COUNTRY REPORT
Janaki Mudalige
District Disaster Management Coordinator
Kegalle District - Sri Lanka
1. GENERAL INFORMATION OF SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is one of the largest islands in the Indian Ocean and lies approximately 20 miles to the South East of theSouthern-most tip of India. The narrow Palk Strait divides Sri Lanka form India. The capital of the Sri Lanka is
Colombo.
Sri Lanka flag has two vertical stripes of equal size in saffron and green colors, to the left. To the right of the stripes isa gold lion passant in crimson background, with a sword in its right fore paw. Ringing the background is a yellow
border, with four golden BO leaves in each corner (Figure 1-1). The flag of Sri Lanka is also known as Lion Flag. Thelion symbol was used by the Lankan rulers from the time of King Vijaya. Sri Lanka flag keep the country united andintegrates majority with the minority.

Figure 1-1: National Flag of Sri Llanka
National Anthem is "Sri Lanka Matha" composed by late Mr. Ananda Samarakoon. The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea
stellata) is the National Flower. Following Table 1-1 gives more general information of Sri Lanka

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Table 1-1: General Information of Sri Lanka
Country name:conventional long form:
conventional short form:
former:Government type
CapitalAdministrative divisions

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Serendib, Ceylon
Republic
Colombo; note - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the
Administrative capital
8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North
Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western; note North Eastern province may have been divided in two Northern and Eastern

Independence:
National holiday:
Constitution:
Legal system:

4 February 1948 (from UK)
Independence Day, 4 February (1948)
adopted 16 August 1978
a highly complex mixture of English common law, RomanDutch, Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not
accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:
Executive branch:
Head of government:

18 years of age; universal
President Mahinda Rajapaksha (since 22 December2005); Ratnasiri Wickramasingha(since 05 Jan. 2006) is
the prime minister; in Sri Lanka the president is considered
to be both the chief of state and the head of thegovernment, this is in contrast to the more common
practice of dividing the roles between the president andthe prime minister when both offices exist

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (225 seats; members elected bypopular vote on the basis of a modified proportional
representation system by district to serve six-year terms)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; judges for both courts
are appointed by the president
ADRC, JICA, AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD,
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer),
OPCW, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,
WToO, WTrO

International
participation:organization

Flag description:

Population Growth
GNP at market priceyellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has
two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange;
the other panel is a large dark red rectangle with a yellow
lion holding a sword, and there is a yellow bo leaf in eachcorner; the yellow field appears as a border that goesaround the entire flag and extends between the two panels
1.3%
Rs.1,737bn US$ 18 bn
2

GNP per capita
Languages:
Life expectancy:
Infant mortality:
Rural population:
Urban population:
Under age 15:
Over age 65:
Labour Force Participation
Rate (percent)
Unemployment Rate
(percent)

Rs.90,244
US$ 935
Sinhala, Tamil, English
72.5 years
17 deaths/1,000 live births
78.9% of total
21.1% of total
25% of total
6.9% of total
48.6%
8.3%

Geographical Information:
Sri Lanka is situated in Indian sub-continent in between Latitudes 50.55’-90.55 N and Longitudes 790.42’-810.52’ E.
Total Land area of Sri Lanka is 65,525 sq km. It has a maximum length of 445 km (Devundara to Point Peduru) andmaximum breadth is 224 km (Colombo - Sangamankanda)(Figure 1-1). The length of the Coastline is 1,340 km. The
central and bit of southern Sri Lanka is hilly. This region is surrounded by low flat plains and extending to the sea.
The highest Point is Mount Pidurutalagala, which is 8,281 feet in height (2,524 m). Another significant mountain is
Sripada or Adam's Peak, also more than 2,000 meters tall, which is considered as holiest mountain in Sri Lanka by
the Buddhists.

