Couple relocates to Mirissa, Sri Lanka, for six months with newborn son
Consensus Summary
A couple who had lived in the Middle East for over six years decided to relocate to Sri Lanka for six months after their son Finn was born, seeking a quieter, tropical lifestyle. They initially considered Mauritius, Zanzibar, and Thailand but ultimately chose Mirissa, a beachside village in Sri Lanka, after visiting Unawatuna and finding it too crowded. They rented the top floor of Motherās House, a property owned by Jayantha and his elderly mother Amma, for $100 per week, which included five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The couple described their time in Mirissa as the most content they had ever been, enjoying the beach, local culture, and the simplicity of life. Their son Finnās first word, 'Cheers,' was uttered in Mirissa, and the family celebrated his first birthday with grandparents and local villagers. Since their stay, Mirissa has grown busier with tourists, new hotels, and restaurants, and the couple has returned multiple times, finding the place as enchanting as ever. The property remains standing, though Amma has passed away, and Jayantha now rents out bungalows on the premises.
ā Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The couple lived in Mirissa, Sri Lanka, for six months after resigning from jobs in the Middle East
- They rented the top floor of 'Motherās House' for $100 per week, which included five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, cold showers, basic furnishings, and a claustrophobic kitchen
- The property was owned by Jayantha, who lived downstairs with his elderly mother, Amma
- The coupleās son, Finn, was born before their move and uttered his first word, 'Cheers,' while clinking a banana milkshake against their beer glasses in Mirissa
- Mirissa Beach was described as having a 'gorgeous sweep of sand' bordered by a palm-filled headland and a rocky islet, with no one on the beach when they first arrived
- The couple initially considered Mauritius, Zanzibar, and Thailand before choosing Sri Lanka
- They first visited Unawatuna during an Easter break from school but found it too noisy and crowded with touts and traffic
- Motherās House is still standing 50 meters from the beach, though Amma has passed away
- Jayantha has added bungalows around the property that he rents out overnight, relying on walk-ins
- Mirissa Harbour has become the global epicenter for boat tours to see blue whales, benefiting the local economy
- The coupleās wife, Michelle, was a teacher whose contract expired, prompting their relocation
- The couple originally planned to return to Melbourne after six months for their son to grow up around grandparents and cousins
- The couple returned to Mirissa multiple times after their stay, with Jayantha preparing their old room each time
Source Articles
We quit our jobs and moved here for six months. Iāve never been more content
A baby in tow, we found a place for $100 a week. For that, we got five bedrooms, cold showers, basic furnishings and a claustrophobic kitchen. It was perfect.
We quit our jobs and moved here for six months. Iāve never been more content
A baby in tow, we found a place for $100 a week. For that, we got five bedrooms, cold showers, basic furnishings and a claustrophobic kitchen. It was perfect.