March 18, 2015, was a truly momentous day in the history of Unawatuna. After a year of preparation, the Coastal Conservation Department, true to their word, have started pumping sand onto the eroded eastern and middle section of Unawatuna Beach.
The previous day, a huge ship arrived in the bay, loaded with sand. The metre wide chain of pipes that have been floating, partially submerged in the ocean, were connected to the ship and sand was pumped from the vessel via the pipes to the shoreline. Around 9am on the 18th March, the articulated arm of a bulldozer swung into action and lifted the final pipe into position and a great gush of sand spewed onto the shoreline, covering the rocks and filling the sea shore with sand. Three bulldozers then began the process of spreading the sand; carpeting an area 35 metres in length from the sea to the eroded coast line. This process continued through the morning, punctuated with purges of sand from the carefully positioned pipe. By mid-day the ship had relieved itself of its load; the pumping stopped and the vessel silently sailed away. By sunset the bulldozers ceased their work, having covered a generous hundred metre length of coast line. And so it will continue for the next four days.
The effect of this new expanse of sand is extraordinary. Unawatuna Beach, formerly an intimate, sheltered bay, now has an expanse of sand that gives a sense of openness more akin to Negombo. The local people have rediscovered their beach, so the local authorities must ensure that the new Unawatuna Beach be maintained as a clean, pristine promenade. And the sea should be kept clear of pollution so that it is a safe place to bathe or swim without fear of being injured or killed by speeding jet skis or motor boats. The beach and the ocean should be a place where local families and tourists can enjoy.