Figure 1-1: Geographical Existence of Sri Lanka

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Climate of Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is generally a warm country having tropical climatic condition. It has warm climate, moderated by ocean
winds and considerable moisture. Sri Lanka doesn’t have significant changes with climatologically seasons. A special
feature is that the hot and humid lowlands and the salubrious hill country. Both type of climates are separated by a
few hours motoring.
Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.70 C (80 F) and 19.70 C (66.50 F) in the hill country. In Colombo,
the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperature varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F).
Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical withan average temperature of 27ºC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures may drop
down upto 16ºC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. May, June and July are the hottest months of the year. Bright,
sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has nooff season. The main weather pattern is governed by two major monsoons known as North-East and South-Westmonsoons. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July, which affects western, southern andwestern slopes of central highlands of the island, while eastern slopes of central highlands and the Northern andEastern regions are severely affected by North East monsoon. In addition, during the inter monsoon seasons of theyear, the entire country receives heavy rain.
In ancient and medieval times merchants and sailors of other nations used these winds to sail to the coasts of Sri
Lanka. Thus these winds have played a major role in the evolution of civilization in the country. Lifestyle of Sri
Lankans is directly dependable on the rainfall caused by the monsoons.
Climate Zones of Sri Lanka
On the basis of rainfall, the country can be divided into two zones that are Wet Zone and Dry Zone. Wet Zone
comprises of the mountains and the southwestern part of the country, receiving plenty of rainfall (annual average of
250 centimeters). Dry zone includes most of the southeast, east, and northern parts of the country, where annual
rainfall is between 1200 and 1900 mm.
Statistical Information:
The population of Sri Lanka is 21,324,791. (Census data as at July 2009). Population density is roughly 309 people
per sq km. Life expectancy at birth is 74 years for female and 64 years for male. Literacy rate is 98.8%. About three4

forth of the population is Sinhalese. Other ethnic groups include Tamils and Muslims. There are two major local
languages such as Sinhala and Tamil. English is also widely used and it is one of the official languages in Sri Lanka.
There are many Religions in Sri Lanka. As percentages, Buddhism- 70 %, Hinduism- 16 %, Islam-7 %, Christianity7 %. Sri Lankan Currency is called Sri Lanka Rupee.
Economy of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's traditional economy has been based on agriculture with rice being the main food crop. Spices, tea, rubberand coconuts were especially encouraged by the British under the colonial system and are still an important part ofthe economy. Apart from these there were more exotic products like precious stones and even elephants andpeacocks which were exported. However in recent years there has been a thrust on developing new areas. One ofthese has been textile and garment manufacturing which has overtaken tea as an export earner.

2.

NATURAL HAZARDS IN SRI LANKA

2-1.

Natural Hazards Likely to Affect the Country (features, tendency)

Every year, different types of natural disasters are affected Sri Lanka. Following are the outline of such disasters.
I.

FloodsII.

Landslides, slope failures and rock falls

III. Cyclones

IV.

Drought

V. Coastal erosion

VI.

Subsidence and erosion

VII. Ground settlements

VIII.

Sudden Fire/Forest fire

IX. Tsunami

X.

Minor Earth quacks

X1. Lightning Strikes

X11.

Sea surges

X111. Elephant Attacks

X1V.

Tornadoes

XV.

XV1.

Rainstorms

High Winds

Except Tsunami, Earthquakes and Elephant attacks, all the other Natural Disasters in Sri Lanka are Hydro
Meteorological Disasters. Among them, Landslides, droughts and floods are the most dominant problems in Sri
Lanka. Following Table (2-2) describes the natural disasters and the damages caused.
2.2. Recent Major Disasters (basic data of disasters, damage situation, response & recovery info)

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YEAR

TYPE

OF

DISASTER

NO.

OF

DEATHSDAMAGEDNO.

