Peraliya Buddha Statue: Tsunami Memorial in Sri Lanka
A Tsunami in 2004 killed over 35,000 people and left the country’s south-western coastline looking unused and barren. Japan donated this Buddha statue to Sri Lanka during the time of significant redevelopment. The Peraliya Buddha Statue rises above a tranquil lagoon, creating a serene memorial. Villagers continue to light candles at the Peraliya memorial even today. Sri Lanka has experienced rapid economic growth in the 16 years since the Tsunami. It was good to see that the south-western coast of Sri Lanka is now a hive of modern tourism and rapid development.
Beach bars line the bay, with tables sunk into the shallow water. Hikkaduwa has recovered to a large extent from its pre-tsunami incarnation. To avoid the beach becoming overcrowded, villagers have painted colourful buildings. Yes, they are still standing amid new construction. Although rarely will you come across the relics of the Tsunami disaster! In Telwatta, 5 kilometres from Hikkaduwa, there is a Tsunami Photo Museum. Handwritten placards, newspaper photos of the disaster, photos of aid, and children’s art can all be found in this museum.
We would not have stopped at this incredible memorial if it hadn’t been for Thushara Karunathilaka of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. He proactively took a brief halt here to introduce us to one of the most noteworthy memorials that speak volumes about the Tsunami’s damage to the island. The Peraliya Buddha Statue is located near the Peraliya bus stop and the community Tsunami education centre on the Colombo Galle road. The Peraliya Temple and Telwatta railway station are both a short walk away.
If you ever travel this route, I strongly advise you to stop at the Peraliya Buddha Statue to pay your respects to those who perished in the disaster that wavered the world. You can also stop by the Parkwin cafe and restaurant, which is right next to the memorial, for a quick bite. Another reason to stop here is the beach, which is only a short walk away and is very quiet.
