ride to a charming little coffee shop for a well-deserved treat. To end the day, the amazing DAA students led a big beach cleanup at Hikkaduwa, doing their part for the environment. We also learned about the causes of ocean pollution and how we can work together to keep our beaches and seas clean. Another jam-packed and fantastic day!

Day 5 - Catching the Final Waves

Our last morning in Sri Lanka started with another great surf session, giving us one last chance to put our skills to the test. By now, we’d come a long way from those first wobbly attempts, and it actually felt good to be out there, catching waves with more skills and confidence.

After making the most of our time in the water, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and checkout.

Day 5 - A Superb Sri Lankan Send-Off

For our final afternoon in Sri Lanka, we were in for an unforgettable surprise. No trip here would be complete without seeing an elephant, and the experience didn’t disappoint. It was a breathtaking moment that we’ll all remember for a long time.

As the day turned to evening, we were treated to an incredible display of traditional dancing, fire-breathing, and a bonfire - an unforgettable way to wrap up our time in Sri Lanka. With that, it was off to the airport, ending the trip on a truly magical note.