OF

EXPENDITURE FOR

HOUSES

AFFECTEDDISASTERS in LKR

FAMILIES
1993

Flood

6

42 148219,874

30,001,904

Landslides

29

320

870

4,419,500

Sea Erosion

1

160

497,000

450

700,000

16,3838,108,200

Cyclone

(High

Gale)
Drought

1994

Total

36

42 468

237,737

43,726,604

Flood

8

52 927353,40937,401,904

Landslides

10

284

628,520384

880,183456

627,500

2,800

618,700

Sea Erosion
Cyclone

(High

Gale)
Drought

1995

Total

18

52 927357,333

40,156,807

Flood

1

10 98489,25750,510,660

Landslides

418

484

2,970,686

Sea Erosion

40

517

366,800

265

1,403

958,807260

481,300

Cyclone

(High

Gale)
Drought

1996

Total

1

11 70791,921

55,288,253

Flood

3

971

8,238

12,224,897

Landslides

10

12

75

52,400

8 360

8,360

14,870,185

199,535

424,855,387

Sea Erosion
Cyclone

(High

Gale)

6

Drought

1997

Total

13

9 343

216,208452,002,869

Flood

4

3 185

29,94816,746,908

Landslides

15

46

626

1,576,942

Sea Erosion

263

154

363,980

Cyclone (High

114

650

2,537,735

434,775

296,863,722

Gale)Drought

1998

Total

19

3 608

466,153

318,089,287

Flood

2

6 161

34,746

31,236,159

Landslides

3

57

50

410,953

Sea Erosion

196

188

428,080

Cyclone (High

1 523

3,018

3,990,025

Gale)Drought

1999

70,600,562

Total

5

7 937

38,002

106,665,779

Flood

6

3 665

94,352

43,862,752

Landslides

3

28

404

345,000

Sea Erosion

61

303

254,000

Cyclone (High

49

168

551,130

72,188100,981,957

167,416

145,994,839

Gale)Drought
Total

9

3 803

7

2000

Flood

15

9 692

108,674

32,721,802

Landslides

12

110

638,469

Sea Erosion

39

2,030

293,476

77 102

146,193

31,415,351

675

329,900

Cyclone (HighGale)
Drought

2001

Total

15

86 845

257,682

65,398,998

Flood

1

1 008

2,631

10,225,385

Landslides

5

2

2

8,410

143

143

144,036

10 292

84,771

114,421,335

370,541

381,415,000

Sea Erosion
Cyclone (HighGale)
Drought
Total
2002

2003
2004

Landslides

6

11 445458,008506,214,166

&

02

5,112

20,201

28,389,474&

254

37,227140,310

1,740,153,392

31723

62400

257625FloodsLandslides
Floods
Tsunami*Source: Dept. of Social Services, Sri Lanka.
Natural Disasters caused immense damage to the society. Man-made disasters have claimed more than 64,000 lives
and it affects to the economy, society and environment. In the last 10 year period, 35 major Disaster Events werereported and total economic loss was computed as US$ 6.16 Billion. Out of the different type of disasters, floods andlandslides have caused a severe damage to the country economy.
Flooding & Landslides in 2003 affected 137,221 families (720,500 persons) , claimed 252 lives and also 37,227
houses were damaged. Tsunami in 2004 affected 260,967 families (1.3 million), claimed 31,225 persons, the missing
people were around 41,000 and 108,467 houses were damaged. Total estimated economic loss for tsunami wasaround us$ 3.6 billion.

8

Currently, 22% of the population (total population is 21 million) live in urban areas but it has been predicted that, by
the year 2015, it will increase by 50%. The rural population largely depends on agriculture-based livelihood where as
the urban population mainly depends on secondary and tertiary sector jobs. Due to the change of population density,
natural disasters affect the community in different aspects. Here in this case, it is important to address the problems
faced by urban community due to the following reasons,•

Number of people affected will be high due to concentration of population.

•

Damages to infrastructure are higher than that in rural areas.

•

Difficulty in allocation of alternative land since in urban areas there is always a land scarcity.

•

Disaster in an urban area will cause more direct and indirect losses (lost of property values, employment,
access to work place, harvest, food storage, etc.)•

Disasters in urban areas will lead to high environment pollution (septic tanks, chemical storage, etc.)

3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
3-1.

