Rising from the Wreckage: development of tsunami-affected libraries in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Describes the devastation caused to public, school and other kinds of libraries and public records by the tsunami which hit the coasts of Sri Lanka and other Asian countries on 26 December 2004. Outlines the rebuilding efforts now under way, including the establishment of a national disaster management committee for library and information services and archives, the involvement of local communities and the response of the international community. Notes that the rebuilding of the village-based social fabric in the coastal zone of Sri Lanka is the principal challenge at present. Emphasizes the need to keep libraries on the reconstruction agenda and to establish an international rapid response team able to team up with local librarians, archivists, archaeologists and others in countries affected by similar disasters to identify vulnerable resources, assess the damage and take remedial action.