The 1st South Asian Beach Games was held in Hambantota, Sri Lanka between 8 and 14 October 2011.

It is believed that the "Salu Paaliya" has comical actions and the power to heal which is ideal for the Beach Games as the Mascot.

However, later organizers decided to move the events closer locations, Tangalle and Tissamaharama.

[5] Triathlon and beach bodybuilding were dropped from the program due to a lack of participants.

[6] A total of eight countries participated at the 2011 South Asian Beach Games.