Coastline changes are normal evident issues in all parts of the world and they are natural processes that take place over a large range of time scales. The short time scale changes may occur due to storm/wind, tides and regular wave action whereas the long-term scale changes would be due to tectonic position changes and sea level rise/fall which are among the other reasons. Hence, coastline changes are a natural ecological feature everywhere.

In addition to the above natural activity, we should also consider the human activities that take place within the coastal area where infrastructure developments and other mining processes contribute towards the eroding of the coastlines.
Sri Lanka has a lengthy 1584 km of coastline where almost half the population; towns and villages are located close to the sea. In the past year or so, drastic changes have been observed in the coastlines of Unawatuna and the Puttalam district. The weather is no longer a predictable source as before and the sea erosion has cleared many a good sight for these areas and its people.
Unawatuna. 

We managed to get in touch with Area Engineer T. L. C. Vinodh from the Coast conservation department and here’s what he had to say about the situation in the Unawatuna coastal area - “Currently we are in the process of protecting the buildings and hotels on the coast. We have almost cleared up from the Peacock hotel to the Fullmoon hotel. We are now working on the areas of Jo anglar and forward. We have also appointed an independent research team to investigate complaints regarding the Breakwater construction. We also expect to receive a report from the LHI in the next two months along with recommendations for other proposed actions.”

The Breakwater construction has been not so favorable for some parties as of yet, however it has been a tremendous positive result for some restaurants and hoteliers in the region. We spoke to representatives from two well known hotels in Unawatuna to round up their ideas on the sea erosion situation close to their location.

Neel from Tartaruga – During the past 11 months or so we have observed the results of a huge error made with the construction of the breakwater. Unawatuna is a bay and we used to have a stable beach before but now we are at risk. Tataruga was named because of the many tortoise we had o the beach back in the day. But now we see none. The coral plate has been affected and the environment itself has been damaged. As a result tourism has suffered compared to last year as all the customers first ask us – ‘How is the beach?’ We believe the breakwater needs to be removed and the LHI agrees with us.”

Rupasinghe Koswattage also representing Tataruga – “Unawatuna has been affected as a whole; the corals, the sea, the beach and tourism to the region. It was once the safest place to swim but now that is of question. All this leads to the breakwater result which is why the sea is polluted and eroded due to human activity. The solutions provided by the Coast conservation are temporary and makes only one or two parties happy.”

Duminda from Kingfisher – “Actually we are very happy we got the beach back after the Breakwater plan. Unfortunately, the other side of the beach is yet to be improved. The entire Unawatuna beach needs to be improved to enhance its beauty and not just a part of it. Four years ago we didn’t have much of the beach left and now thanks to the Coast conservation, the breakwater was built.”

Puttalam District

Representing the Puttalam district, from the Coast conservation department was Area Engineer D. T. Rupasinghe. We were certain that Puttalam was on target for sea erosion in the past couple of months. Here’s what Mr. Rupasinghe confirmed - “We have noted some small problem lately with regards to erosion but none of it is yet severe. However, we are standby if the situation increases and necessary precautions will be made.”

We hope there will be positive solutions brought up on this environmental day to save our coastal regions from sea erosion, be it natural or human. Sri Lanka is has world renowned beaches that tourists as well as locals seek for. It has been our nation’s pride throughout and therefore we must do what’s necessary to keep it that way.

By Hasna Saleem