The word "Tsunami"

The Japanese word tsunami was not well-known or heard in Sri Lanka prior to December 26, 2004. Now, Sri Lankans have no better word in their own language to describe the destruction caused to their lives and properties by this natural disaster.

It has been said that the devastation this tsunami caused to Sri Lanka within a period of ten minutes is comparatively much greater than the damages caused by the ethnic war that has existed for more than two decades in this country. A shocking thought by any who have seen the harm done during that time. In any case, the word tsunami is now well known by the people of Sri Lanka.