Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangodaarea on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. Ariyapala and Sons is an important landmark in the town of Ambalangoda that famed for its history and expertise mask carving and culture. And the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is Sri Lanka.

Great effort by the owner to remember those who fell victim to the disaster. RIP. And hearing from the horses’ mouth provided you a better appreciation of the incident.

It was well worth to see this photo museum especially as it’s been set up by a surviving fisherman who told us all about his own experience. Very impressive and soul touching

This is one of the best place to see traditional masks in Sri Lanka. Next to the museum is small workshop were you can witnesses the mask come into life. On the first floor is a souvenir shop. Product here are bit costly, quality is of top notch. Employee in the shop are not well trained, they couldn't give a detailed explanation of the masks. Masks in Srilanka are originated in South of Sri Lanka, usually made using Kaduru wood in the mask capital of Ambalangoda.

Very impressive museum with a lot of pictures. The owner told us a lot of stories and what he had been through. Would highly recommend!

Interesting photos about 2004 Tsunami catastrophy. The lady who has built this museum will provide stories and facts about the happenings. No entrance fee, Donations box.

Really good but sad experience. The people of the museum explain everything very well and are very kind. The pictures are sad and sometimes disturbing but it was reality. Great museum!

Very informative. Local guide gave a first hand account.

A privately owned museum. They don't inform that the entrance fee is 500 rupees until you reach the second room of the museum and feel obliged to pay. Prefer the two other ones that are s bit further down the road and use donations for charity.

(Translated by Google) We visited both museums, which are only 50m apart. In the Education Museum Center we got a lot of information and also on request a guided tour. Many informative, on request also very moving pictures could be seen. Here, the children are being worked on and your donation will be given a good cause. Books made by women or widows by hand are offered for sale. The money will benefit those people who are named. The visit of the photomuseum, which is managed privately, pays the donated money itself. I'm already confused about such a business idea with this topic. (Original) Wir haben beide Museen ,die nur 50m voneinander entfernt sind ,besucht. Im Education Museum Center haben wir viele Informationen bekommen und auch auf Anfrage eine Führung . Viele aufschlussreiche , auf Wunsch auch sehr bewegende Bilder waren zu sehen . Hier wird für die Kinder gearbeitet und deine Spende wird einen guten Zweck zugeführt.Batiktücher, die von Frauen bzw. Witwen in Handarbeit gefertigt sind werden zum Kauf angeboten . Das Geld kommt diesen Menschen zu gute,die namentlich genannt werden . Der Besuch des photomuseums , welches privat geführt wird , steckt das gespendete Geld selbst ein. Ich bin über eine solche Geschäftsidee schon irritiert mit diesem Thema .

Be aware that locals have pointed out this is not the official museum. It's privately owned. It saw it only contains print outs from Google and photos (copy) of the original photos that are displayed in the real museum next block (Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum). It's not illegal I suppose, as anyone can set up a photography exhibition, but truly sad to exploit tourist's generosity and the tsunami's horror for profit.

Showcases the historical masks from Sri Lanka. Also they sell souvenir masks for customers. In addition you get a unique chance to observe these authentic masks being made from scratch.

I visited very recently. It's a very nice place to visit if you are traveling to down south

Wonderful place, alot different kind of masks we saw. Such an amazing experience

The museum was closed for restoration at the beginning of February. In the museum store the seller told us all about masks and their meanings. Masks there are 2-3 times cheaper than in other regions of Sri Lanka. Either you can request a discount.

Nice place

The couple that run this museum are fantastic. They do a great job making us remember this tragedy and being conscious about how lucky we are. Don’t miss it. The sensitive pictures are hidden so suitable for children. Come and support this fantastic work.

No photography allowed inside. Private Museum. Donations go to charity. Owners are passionate about what they do. At the end of the visit, a few videos are shown. Sign in the Book of Remembrance.

A place of sadness and hope at the same time. Anyone who is on vacation usually deals with beautiful topics and things. Unfortunately, for many people, a visit to a museum is not at the top of their priority list. But if you're here, you should take the time to pay a visit to the donation-based museum. It is organized by a woman and her family, who were themselves victims of the tsunami. The stories that she has to tell or that can be read on the walls show what power and violence nature has and that nothing on this earth lasts forever. you are shaken awake and experience a different form of gratitude. I stood in front of the images that reminded me of war images and asked myself, why do so many people fight each other and do these things to each other voluntarily? Mass graves, destroyed houses, missing children... The tsunami brought all of this, but no one could do anything about it. I was here on the morning of my departure day. To me it was worth being on the beach for a few hours less and having this encounter.

