20th anniversary of tsunami: Reflecting on preparedness

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains etched in the collective memory of our country as the most devastating natural disaster in its history. On the fateful morning of 26 December 2004, the nation was struck by a powerful and unexpected force of nature, claiming over 40,000 lives and affecting communities along the southern, eastern, and northern coastlines. This tragedy left scars on families, communities, and our collective psyche, but it also served as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters—and the need for preparedness in the face of future threats.

The tsunami highlighted critical shortcomings in disaster preparedness and response. The lack of early warning systems, especially in a region that had never before experienced such a massive wave, exposed a significant gap in the country’s disaster management strategy. Many of the victims had no warning, and the scale of the destruction was amplified by the absence of adequate evacuation plans or coastal defences. In the aftermath, there was widespread recognition that Sri Lanka was woefully unprepared for such a catastrophe.

In the wake of the disaster, remedial measures were put in place. Mangroves, which had been decimated by human activity, were identified as a crucial natural barrier against future tsunamis. The importance of preserving these natural ecosystems have been underscored. Additionally, Sri Lanka worked with international partners to establish an early warning system, which, in theory, would allow for prompt alerts to mitigate loss of life in future tsunami events.

However, despite these initial steps, two decades on, it is evident that many of these measures have been neglected. The mangroves that once lined the coastlines have not been consistently replanted or properly protected. The early warning systems, while still in place, are often underfunded, outdated, or lacking in the necessary infrastructure to function at full capacity. What’s more, there has been a failure to integrate comprehensive disaster risk assessments and management plans into the broader national development agenda.

One of the most important lessons from the 2004 tsunami is that the impacts of such disasters are not inevitable; they are shaped by the choices we make beforehand. If we take seriously the threat of future natural disasters, and invest in disaster risk reduction and management, the catastrophic outcomes of the 2004 tsunami need not be repeated. While natural disasters will only increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years, the future can be one of less devastation and greater resilience—if the right measures are put in place.

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tsunami, it is a moment to reflect on both the lessons learned and the unaddressed challenges that lie ahead. The global climate crisis has brought with it an undeniable increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, from floods and cyclones to heatwaves and landslides. Sri Lanka, with its vulnerable coastline and mountainous terrain, is particularly susceptible to these extreme events. A comprehensive national strategy is essential—one that includes not only early warning systems but also climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable coastal management, and robust community engagement. The country must begin to prepare for a wide range of natural disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change.