Administrative System in Sri Lanka

There are 25 districts organized into 8 provinces. Each district is administered under a District Secretary, who isappointed by the central government. The main tasks of the District Secretariat are to coordinate and communicate
activities of the central government and Divisional Secretariats. The District Secretariat is also responsible for
implementing and monitoring development projects at the district level and assisting lower-level subdivisions in theiractivities, as well as revenue collection and coordination of elections in the district. A district is divided into a number
of Divisional Secretary Divisions (commonly known as DS divisions), which are in turn subdivided into Grama Niladari
Divisions.
3-2. LEGAL SYSTEM AND FRAMEWORK OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
National Disaster Management Act (2005):
In July 2005, the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act No.13 of 2005 was enacted, which provides the legal basis for
instituting a disaster risk management system in the country. The National Council for Disaster Management (NCDM),
is a high-level inter-ministerial body. The chairman and vice chairman of the NCDM is H.E. the President and Hon
Prime Minister respectively. Other members are Leader of the Opposition, Ministers in charge of 20 selected subject
areas, Provincial Council Chief Ministers and five members of the Opposition. The Act also provides for establishing9the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) under the Council to be the apex body for the purpose of planning, cocoordinating and implementing of certain natural and other forms of disasters (Figure-3-1).

Figure 3-1:

Flow chart showing the National Council for Disaster Management

THE PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS OF THE DMC AS PER THE DM ACT(1).

Assisting the Council in the preparation of the National Disaster Management Plan and the National
Emergency Operation Plan and proposals for upgrading the same when it becomes necessary(2).

Taking responsibility for the implementation of the National Disaster Management Plan and the National
Emergency Operation Plan, and upon the declaration of a state of disaster to direct and coordinate theimplementation of the National Emergency Operation plan

(3).

Ensuring that the various Disaster Management Plans prepared by Ministries, Government Departments or
public corporations conforms to the National Disaster Management Plan

(4).

Based on Disaster Management Plans prepared by various Ministries, Government Departments and public
corporations under section 10, preparing and implementing programs and plans for disaster preparedness,
mitigation, prevention, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities and coordinating of organizations

10

which implement such programs and plans and obtain financial assistance form the Treasury for suchactivities and release the same to the relevant regions and monitor and evaluate these activities(5).

Issuing instructions and guidelines to appropriate organizations, non-governmental organizations, districtsecretaries and divisional secretaries on activities relating to disaster management and initiating andimplementing work programs in co-ordination with such organizations and secretaries(6).

Promoting research and development programs in relation to disaster management and setting up andmaintaining a data base on disaster management(7).

Submitting reports to the Council from time to time and whenever required by the Council in regard to its
activities.

This Act also provides for a framework for disaster risk management in Sri Lanka and addresses disastermanagement (DM) holistically, leading to a policy shift from response based mechanisms to a proactive approach
towards Disaster Risk Management.
In terms of the Act following hazards come under the purview of Disaster Management:
FloodsLandslides

Tsunami (Seismic Wave)

Earthquakes

Air Hazards

FireIndustrial Hazards

Epidemics

Explosions

Air Raids

Civil or Internal Strife

Chemical Accidents

Radiological Emergency

Oil Spills

Nuclear Disaster

Urban and Forest Fire

Coastal Erosion

Tornadoes, Lightening Strikes and Severe Thunder Storms

In July 2005 the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) was established under the National Council for Disaster
Management (NCDM) to be functional under H.E. the President.
In December 2005, a separate Ministry for Disaster Management was established under the Hon. Prime Minister. In
February 2006 the Ministry for Disaster Management and Human Rights (M/DM&HR) was established with thesubject of Human Rights listed under its purview. As per the gazette notification of February 2006, National Disaster
Management Council, Disaster Management Centre and Department of Meteorology and National Building Research
Organization (NBRO) were placed within the purview of M/DM&HR. In 2010 the Ministry was renamed as Ministry ofDisaster Management.

11

The DM functions implemented through the DMC according to this gazette notification are as follows:(1).

Initiate and coordinate foreign aided projects for disaster mitigation, response and recovery(2).

Liaising with Ministries, Government authorities and agencies, private sector agencies, NGOs and INGOs
and all other relevant agencies to ensure timely execution of such responsibility.

(3).

Coordination and Management of relief activities pertaining to natural and man-made disasters.

(4).

