Sri Lanka | Tsunami | Tourism | Villas

Sri Lanka, the tsunami and tourism

The Sri Lanka tsunami was the most devastating natural disaster to befall the country. Rebuilding Sri Lanka’s tourism and Sri Lanka villas has proved a successful endeavour with the country welcoming tourism back within its borders.

In the time leading up to the Sri Lanka tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka was enjoying some of its most fruitful years in history. A cease fire in the civil war had recently been signed and the economy, bolstered in part by increases in tourism and Sri Lanka villas rentals, had not only stabilised, but had begun to thrive. On 26 December 2004 at approximately 10am the ocean receded and the Sri Lanka tsunami struck the eastern shores with no warning.

Earthquake triggered Sri Lanka tsunami

The tsunami was caused by the world’s 4th largest known earthquake. The massive quake registered at 9.0 on the Richter Scale. The epicentre of the devastating earthquake was just off the shores of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake was so powerful it created a tsunami that travelled to shores over 1600km away.

Beside Indonesia, Sri Lanka off the coast of India was the hardest hit. The country suffered mass casualties of just over 30,000 and the tsunami displaced just over one million people. Much of Sri Lanka’s coastline was left utterly destroyed. Debris scattered far and wide, homes and buildings were destroyed, help was far away and disease began to spread.

LTTE - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

With little to no local aid the Sri Lankan government called to its aid the help of the world. In a collective effort rarely seen before, the world responded. The influx of aid was a godsend to the debilitated country, but Sri Lanka still had one major problem resulting form the devastating tsunami to over come; the LTTE or Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. LTTE remains in control over areas in north and east Sri Lanka. LTTE began stealing relief supplies and recruiting orphans of the tsunami.

Rebuilding after Sri Lanka tsunami

Monies reaching the billions (USD) has been donated to rebuilding Sri Lanka. Today one the biggest issues facing the rebuilding effort is the shortage of building supplies. That being said, the effort made by people around the world and the Sri Lankan government has proven to be successful.

While there are still many steps in rebuilding Sri Lanka, it has made massive strides and is fully open to tourism. World Travel Awards recognises Sri Lanka as a top destination in 2007. Search for Sri Lanka villas with VillasPeople.com and visit a country worth every pound spent on rebuilding it!