Arne's Place is the happy, lasting legacy of a friendship between a young local boy named Mubarak and Australian surfer Dr. Arne Rubenstein. After the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami struck Arugam Bay, the small fishing village was left totally devastated. When Dr. Arne, from Byron Bay in Australia, met Mubarak he was just 20 years old but working to support his 3 younger brothers, 2 sisters and elderly mother.
Touched by his incredible story and even more so by his friendliness, positive attitude and big smile Arne decided to help Mubarak and his family. He sent Muba to Construction and Design school in Colombo and then helped finance the building of Arne's Place. Today, Muba is the manager and the whole family can proudly support themselves and ensure all the children get well fed, proper healthcare and a good education..... a brave example of working together and the human spirit at large.