Coordinating awareness programs on natural disasters and man-made disasters(5).

Early warning systems(6).

Supervision of the activities of non-governmental organizations and social welfare voluntary agencies inrelation to disaster management, provisions of relief and promotion of human rights(7).

Facilitation of and assistance to non-governmental organizations and social welfare voluntary agencies, inthe fields of disaster management and human rights

Through countrywide Ministries, Departments and Public Corporations, Provincial Council, Local Authority
Administration; and District, Division and Grama Niladhari administration; to enforce coordinate and monitor activities
related to(i).

Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment(ii).

Information Management(iii).

Disaster mitigation(iv).

Early warning dissemination(v).

Preparedness for effective response at disaster situations(vi).

Emergency Operations Management(vii).

Management of the post-disaster activities after a disaster12

Figure 3-2:

3-3.

Coordination Mechanism in Disaster Management

Structure of Disaster Management

Figure-3-3:

Organizational structure of Disaster Management (national level to district level)

13

(a).

National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

As shown in the following figure 3-3, there is a strong link among all stake holders concerned in disastermanagement. Disaster Management Centre operates all the DM related activities through District Disaster
Management Coordinators.

Figure-3-3Disaster Risk Management Mechanism at Sub-National Level

The above mechanism addresses the disaster management activities up to the grass root level (village level)(b).

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

There are several technically sound government organizations, which can predict, forecast and issue early warning to
the general public. Organizations such as Department of meteorology, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau,
National Building Research Organization, Coastal Conservation Department, NARA, Urban Development Authority,
Fire Brigade, Military and Police, Department of Irrigation, Atomic Energy Authority, Central Environmental Authority,
Medical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Health Department etc. They are capable of handling activities
related to different disasters. As shown in Figure 3-4, Disaster Management Centre disseminates the Early Warning
to all stake holders. Here in this regard, early warnings are issued up to Divisional and Village level DM committee.
Presidential secretariat, three forces and POLICE, all electronic and paper media are also aware soon after issuanceof any type of early warning. This is practiced in Sri Lanka up to a satisfactory level.
It has been identified that local authorities, Non-governmental organizations, village committees, youth committees
are the Local Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction.
14

Figure 3-4:(c).

Flow Chart Showing Early Warning Dissemination

STRUCTURE OF THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT CENTRE

15

Figure 3-5: Structure of the Disaster Management Centre
Disaster Management Centre (DMC), which was established as per the Disaster Management Act of Sri Lanka
consists of several subdivision in order to function the DM activities properly (Figure 3-5). DMC will be directing,issuing guidelines, facilitating, coordinating, monitoring , where necessary directly implementing or enforcing
activities related to:(1). Disaster Management Technology, Long-term Mitigation & DRR
Under the Technology and mitigation activities, many activities are carried out such as Hazard Mapping and Risk
Assessment, Information and Data Collection, Research and Analysis, Building Technology, Development andmaintenance of DMC Website, Long term Disaster Risk Reduction, Implementation of specific risk reduction
projects to reduce specific identified risks that can cause future disasters, DRR integration in Development, longterm action planning.
(2). Early Warning
When a disaster has been predicted or forecast by a respective scientific organization, DMC do have systems inplace for receiving forecasting and early warning. Also DMC is forecasting impending disasters followed by early16warning and dissemination procedures.
(3). Emergency Operations in case of a disaster
DMC has Established a National Emergency Operation Centre, which is 24x7 in service. It is now under theprocess of establishment of emergency operation rooms at provincial, district and divisional levels in some
districts, provincial and district level emergency operation centers have already been established. In addition, DMC
is carrying out Emergency Operations, coordinating with armed forces, police and other related agencies atnational and all sub levels.
(4). Preparedness Planning (National and other levels)
Preparation of National Disaster Management Plan and Emergency Operation Plans along with district level anddivisional level preparedness plans are in progress. Under such preparedness plans, DMC is facilitating, issuing
guidelines, coordinating, directing and monitoring of preparation of disaster preparedness and response plans at
provincial, district, local authority, divisional and village levels. The major objective of the preparation of
preparedness plans is to improve response on time and effective response, equitable relief distribution, speedy
recovery, timely rehabilitation and reconstruction at national level and all sub levels such as District and Divisional
levels.
(5). Training, Education & Public AwarenessIn order to train aware all groups of the general public, school community, employees of government, private andall other organizations, training programs are conducted. Public Awareness Programs for officials at all levels,school children and community level are also conducted. Objective of these activities is to reduce Disaster risks.
Disaster management is being included in school curricula and in university curricula as appropriate.

