| History |
| Poseidon Diving Station was started in 1973 by the combined efforts of S.K. Nandasena (Leslie) Sven Holmberg and Bertl Magnusson. Sven and Bertl arrived as tourists in Sri Lanka looking for somewhere to dive. There were no diving centres but Leslie was recommended as an outstanding skin diver to guide them to the best sites. They were so impressed that they invited Leslie to Sweden to train in SCUBA and later joined together to form Poseidon, the first dive shop in Hikkaduwa. The business grew as more customers returned year after year for the friendly atmosphere and professional diving. Leslie went on to discover the Conch, Arcturus, Earl of Shaftesbury, Alliance, Orestes and Rangoon wrecks. |
| In 1998 the centre was registered as a PADI Dive Centre (S-19272) with Chami Sembakuttige as its principal instructor and has since grown but maintained the same friendly and professional reputation. In 2004 we were recognised by PADI for our achievements, high standards and contribution to community and environment, and became the first PADI Five Star Centre in Sri Lanka. |
| In December 2004 the dive centre was destroyed by the Tsunami. However it has since been rebuilt bigger and better than before. Picture below back of Poseidon after Tsunami. |
Picture above Leslie and Bertl with twin-7 tanks. Left the old dive boat in 1989. Below left the Beach Kabins, before Poseidon was built next to it. |
| Picture top, Leslie with Arcturus bell. Above, Leslie and Sven |