http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4641 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:13:02 GMT 2026-04-23T10:13:02Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4643 Tsunami and Its Impact on Fisheries Industry in Harnbantota District of Sri Lanka Chaminda, J.W.D.; Jayarathne, P.G.S.A.; Amaratunge, S. December 26,2004 the earth quake occurred close by the Sumathra Islands created a tsumani situationat north, east and south region of Sri Lanka and caused heavy damages killing over 30,000 people,destroying over 100,000 homes and weakening the livelihood of the victims. Also, the natural ecosystems,and coastal infrastructure were destroyed to a great extent. Twenty percent of the coastal populationaffected in Harnbantota district and more than seventy percent were affected in north and eastregions. Fisheries industry experiences a large amount of losses among the affected economic sectorsand industries. Not only the livelihood of the people who are directly involved in fishing but also thelivelihood of the people in related industries, were impacted by the disaster. In general, death,displacements, and damages to the fishing boats and fishing harbors are the results of the Tsunamiwhich pave the way to an economic and social crisis in the country. As it discloses the significantdirect impact to fisheries industries and to the nation at large, the purpose of this study is to asses thedamage and inquire the needs for those who engaged in fisheries and related industries in Hambantotadistrict. Godawaya village in Hambantota district is selected for the study as it is one of the villagesinvolving in different sub sectors of the fisheries industry and it has been seriously affected by Tsunami.Fifty families, which involved in fisheries industry, are directly interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Observation method is also used to gather some of the sensitive data which can not becollected through a questionnaire. The descriptive statistical tools are used for analysis. The study has found that sixty four percent of the people lost more than fifty percent of their propertieswhich have been used in fisheries industry, still their core competency remains with the same industryas per their education level and the experience. Conducting short term business and psychologicalcounseling and training programmes, facilitating through low-interest loan schemes, providingtechnological and marketing supports, developing a multiple village production cluster approach andconducting intensive vocational skill transferring programmes are recommended as short and mediumterm strategies. Establishing Godawaya village, with necessary infrastructure facilities, as an economichub due its uniqueness in location is the main long term strategy. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4643 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4642 The Effects of Tsunami on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) Case in Hambantota District Amaratunge, S.; Silva, K. South Asia and a part of Africa was struck by a Tsunami, a long high sea wave caused by underwaterearthquake, on the 26 December 2004. In Sri Lanka costal areas around country were badly affectedand entire social, economic system in those areas were disintegrated and had to depend on outsidesupport. Those areas were less developed and income sources were intertwined with sea. In theabsence of large industries economic activities were focused on Small and Medium scale businesses(SMEs) inmost of these areas. This research made an effort to identify the rebuilding achievementsofSME's in post Tsunami period in both social and economic contexts. Harnbanthota was selected for the study and 25 SMEsl were selected randomly in Rathupasgodalletown and Mirijjavila. Cluster of SME's randomly selected included traders, manufactures, fishing,representing services. It was a quantitative study and empirical statistics were studied to identify andinterpret objective of the study. Structured questionnaire was used and comprised before and afterTsunami positions. In all most all cases partner or proprietor was interviewed, researches madeinterpretative approach in analyzing the responses and arriving conclusions. The study has found that SME's had started in small way but do not have a strength to recommenceon their own to the capacity they were hence look for financial assistance. Lack of accepted collateralhad been a major issue as the banks financial services maintained averse approach and only 8% hadreceived financial assistance. Self-employment and SME's had offered income source second toGovernment employment. Non-operations ofSME's created a vacuum for employment opportunities/income sources. 99% of employed were from surrounding areas thus made economic instability tofamilies. Authorities had considered SME's as mere business entities and ignored the fact they play insocial and economic aspect. SME's nor the society was ever prepared for a disaster in a suchmagnitude. They did not have any plan for risk evasion or business continuity. Only marginal numberhad insurance although one third had liability for loans/leases. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/4642 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z