Extensive damage to boats and Colombo-Galle main road by massive tidal wave

• The tidal wave had inundated several areas from Usmudunawa in Ambalangoda to Ahangama. Samudra Mawatha , Harbour Police ground, the customs office in Galle and several business establishments had gone under water

 By D.G.Sugathapala,Hemantha de Silva and Sirangika Lokukaravita   

Extensive damage had been caused to fishing boats off the coasts of Kalutara, Galle and Matara Districts the Colombo- Galle main road by the massive tidal wave that swept the southern coast on Saturday. The tidal wave which hit the southern coast had inundated several areas from Usmudunawa in Ambalangoda to Ahangama. Samudra Mawatha , Harbour Police ground, the customs office in Galle and several business establishements had gone under water.  

Fisheries Officials said several boats in the Jakotuwella anchorage had been washed ashore and extensive damage caused to boats in the Dodanduwa fisheries harbour. The Colombo-Galle highway had been obstructed by sand at several places and police had diverted traffic through alternative routes. The Coast Conservation Department, and the Road Development Authority had taken steps last morning to clear the obstructions to traffic.  
Meanwhile people who panicked due to the possible danger of a tsunami had left for safer locations however the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Centre had announced that it was only a tidal wave caused by the south west monsoon and dispelled fears.   

A student of the Ruhnu University had disappeared when bathing in the sea off Dikwella. The victim Pankaja Jayoda (22) from Thalgampola in Galle had been enjoying a sea bath with two friends when he disappeared. The other two young men had been saved by the residents of the area and admitted to Karapitiya teaching hospital.  
Galle District Director of Disaster Management Col. Prasad Karunaratne said the Meteorological Department had announced yesterday that the force of the wind could be between 50-60km and warned to refrain from engaging in fisheries activities.