In 1996–1998, during the DMK reign, the memorial was remodelled at a cost of 27.5 million and the entrance arch carried the design of 'Rising Sun', the symbol of the DMK party. However, the design was removed after the AIADMK party returned to power in May 2001. The renovation resulted in the original tusk-shaped entrance arch giving way to a highly polished marble tiled structure, widened pathways, and building of ornamental octagonal "mantapams". After the Indian Ocean tsunami struck the coastal parts of the state in December 2004, the memorial, along with other structures on the seashore, was affected. Subsequently, repair works were undertaken at a cost of 13.3 million.