2009 International Photography Exhibition
Location: Arugam Bay, Potuvil, Sri Lanka – July, 2009
Photographer: Senaka Goonewardena
University Affiliation: Undergraduate Student
Category: People
Award: Best in Show

In the artist’s own words: “Fishermen from the rural areas still pray to the sea gods before they set sail early dawn, praying for safety as well as a good catch. Their lifelines are in the fishing industry. Dipping in the sea and rising up with arms wide open is part of the ritual, which is done seven times before the fishermen set sail. The picture was taken at Arugam Bay, and it is one of the rare sites in Sri Lanka which this ritual is still practiced.”