Tsunami Memorial Photo Museum
The Peraliya Tsunami Memorial, also known as the Tsunami Photo Museum, stands as a somber testament and remembrance to the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. Located near Galle, in the small coastal village of Peraliya, the memorial is centred around a corroded train carriage, the remains of the infamous Ocean Queen Express that was derailed by the colossal waves, leading to a tragic loss of over 1,700 lives in this single event.
The memorial serves both as a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural catastrophes and a tribute to the resilience of the local community as they rebuild their lives post-tsunami. As you approach the site, the haunting presence of the train wreckage and the various items on display evoke a deep emotional response, connecting visitors to the magnitude of the disaster.