Tsunami early warning system in Mahakanadarawa

Nimal Wijesinghe Anuradhapura Additional District group correspondent

A well-equipped tsunami early warning system is being established in Sri Lanka with German Government assistance by the Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau.

Under this scheme two such early warning stations have been constructed at Mahakanadarawa in Anuradhapura district and Hakmana in South. A team of German experts in seismic electronics are expected in the country in mid-February to attend to the final touches including the installation of solar panels.

Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau Chairman Dr N A Wijayananda said once completed, the system will nearly function with 200 tsunami early warning systems in Sri Lanka.

It will also act jointly with Pallekele and GSMB headquarters early warning systems interacting with them Hawai and Jakartha Tsunami Early warning stations.

He said the shipment of Solar powered equipment from Germany has already been unloaded at the harbour.

Project Coordinator Geo Physical Engineer Mahinda Seneviratne said the German GTZ institute is spending Euros 50,000 for each station by way of technology and equipment.

Meanwhile, the GSMB has submitted to the GTZ the possibility of establishing another similar tsunami early warning system either in Puttalam in Western coast or in Ampara in the Eastern coastal area to expand the range of receiving earthquake warnings.