Not many people have heard of Sri Lanka. Even for geography nuts, the tiny nation off the southern tip of India is rarely more than an afterthought.

Since Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain after World War II, it’s been embroiled in a nearly constant state of civil war. However, last year the President of Sri Lanka officially claimed an end to war and the rebuilding process began.

To help win back tourists, the Sri Lankan government has been aggressively courting surfers to come surf their pristine waves. In fact, this year the Sri Lanka Airlines sponsored the six-star rated SriLankan Airlines Pro 2010.

Held at Arugam Bay, the tournament was a rousing success. Australian surfer, Julian Wilson took advantage of the beach’s right breaking waves to win the tournament. Next year, the tournament organizers hope to lure even more world-class surfers to Sri Lankan beaches.

No one has any illusions of the surfing tournament healing all of Sri Lanka’s wounds. But if it can bring more tourists to the country’s beaches, it will help paint a brighter future for all Sri Lankans.

Check out highlights of the SriLankan Airlines Pro 2010 below.

Photo from the DailyStoke.com.