17

RECENT MAJOR DISASTERS
Many hydro-meteorological and geological disasters hit the country causing severe damages to human beings,
their properties and economy. Following table shows the major disaster events experienced in the recent past.
Year/Month

Type of Disasters

Affected area

Damage caused

2003/May

Landslides &Districts of Rathnapura,

254 –deaths;

FloodsKalutara, Galle, Matara,

Damage of LKR-1,740,153,392/=,

Hambantota

Number of families affected- 140,310

2004/December Tsunami

Entire Coastal Belt

> 40000-deaths,

2006/January

Central Highlands-

Landslides(Nuwaraeliya District)2006/ OctoberFlood& November

Western and North-Westernpart- Puttalam, Colombo,
Gampaha, Kalutara disticts

No of Deaths 51
Families affected 94, 225
Houses Damaged- 5370
Damage of LKR 593,552,000

2011/January &Floods &Central Highlands-Badulla,

26 Deaths,

February

Landslides

Matale, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya

Damage of LKR- >30,000,000,000/=

Districts, North, East &Paddy Fields- 10,000,000 Acers fully

North-Central parts- Jaffna,

destroyed

Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa,

Number of families affected

Anuradhapura, Baticaloe &>1,000,000

Amapara districts
The damage caused was unaffordable for developing country like Sri Lanka. Currently, 22% of the population (total
population is 21 million) live in urban areas but it has been predicted that, by the year 2015, it will increase by 50%. The
rural population largely depends on agriculture-based livelihood whereas the urban population mainly depends on
secondary and tertiary sector jobs. When this population density is considered, natural disasters affect the community indifferent aspects. Following are the major reasons for such a very high damage.
I.

All the disaster prone areas are highly populated due to the lack of land availability and unplanned land use
regulations in Sri Lanka. Most of them are self employed. Government is still in a difficulty in creating
alternative jobs for them. Therefore, implementation resettlement procedures are also almost impossible.
18

II.

Negligence of the people is also a very big problem to be overcome natural hazards with an immediate effect.
Although, the institutions, involved in the disaster mitigation activities, are already carrying out publicawareness programs, public participation is still unsatisfactory. In addition, government has introduced several
favorable construction methodologies and guidelines for disaster prone areas, people never follow such
construction methodologies. It is true that, most of the people living in disaster prone areas are not having therequired financial strength (Figure 3-6).

Figure 3-6: Settlement in Flood Prone area- Santee houseIII.

Difficulty in allocation of alternative land since in urban areas there is always a land scarcity. Disaster in an
urban area will cause more direct and indirect losses (lost of property values, employment, access to work
place, harvest, food storage, etc.) and will lead to high environment pollution (septic tanks, chemical storage,
etc.)

TSUNAMI DISASTER
The most powerful Tsunami generated before 4 years in the Indian Ocean nearby Sumatra, Indonesia had claimed
thousands and thousands of human lives and their properties. A long stretch of Sri Lanka's coast was devastated bythese killer waves, with more than 40,000 dead (Figure-3-6) and staggering 2.5 million people displaced. Although therewas 1,600 km from the epicenter to Sri Lanka, the waves struck with huge force and swept inland as far as 5 kilometers.
Waves as high as six meters had crashed into coastal villages, sweeping away people, cars and even a train with 1700
passengers (Figure 3-7). It was the worst human disaster in Sri Lanka history. More information on damages caused by
Tsunami has been tabulated in Table-3-1.
19

Figure 3-7: Map showing the Tsunami affected areas and number Deaths with respect to districts

Figure 3-8: Ill-fated crowded train- Nearly 2000 passengers were killed by Tsunami
Although the people affected and damages caused were unaffordable, Sri Lankan government was in position torehabilitate affected community with the help of donor countries and agencies. Victims were provided with fullycompleted and furnitured houses. They were settled away from Tsunami prone areas as new villages.

