Although many would count a boat ride to the beautiful islet as an mini adventure or a pleasure trip, the reality of the island life is is quite the opposite.

Living conditions are especially harsh and main issue of faced by them is a resource many of us would take for granted - access to clean drinking water.

The islanders identify spots where groundwater emerges and dig holes to help water surface.

However, it takes over 1/2 and hour to fill a container. Once taken back to homes, the water, mixed with impurities are put into barrels, where the impurities sink to the bottom after a while.

Water is consumed afterwards.

(Pics : Priyankara Kalupahana - Puttalama correspondent)