Despite the current status of Hikkaduwa as a
coral sanctuary, years of fishing boat damage and the burning of coral for
lime has taken its toll, particularly close to shore. In an attempt to
help the coral within the lagoon regain its former glory,
International Diving School has begun a coral restoration project. Using his years
of experience in underwater construction Somey and his team created an
artificial reef from specially made concrete blocks and 'planted' them
with coral harvested from distant sites out of reach of the coral
vandals.
This reef was anchored within the area now protected as a
coral sanctuary, a few hundred meters off-shore, and left to develop. Years later, the result is a thriving reef where before there was
only smashed coral. Somey now hopes to get permission to expand his
project further but local bureaucracy makes this a considerable challenge,
despite the obvious benefits for the marine environment.
Somey and
his team are always happy to talk about their project and will gladly show
you the prototype reef, which is within snorkeling distance of the
International Diving School.
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The Association of German
Travel Agents and Tour Operators (DRV - Deutscher ReiseVerband) had selected the coral
re-planting project initiated by International Diving School, as the
recipient of its annual environmental award. Given for outstanding
conservation projects around the world since 1987, DRV has commended the
work carried out by International Diving School for the restoration of
the
Hikkaduwa coral reef by re-planting corals and creating awareness
about the vitality of corals for the environment.
Spain. Speaking
at the gathering, Somey invited them to visit Hikkaduwa to get a first
hand experience of the work done by International Diving School.
held
with the assistance of USAID. Mr.Somadasa de Silva took the task of
explaining how coral reefs can help prevent environmental disasters such
as sea erosion and how Hikkaduwa coral reef became a barrier for the
giant waves that crashed in the recent tsunami.
A series of such
educational programmes for 27 schools in Ambalangoda educational
division is scheduled to be held, funded by USAID. 
yet another project to create awareness among
the community about the corals and its contribution in creating a
sustainable marine eco-system. Mr.Somadasa de Silva shared his knowledge
about corals with school children, describing his life experiences
associated with the Hikkaduwa reef, since he was a youngster. This was
as a
part of the USAID funded project to conduct a series of educational
seminars in 27 schools in the Ambalangoda Educational Division. Somey is
of the opinion that the future generation of the country should be
educated about this great asset, and he would do whatever possible in
his capacity, to ensure it done. 
and requested that the proposal for the planned conservation project be
submitted to his perusal. In recognition of his work for the
conservation of corals, the President presented a commemorative plaque
to Mr.Somadasa. Prof. Ruchira Kumaranatunga, Marine Biologist of Ruhunu
University and Mr.Vinnie Kariyawasam, Mayor of Hikkaduwa, were also
present at the meeting.
