ECHOES OF THE WAVE

Learning from the past, preparing for the future

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami killed 35,000 people in Sri Lanka in a matter of hours.

Twenty years later, the memory is fading.

But are we prepared for the next wave?

THE STORY

On the morning of December 26, 2004, a 9.3 Mw earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

On the morning of December 26, 2004, a 9.3 Mw earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in the deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

In the aftermath, over 230,000 people lost their lives to the tsunami – with more than 35,000 victims in Sri Lanka alone.

In the aftermath, over 230,000 people lost their lives to the tsunami – with more than 35,000 victims in Sri Lanka alone.

THE PATHWAY TO RECOVERY

Twenty years later, the memory of that day is indelible in the heart of Sri Lankan people. However, several gaps and challenges remain in the preparedness for the next disaster.

Twenty years later, the memory of that day is indelible in the heart of Sri Lankan people. However, several gaps and challenges remain in the preparedness for the next disaster.

Through the testimonies of survivors, community leaders, academics, and disaster risk experts, the film turns memory into a call for action: are we prepared for the next wave?

Through the testimonies of survivors, community leaders, academics, and disaster risk experts, the film turns memory into a call for action: are we prepared for the next wave?

BEHIND THE SCENES

THE JOURNEY

The journey ended in Colombo, where on November 4, the crew attended the Technical Symposium ‘From Tragedy to Resilience: Reflections Over Two Decades, Retrospect the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami’ organized by the Disaster Management Center (DMC).

Colombo

Between October and November 2024, the crew traveled for 20 days to conduct field assessments and interviews across the most tsunami-impacted areas of the Southern and Eastern provinces in Sri Lanka.

THE JOURNEY

Colombo

Between October and November 2024, the crew traveled for 20 days to conduct field assessments and interviews across the most tsunami-impacted areas of the Southern and Eastern provinces in Sri Lanka.

Ampara

Yala

Hambantota

Tangalle

Dickwella

Weligama

Ahangama

Galle

Hikkaduwa

Colombo

Batticaloa

THE TEAM

United by a passion for storytelling, our team brings together filmmakers, technical experts, and creatives dedicated to giving a voice to the most vulnerable communities around the world.