Sri Lanka Tsunami 2004: Lessons Learned - A Donor and Owner Driven Reconstruction Approach

The tsunami of 26th December 2004 severely affected the social structure and the economy in Sri Lanka causing destruction to the entire coastal belt of the island. Within fifteen minutes, it took more than 30,000 lives, injured more than 15,000 people and displaced more than 800,000 destroying all they possessed.

The Government of Sri Lanka launched an island wide program named “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” in order to lift up the low morals of the people who were subjected to the tsunami disaster by building 100,000 houses, restructuring physical and community infrastructure services and other related activities to re-establish civil society. When recovery activities were carried out within the coastal zone, it was necessary to consider future coastal hazards such as cyclones, storm surges and spring tides. It was also required to protect public lives and properties as well as to minimize potential damages and risk of investment within the coastal zone.