I was in Jaffna when the tsunami struck many countries including Sri Lanka. The Jaffna peninsula was hit mainly in the east coastal areas (Point Pedro, Katkovalam, Maruthankeni, Thalayadi) and reported over 1000 deaths and 15,000 homeless. Point Pedro recorded some 40 deaths and destruction of properties. I was told that the second wave rose some 9 meters and flattened the two properties in front of the College before hitting its walls. Methodist High School walls were also flattened. There was about 2 to 3 feet water at Hartley buildings. Stationery and other items on the floor were destroyed but fortunately there were no valuables lost. >>More

Vadivelu Sugumar
Former President,
HCPPA Australia NSW Branch

Hartley College was not severely affected by Tsunami. The front boundary wall has fallen and sea water entered inside the Principal's office and into some of the classrooms as well. No serious events occurred at Hartley College.

This information has been obtained by Mr. S. Balachandran, (President HCPPA COLOMBO BRANCH) from Mr. M. Nadarajasundram, Former President, HCPPA, Parent Body.

Please include in your website so that all the Hartleyites are in a position to read this item.

Thanks.
M. Thiruneelakandan.
HCPPA Colombo Branch.

Further to my earlier message, I spoke to the Principal, who visited the school today. According him the school was flooded up to about 4 feet of water, however the damage is minimal, except to the office and files. When I inquired about the Computers, he said water did not reach table height in that room hence they were OK he said. Hopefully his assessment is correct and there will not be a need for major renovation.

Lives lost in that area, mostly the greater Vadamarachi area is staggering. I may be wrong but Point Pedro town may not have received the brunt of the attack, but mostly it was the neighboring coastal areas. As for countrywide casualties now they are talking about 40,000.

Regards
Shan Shanmuganathan
Chairman, HCPPA Trust

I spoke to Nada to find out the situation in Point Pedro. According to him extensive damages are reported in the area around the beach/water front, with many deaths, with most homes being washed away. Water has come in as far as the Grounds and has gone in to school premises. He is not sure of the damage to the school, but feels there may not be structural damage.

As you can see the casualty figure is keeping on rising, and may be much more than the 2500 reported now.(8.30 pm local time).After a long time this occasion the damage is all around the country.

Much of concern is the fact that the land mines have been uprooted and are floating.

Will try to get you an update tomorrow.