In the aftermath of the tsunami of 26/12 the authorities are apparently contemplating the enforcement of a hundred-metre buffer zone from the coastline. This has run into controversy. As a way out it has been suggested that dykes be built and the sea reclaimed. Some writers have already focussed attention on the issues involved.

For instance, our increasing numbers of cricket fans are very concerned over the present fate of the Galle international cricket grounds by the side of the historic Dutch-built Galle Fort. These grounds were badly damaged due to the disaster. There is sufficient reason for rebuilding the stadium and the grounds particularly if dykes can be provided at suitable stretches.

It is advisable to persuade the government of the Netherlands to send a team of experts to examine the prospects of dykes not only for the Galle area but also for other areas.

The team may also be requested to examine the matter of reclamation of some land from the sea. Simultaneously our government should nominate a team of our engineers and other relevant personnel to liaise with the foreign team. Our experts should in due course visit the Netherlands for an indepth study of how matters have been successfully tackled in that country over the years. No doubt the reports of the two teams will help formulate our policies.

The overall aim should be to recover from the present plight, stand firmly on our feet and repay our debt to the international community who from time to time aided us ungrudgingly in times of misfortune. We must hurry up!