On 26th December 2004, Sri Lanka was affected by one of the worst natural disasters it had ever seen. The Boxing Day tsunami devastated the southern and eastern coastal communities and killed around 40,000 people in its wake.
Over 10 years since this natural disaster, the areas are developing and making its mark on the tourism industry. With many things to do in Hikkaduwa like visiting turtle farms, snorkelling and engaging in scuba diving expeditions as organized by hotels in the area such as Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, you should also make it a point to visit the Tsunami Museum. Located a few kilometres away from many popular hotels, the museum can be found in Telawatte, Hikkaduwa.
The first museum to open up is in a house; once owned by the lady who now runs this place which was also destroyed by the tsunami. After she managed to rebuild the house, she turned it to a museum that contains a gallery of images taken during the aftermath of the tsunami. The walls of one of the rooms are plastered with images of the victims and sends bone chilling bumps as you browse through. The last room in the house shows how each donation made towards the museum has played a part in contributing to the development of the area, along with educating people about water safety. Besides images, you will also find various newspaper clippings following the aftermath of the disaster. Some of the pictures shown here are a true testament to Sri Lankan hospitality and kind nature, as people helped each other in rebuilding their home towns.
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and charges no entrance free. However donations are encouraged in order to maintain the upkeep of the property and sustain the livelihood of the lady who owns the house.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+
