People of Kalmunai urge govt. to ‘act fast’against coastal erosion

• The coastal areas of Kalmunai city are being destroyed to a large extent due to sea erosion. This phenomenon has affected the livelihoods of many fishermen

Text and Pix By A.S.M Arham

Kalmunai is an important historical city located in the Eastern part of Sri Lanka. It has been a unique place in terms of sociology, economy, culture and Islamic cultural traditions. However, in the past few years, the city has started losing its unique identity due to coastal erosion. 

The Effects of Sea Erosion

The coastal areas of Kalmunai city are being destroyed to a large extent due to sea erosion. This phenomenon has affected the livelihoods of many fishermen. As a result, basic facilities including fishermen’s business places, and fishermen’s resting places are heading towards destruction, and people are being forced to evacuate.

On the other hand, the Kalmunai coastal belt is subject to environmental degradation while marine species are increasingly losing their habitats. 

Various efforts have been made in this regard in the past, where some politicians met with the Director General of the Coastal Protection Department and expressed the need to take action in this regard. Members of the Kalmunai Muhyiddeen Jumma Mosque and the Mosque Trustees Council also met the Ampara District Governor and raised this issue.

The continuing erosion, has created a danger of impacting roads, public places and important buildings.

Residents of Kalmunai suggest that the government should take the following steps to ensure any possible vulnerabilities in the future: 

1.Develop a comprehensive coastal erosion prevention plan – a sustainable coastal protection plan.

2.Rehabilitation of the affected areas – reconstruction of the areas where fishermen live.

3.Establish a special task force to monitor the situation and find a solution. 

Kalmunai is the home to thousands of people and a symbol of heritage; therefore, its coast should be preserved and protected erosion