20

FLOODING
The most devastating floods that had battered the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka(February,2011) and wreaked havoc
in most parts of the island had cost the emerging economy a staggering Rs. 30 bn or US $ 27mn. This is slated to
be worse than the Cyclone of 1978, which devastated the low-lying areas and displaced nearly one million
persons. Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told media recent flooding were the worst
experienced in the districts of Batticaloa, Ampara, Jaffna since 1913.

In the recent past, highly populated area got severely affected by flash floods, which were totally caused
by unplanned human activities such as illegal and inappropriate construction, blocking of water ways
through unplanned construction, poor waste dumping procedures, unplanned land use practices, lowland reclamation, river sand mining, cultivation on hill slopes without applying soil erosion prevention
procedure etc. During recent disaster, which was caused by heavy rainfall due to sudden change ofclimatic condition, such improper land use practices worsened the situation (Figure 3-8).

Figure 3-8: Flash flood in a populated area due to inappropriate land use practices
The Disaster Management Centre of the Ministry of Disaster Management informed the Asian Tribune that over
835,575 persons belonging to 220,265 families in 12 districts have been victimized by floods and land-slides.
123,732 persons belonging to 32,078 families were in housed in 334 relief assistance camps. The death-toll has
risen to 23 persons. 4,110 houses have been partially damaged while 932 houses have been completely
destroyed. Majority of the victims are from the Batticaloa district, which received a rainfall of 317 millimeters.

21

LANDSLIDES
During the last heavy rainy seasons, central highlands of Sri Lanka were highly threatened by landslides, rock falls
and slope failures. There were 6 districts such as Badulla, Kandy, Nuwaraeliya, Matale, Rathnapura and Kegalle
highly threatened by landslide disasters. However, due to the successful awareness among vulnerable people
lowered the number of deaths reported. Unfortunately, six members of the same family were killed by a suddenrock fall in Kandy (Figure 3-10).

Figure 3-10: Recent rock fall that kill 06 people in Kandy- January, 2011
National Building Research Organization (NBRO) alerted the public that hill country districts such as Kandy andNuwar-Eliya were highly vulnerable to landslides. According to the Disaster Management Center , heavy rains
have affected over 758,000 people so far in this year island-wide while floods and landslides. All the recent mass
movements were totally caused by unplanned human activities on hill slopes such as(i). Improper land use practices such as inappropriate quarrying, constructions, cultivation (Figure 3-11) without
applying proper soil erosion prevention techniques, construction of highways and roads over hill slopes without
applying proper techniques.

22

Figure 3-11: Cultivation without soil erosion techniques on hill slopes(ii). Cutting and filling the slope- Cutting of slope is commonly done on hill slope prior to the construction ofbuilding, which will later lead for severe harmful cutting failure. Currently in Sri Lanka, more than 70% of thelandslide occurrences reported are totally due to disturbances to existing soil slope through vertical cuttings.

Figure 3-12: Cutting failure behind a house situated on a hill slope-more common type of mass movement(iii). Backwater at reservoirs- there are three major reservoirs situated over the central highlands of Sri Lanka
namely Kothmale, Victoria, Randenigala and Samanalawewa. All the areas, where these reservoirs are situatedhave been declared as landslide prone areas. Several minor landslides have been reported in the recent past in
the surrounding areas of these reservoirs.
23

(iv). Water leak from irrigation channels etc. – continuous leaking from irrigation canals and water storage pits usedor cultivation have caused several failures in the year 2011. This is a very common practice applied for cultivationin hill slopes of Sri lanka (Figure-3-13)

