Sea erosion causes havoc to Unawatuna beach

The beach is no more! The sea eating into the shoreline

The Unawatuna beach in Galle, a popular tourist destination is on the brink of extinction largely due to a groyne constructed by the Coast Conservation Authority. The Forum for Protection of Tourism in Unawatuna and several local fishermen's organisations have lodged complaints against the construction.

There is severe sea erosion and its natural beauty threatened. The number of tourists has dwindled posing a severe threat to the livelihoods of the local fishing community.

'Our fishing boats cannot be anchored safely due to the groyne. Tourism-based industries are in peril.

The damage to the fishery resources, the coral reef and ill-effects on the environment cannot be discounted,' fishermen said.

They have appealed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to direct the authorities to take immediate steps to contain further damage to the beach and restore it to its former glory.

A house ready to be devoured	The inviting beach	Waves knocking against the wall