20 Years After the 2004 Tsunami: Is Sri Lanka Prepared for the Next Disaster?

As Sri Lanka nears the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami—a catastrophe that claimed over 35,000 lives locally and left a trail of devastation across the Indian Ocean—it is time to critically evaluate the nation’s preparedness for future disasters. While strides have been made in early warning systems and evacuation procedures, troubling gaps in implementation continue to raise concerns about the country’s ability to handle a similar event effectively.

The Shadow of Vulnerability

Sri Lanka’s susceptibility to natural disasters remains significant, accounting for 96% of climate-related events. The Global Climate Risk Index 2018 ranked Sri Lanka as the fourth most affected country in 2016, underscoring the growing threat of environmental changes. Despite this, the 2004 tsunami revealed a startling lack of preparedness, particularly the absence of an early warning system. Since then, establishing the Indian Ocean Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) in 2013 has been a major milestone. This regional network, supported by seismic monitoring stations, enables rapid detection and dissemination of warnings.

Domestically, the Department of Meteorology now operates a 24/7 National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) with a dedicated public inquiry line. However, inefficiencies persist. Reports of the inability to reach NTWC officials during a crisis cast doubt on the reliability of these mechanisms, suggesting that technical progress has not been matched by operational effectiveness.

The Education Gap: Coastal Schools at Risk

One of the most glaring vulnerabilities lies in the lack of preparedness among coastal schools. A joint study by University College London and the University of Moratuwa highlighted that over 430 schools fall within the tsunami inundation zone, placing more than 200,000 students at risk. Despite this alarming statistic, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has failed to maintain consistent evacuation drills and awareness programmes. In 2022, only one workshop was conducted, and just a limited number of schools participated in a drill in 2023. Critical preparedness activities remain out of reach for many students in vulnerable areas.

DMC officials attribute these shortcomings to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Easter attacks, and the economic crisis. While these challenges are undeniable, they cannot justify the neglect of safety measures for coastal communities.

Funding Shortfalls and Infrastructure Decay

The DMC’s efforts are further hampered by severe funding constraints. With an annual budget of just Rs 10 million for all disaster-related activities, including tsunami preparedness, the available resources are grossly inadequate. Although third-party contributions from organisations like the United Nations and USAID provide supplementary funding, reality paints a grim picture. Community-based evacuation drills have been scaled back, and vital infrastructure, such as tsunami warning signages along the Eastern Coast, is in disrepair. Rusted and faded signs, essential for guiding people to safety, reflect a worrying neglect of basic preparedness measures.

While local authorities are often blamed for this decay, the DMC’s own mandate includes signage maintenance, revealing a disconnect between accountability and action.

Community Participation: A Missing Link

Another critical issue is the lack of public engagement in preparedness initiatives. According to DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili, who survived the 2004 tsunami, participation in evacuation drills is disappointing. Men, often engaged in work or at sea, rarely take part, and locals complain of insufficient notice for drills, making it difficult to adjust their schedules. Without consistent outreach and effective communication, the DMC’s efforts risk falling short of their life-saving potential.

The Way Forward: A Comprehensive Approach

While nature-based solutions such as mangroves and sand dunes offer cost-effective measures to mitigate tsunami risks, they cannot replace the need for robust public awareness campaigns, regular drills, and well-maintained infrastructure. A holistic approach that combines sustainable environmental practices with community preparedness and effective governance is essential for building resilience.

Local governments and private stakeholders must also actively support these efforts. A coordinated and transparent approach is needed to address the inconsistencies and inefficiencies plaguing disaster management initiatives, from funding to implementation.

A Call to Action

As Sri Lanka commemorates the lives lost in 2004, the lessons of that tragedy must not be forgotten. Bureaucratic inertia, funding constraints, and a lack of accountability leave coastal communities vulnerable to the next disaster. The DMC and other stakeholders must proactively prioritise regular drills, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement.

Sri Lanka cannot afford complacency. The 2004 tsunami remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unpreparedness. On this solemn anniversary, the nation must turn words into action to safeguard lives and livelihoods along its vulnerable coasts.