Figure 3-13: Water storage pits used for cultivation in hill slopes

24

Province

District

Affected Displaced
Families Families

Displaced Persons
In

With

DeathsInjuredMissing

Damaged Houses

Total

Completely

No. of Camps

Partially

Welfare Relatives
CentersandFriends

Northern

Eastern

Southern

Western

27.63239.933

2.640

1.647

540

6.084

1.114

**

305

1.298

1.603

560

670

1

1.250

4.250

2

Mullaitivu

6.007 11.993

10.56422.557

3.000

2.590

552

3.400

600

23

Trincomalee

27.746 19.559

62.08481.643

1.078

337

5.974

10.3944231.50959.000

2.840

2.375

1.033

15.9395.665

4575.49210.436120876

29.077

Jaffna13.652

Killinochchi

2.295

12.631 12.301
318

Batticaloa

63.71712.494 27.491

Ampara38.62475.492

Hambantota

16.9943.334

214

17.16817.382

4.500

361

963

2.303

1.744

4

Matara20.675

3.268

4.067

9.254

13.321

1.342

6.652

613

2.362

5.659

30

Galle

23.174

1.562

5.504

5.504

4.216

313

554

5.525

5.966

46

Kalutara

6.064

6.105

3.785

19.75623.541

256

400

148

2.572

2.930

16

82

Colombo

9.647

5.290

6.077

24.57530.652

79

64

12

3.398

2.210

28

Gampaha

6.827

5.258

911

20.44321.354

6

3

5

292

307

2

18

66

66

4

1

3

23

72

2

84.031 167.765 224.283

392.04830.95715.196

5.637

78.19940.911

322

North Western Puttlam
Total

232
201.901

Source: National Disaster Management Center
Table 3-1:
Information on damages caused by Tsunami

25

REFERENCES

1.

Bandara, K.N., Bandara, R.M.S., Somarathne, R.M.B., Dharmasena, P., and Jayatissa, H.A.G., 2002,
Geophysical Methodology to Monitor the Movements of Kahagale Landslide in Sri Lanka (Abstract),
Eighteenth Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka, pp. 07.

2.

Bandara, K.N., Bandara R.M.S., Indrathilake, H.M.L., 2002, Feasibility Study of Sand Mining from Dune
Sand at Kalpitiya and Hambantota, (Abstract), Eighteenth Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Societyof Sri Lanka, pp. 08.

3.

Bandara, K.N., Bandara, R.M.S., Somarathne, R.M.B., 2004, A Qualitative Analysis of Some Recent Mass
Movements in Sri Lanka (Abstract), Twentieth Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka,
pp. 22.

4.

Bandara, K.N., Bandara, R.M.S., 2005, Landslides Hazards Mitigation in Sri Lanka (Abstract), Twenty
First Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka, pp. 6

5.

Bandara, K.N., Bandara, R.M.S., Somarathne, R.M.B., Indrathilake, H. M. L., 2005, Landslide Hazard
Analysis of Soil Slopes in Some Upper Watershed Areas of Sri Lanka (Abstract), Twenty First Annual
Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka, pp. 09.

6.

Mapa, B.M.A.P., Bandara, K.N., Wickramathilake, I.R., Keppetipola, S.S.S.S.M., 2007, GeologicalObservations of Main Dam and Reservoir Area of Kaluganga Development Project (Abstract), Twenty Fifth
Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka, pp.34.

7.

Mapa, B.M.A.P., Bandara, K.N., Wickramathilake, I.R., Keppetipola, S.S.S.S.M Karunarathne,
W.D.R.H., 2007, Under Seepages at Guruwela Saddle Dam of Kaluganga Development
Project (Abstract), Twenty Fifth Annual Technical Sessions of Geological Society of Sri Lanka,
pp.33

8.

Sri Lankan historical data base http://www.lankalibrary.com/

9.

Asian Disaster Reduction Center, ADRC, accessed March 2006, www.adrc.org.jp

10.

Arambepola, N.M.S.I., Bandara, R.M.S., Pallewela, P.P.D.H. (1997), Landslide Hazard
Zonation Mapping and Geoenviornmental Problems Associated with the Occurrence ofLandslides, Proceedings of CBRI Golden Jubilee Conference.

26