Page 70 - RASAS 2025

10 Ruhuna Arts Student’s Annual Sessions (RASAS) -2025
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Analysis of Causes and Effects of Coastal Erosion Southern Coastal Belt of
Sri Lanka: Case Study from Hikkaduwa to Akurala

S.L.M. Wickramarathna
Department of Geography, University of Ruhuna
lithajminuwantha@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Sri Lanka is a stunning island with a 1600-kilometer coastline and multiple world heritage sites. Coastal
erosion can be identified as a major problem facing the coastal zone. The southern coastline from Hikkaduwa
to Akurala is one of the areas most at risk from coastal erosion, where tourism related activities, coral reef

ecosystems, and increasing development pressures have accelerated erosion. In addition, this region is strongly
influenced by seasonal changes such as the southwest and northeast monsoons, which greatly alter wave

strength, rainfall, and ocean currents. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to analyze the causes and
effects of coastal erosion in this coastal zone. Some field observation and questionnaire survey were conducted
with 30 randomly selected participants from May to August 2024. As a secondary data source, past and present

erosion patterns of the coastline were analyzed using satellite imagery from 2005, 2012, 2018, 2020, and 2024.
Low-risk and high-risk areas were classified based on shoreline change rate, monsoon influence, and human
activities. The study found that the main cause of coastal erosion was tourism-related activities (27%), with

improper waste disposal (16%), coral reef mining (21%), unregulated construction (25%), and sand mining
(11%) as indirect causes. It was identified that urbanization and development of infrastructure in this region
were accelerating erosion. Threats to marine species such as turtles, loss of coral reefs and marine biodiversity,

disruption to people's lives and the tourism industry, and impacts caused by coastal erosion were identified.
Natural elements like sea level rise and strong waves, as well as human activities like tourism and unplanned

development, are the main causes of coastal erosion in this region. Accordingly, it can be concluded that natural
activities and poorly managed human activities have intensified coastal erosion in this area. Finally,
educational initiatives and strict regulations are essential to protect the region's vulnerable coastlines and

biodiversity.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Management, Sea-level rise, Tourism Impact

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