Background of the event
On December 26, 2004, at 7:58 am local time, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 struck off the coast of Sumatra. It was one of the strongest ever recorded. The underwater tremors triggered a giant wave that reached the shores of Sri Lanka within hours. In some areas, the tsunami reached heights of up to 10 meters. Sri Lanka, famous among tourists for its beaches, tea plantations, and cultural landmarks, was among the hardest-hit countries. The wave struck the eastern, southern, and southwestern coasts, destroying resort areas, fishing villages, and infrastructure.

Scale of the tragedy
The tsunami in Sri Lanka claimed more than 35000 lives, and over 500000 people were left homeless. Thousands of boats, hotels, restaurants, and roads were destroyed. Tourist arrivals dropped sharply, and the country’s economy suffered losses worth millions. The cities of Galle, Matara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and the popular resort of Unawatuna were especially affected. In some places, the water penetrated several kilometers inland.

The Peraliya train disaster
One of the most tragic episodes was the derailment of a passenger train in the village of Peraliya. On the morning of December 26, the “Queen of the Sea” train was traveling along the southern coast when it was struck by the first wave. The train stopped, but minutes later, a second, much larger wave hit, sweeping the carriages off the tracks. The train was engulfed by water and debris from nearby buildings. More than 1700 people lost their lives, making it the deadliest rail disaster in history. Today, a memorial stands at the site, visited by both locals and tourists who come to pay their respects.

Interesting facts
– At the moment the wave struck, thousands of tourists were on the beaches, many of whom took part in rescue operations.
– In Galle, the tsunami damaged part of the historic fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century, but it was restored.
– The story of the Peraliya train has become a symbol of the disaster’s scale and has been featured in documentaries about the tsunami.

Recovery and tourism
After the tragedy, Sri Lanka received aid from dozens of countries and international organizations. New homes, schools, hospitals, and roads were built. The tourism industry began to recover within a year, and by 2010, visitor numbers had returned to pre-tsunami levels. Today, in the areas affected by the tsunami, you can find memorials and museums. In Peraliya, there is a memorial to the victims of the rail disaster. In Galle and Matara, museums tell the story of the 2004 events.

Tourist sites related to the event
– Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site restored after damage.
– Unawatuna Beach — one of the most beautiful on the island, fully restored.
– Peraliya Memorial — a place of remembrance for tsunami and train disaster victims.
– Eastern coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa) — popular diving and surfing spots now equipped with early warning systems.

Modern safety measures
Since 2004, Sri Lanka has implemented a tsunami warning system, built protective structures, and placed information boards in tourist areas showing evacuation routes.

Today, Sri Lanka once again attracts millions of tourists, offering not only beach holidays but also cultural routes, ecotourism, and culinary tours. But the memory of the tsunami and the Peraliya train tragedy is a reminder that nature is a powerful force that must be respected.