Southern coastal tsunami warning towers at risk of collapse

By D.G. Sugathapala 

Residents of the 2004 tsunami affected areas expressed their frustration, noting that while the 2004 tsunami disaster is being commemorated every year, the tsunami towers built in its aftermath to protect the people from a similar tragedy have been neglected. 

They pointed out that repairs and maintenance of these towers have not been carried out for several years.

The Southern Province has 24 tsunami warning towers located across various districts, including Galle, Ahangama, Balapitiya, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Ratgama, Thelwatta and Unawatuna in the Galle District, as well as in the Matara and Hambantota Districts. 

Specific locations include the Weligama Police Ground, Dikwella Police Ground, Mirissa Fisheries Harbour, Devinuwara Fisheries Harbour, Polhena Sumanaramaya Temple Ground, and the Thalala South Maha Vidyalaya in the Matara District, and Kirinda Muslim Maha Vidyalaya, Tangalle Visuddharamaya Ground, Tangalle Police Ground, Kudawella Fisheries Harbour, Rekawa Primary School Ground, Bataatha Vihara Ground and Sisilagama Seetharamaya Temple Ground in the Hambantota District.

Recently, the tsunami tower at Ahangama Shariputra Maha Vidyalaya was dismantled and removed due to its dilapidated state, as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential danger to schoolchildren in the event of a collapse.

A senior official from the Galle District Disaster Management Centre said that there are 77 tsunami warning towers located along the country's coastal areas, and that repairs and maintenance are overseen by the Colombo head office. However, the maintenance work has been delayed due to lack of funds. The official also mentioned that the solar-powered batteries in many of these towers have passed their expiry dates.