Hikkaduwa was affected by the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake along with nearby villages Telwatta , Paraliya ( Queen of the Sea rail disaster ) , Dodanduwa , Kahawa and Rathgama . In the aftermath of the tsunami , many of the families who had lost everything were given sewing machines as part of the relief operations . As a result , the town has a multitude of tailors who will custom make shirts , pants , and shorts
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa