Hidden Beaches of Sri Lanka

So we leave Sri Lanka tonight for Thailand. The first leg of our adventure over already. And in this last fortnight till we have discovered the two most beautiful beaches in the whole of Sri Lanka (of course we haven't seen more than maybe 5% of the beaches so there could be more spectacular ones but these two topped it for us) .
The first Dalawella, in the photo above. It was the nearest beach to our rented home from home which was inland from Unawatuna.
With a natural shelter of rocks and reef from the Sri Lankan surf which formed a millpond like swimming pool, at low tide it was perfect for us. Add to this the decent surf break beyond the rocks, turtles swimming three metres from the shore, a beach hut ten steps from the sea, two good restaurants (one of which with real stone baked pizza) and lots of sunshine. A recipe for total bliss. Thanks to those who recommended it along the way (Lisa from the great fb group families on the move: who we met in Unawatuna).
The second perfect piece of paradise: Hiriketiya, just south of Dickwella. Again a small cove and quite secluded, this time so small and hidden it was like  a secret find. Except everyone who's been there rates and recommends it so highly it won't be secret for long.
Thanks this time to the German couple we met in Sigarya who we bumped into in Galle one rainy day who let us in on the secret.
Hiriketiya is perfect. It has the obligatory coconut palms and a narrow opening of the headline at either side making it fairly sheltered for good swimming in a low swell. It also has two good surf breaks that saw Mikey battling his first waves proper of the trip. After a break of about 15 years from surfing the six foot pounders meant lots of falling off but he did get up (albeit briefly on lots).
The vibe here (I hate that word but it fits) was warm, relaxed, welcoming and friendly. We stayed at Marty's beach house with its immaculate four poster beds and all fresco hot showers it was our bit of a splash out for my birthday but was well worth it. Marty and his wife, George are Aussies from Bondi, who have been there for almost a year now and they have a great set up. Dinner on long tables all eaten together encourages a super friendly gathering of lovely people. Thanks to everyone for making my birthday so wonderful. Ross and Jo, from St Reatham, for the magazines and the Arrack! Andy and Alexandra, from Munich, for the good humour and the dark rum (Mikes had a very lazy day in a hammock after the celebrations). Celia and Lars, from Berlin, for great conversation, and looking after the kids perhaps better than we were! And Paul from Dublin for giving Mikey an ear to vent his football chat to finally.