Tsunami and its impact on fisheries industry in Harnbantota district of Sri Lanka

Abstract

December 26,2004 the earth quake occurred close by the Sumathra Islands created a tsumani situationat north, east and south region of Sri Lanka and caused heavy damages killing over 30,000 people,destroying over 100,000 homes and weakening the livelihood of the victims. Also, the natural ecosystems,and coastal infrastructure were destroyed to a great extent. Twenty percent of the coastal populationaffected in Harnbantota district and more than seventy percent were affected in north and eastregions. Fisheries industry experiences a large amount of losses among the affected economic sectorsand industries. Not only the livelihood of the people who are directly involved in fishing but also thelivelihood of the people in related industries, were impacted by the disaster. In general, death,displacements, and damages to the fishing boats and fishing harbors are the results of the Tsunamiwhich pave the way to an economic and social crisis in the country. As it discloses the significantdirect impact to fisheries industries and to the nation at large, the purpose of this study is to asses thedamage and inquire the needs for those who engaged in fisheries and related industries in Hambantotadistrict. Godawaya village in Hambantota district is selected for the study as it is one of the villagesinvolving in different sub sectors of the fisheries industry and it has been seriously affected by Tsunami.Fifty families, which involved in fisheries industry, are directly interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Observation method is also used to gather some of the sensitive data which can not becollected through a questionnaire. The descriptive statistical tools are used for analysis.

The study has found that sixty four percent of the people lost more than fifty percent of their propertieswhich have been used in fisheries industry, still their core competency remains with the same industryas per their education level and the experience. Conducting short term business and psychologicalcounseling and training programmes, facilitating through low-interest loan schemes, providingtechnological and marketing supports, developing a multiple village production cluster approach andconducting intensive vocational skill transferring programmes are recommended as short and mediumterm strategies. Establishing Godawaya village, with necessary infrastructure facilities, as an economichub due its uniqueness in location is the main long term strategy.