We love diving! And we always jump at the chance to dive somewhere new, especially in a new country!
We had heard a lot about the diving in Sri Lanka and were keen to check it out, but by time we got to Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna in the south, the season was nearly over. We were told that the visibility was bad and that we were better off waiting until we got to Trincomalee where the season was just starting. I was also told that I might be able to do some diving work, so we were keen to get to Trinco and see what we could find. 
Unfortunately, we got to Trinco a little too early for the main season. So there was no work for me, but I decided to do a dive anyway, while Rob and Gypsy spent the day chilling out on land.

When we hear "tourist beach resort," I guess what normally comes to mind is similar to what we found in Hikkaduwa. A road with shops/restaurants/accommodation on both sides, and a beach near by. 
Or, even better, with shops/restaurants/accommodation on one side of the road, and the beach on the other like in Unawatuna. 
What we have found here in Sri Lanka however, is that most of the time, it's not quite like that. 
Resorts/ hotels seem to own the beach. So unless you are staying there, it can sometimes be really difficult to even get to the beach. And if, heaven forbid, you wanted to eat somewhere else, or go shopping, you have to get a taxi to take you. 
It's clever marketing on the side of the businesses, but really inconvenient as a traveller (unless you have a tuktuk like we do.)