W.A. Anusha Priyahti Wijesundara
Hydrographic Surveyor
National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency
Sri Lanka

Biography
W.A.A.P Wijesundara is the Hydrographic Surveyor at National Hydrographic office/ NARA. Wijesundara is specialized Geodesy. Wijesundara's various research are use of GIS for Marine Spatial Data Management, Tsunami disaster monitoring using GIS & Remote Sensing Technology and Shallow water bathymetry extraction from active and passive remotely sensed data

Abstract
Tsunami Risk Assessment in Weligama, Sri Lanka

A tsunami is a natural coastal hazard generated in the deep ocean as a result of an earthquake, volcanic activity, submarine landslide or meteoritic impact. The 26 December 2004 earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia generated one of the deadliest tsunami in history. It demolished the coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, as these Asian counties located shadow zone of this tectonic belt. Over thirty thousand loss their lives and also millions of worth extensive property damage because lacking of adequate knowledge and preparedness for such an infrequent but a powerful event. As Sri Lanka situated in a shadow zone of the earthquake generated belt preparedness is very important factor.

The study focused towards creation of a Tsunami risk map for Weligama area. The numerical simulation of tsunami inundation was carried out using ComMIT model with the major input parameters of earthquake source parameters, topography and bathymetry data. The December 2004 Sumatra Earthquake source parameters were used for generation, propagation, and coastal amplification of the tsunami waves and finally the inundation extent and water level was obtained to prepare large scale action maps on tsunami inundation to protect the coastal communities. The GIS tool has been used to incorporate the tsunami inundation depth to prepare the final tsunami risk map. Reliability of model results was compared with the field data and a high resolution QuickBird image. The results from this study will be useful for delineation of evacuation routes long – term planning and implementing activities to reduce impacts of tsunami in future.