A superb insight to the devastating disaster from 2004 with the gentleman. He spoke reasonably English and went over in detail a couple of big posters which was mind blowing the numbers impacted by the tsunami. Following this we went over the photos in multiple rooms which was very sad to see but shown how bad things were. The tour finished with a 10mins video which was very interesting and gave further details we didn’t realise. The monument from the mass burial shown is only 3-5 mins walk down the road. This small museum is free entry but does ask for a donation which contributes to a small children’s home for those impacted from this event. It is important tourists or anyone support this! A MUST GO, only takes 30mins

Moving experience learning about the 2004 tsunami. The person who shows you around, a survivor, was so passionate and knowledgeable and does amazing charity work which your donation goes towards. Couldn’t recommend more.

100% a must visit. It refreshes the cruelties of the tsunami disaster. Note, it’s a small museum with mostly pictures. There is a video at the end. Expect to spend around 30-45 minutes there. A small donation is askes for, which is going to child support and education.

She can tell it very well and you will leave here speechless. Thank you!

Very moving visit. The host and his family were deeply impacted by the events of the tsunami and many years following. Great storytelling with raw, graphic pictures and video that really gives a good insight into how these dramatic events affected everyone in the area, including the most devastating train accident in history, that happened right here at the site. Today they use the donations received to benefit many disabled children in their charitable work as well as maintaining the operations of the museum.

We were shown around by a man who told us about the tsunami from his own experience. Very moving. We got a good idea of ​​this horrible day in history and its consequences. You shouldn't miss this museum when you are in Hikkaduwa.

This place will grab you by the heart. Please note that it is quite a powerful experience, which is enhanced by the fact that when you enter, you are guided by the lady owner of the museum, who is a local and lives on that place with her family. I definitely recommend a visit, you will learn a lot of interesting information directly from a survivor. It is also a nice gesture that the entrance fee is voluntary, from which I conclude that the owner's intention is really to spread awareness and make people aware of the really important things in this world.

It's truly captivating yet sorrowful. Witnessing the aftermath of the tsunami on the population is shocking. The guide is genuinely kind, sharing profound insights about those challenging times. Definitely worth a visit.

Search google you can find better photos

A very heart wrenching place. Wasn't aware Sri Lanka had taken so much of the force from the Tsunami, as the world concentrated on Thailand. Well worth a visit and donate to the locals who ate still suffering.

Needs proper maintenance.

Nice place to understand about the tsunami

Beautiful place, heart breaking to see but worth a visit!

Impressive photostory. Could use bit more interaction or explanation to get 5/5

Worth a visit to understand exactly what happen and the effect

Very sad to see, but best information about the Tsunami in december 2004.

(Translated by Google) I believe that this place is a must-see for all residents and tourists. Even in order to at least somehow share the pain of loss. Photos and videos shown in this museum do not fit in your head, just because grief of this magnitude probably no longer forget anyone. The guide at the museum and his parents are still volunteers, and help children who are left alone after the tsunami. (Original) Считаю что, данное место обязательно к посещению всем жителям и туристам. Даже для того что бы хоть как то разделить боль утраты. Фотографии и видео демонстрируемые в данном музее никак не укладываются в голове, просто потому горе такого масштаба наверное уже не забыть никому. Экскурсовод в музее и его родители ещё являются волонтёрами, и помогают детям которые остались одни после цунами.

(Translated by Google) A very happy and sincere guide to this museum. It was painful to hear about everything that happened, the photos were terrifying, there was even a video. There were some tears, but after visiting the museum a feeling of great pride appeared for these people after what they experienced. Many thanks to our guide for the story in English. Nearby there are a couple of museums that can not be compared. Especially near the monument, I do not advise. (Original) Очень счастливый и душевный гид у данного музея. Было больно слушать обо всем произошедшем, фотографии ужасающие, есть даже видео. Без слез не обошлось, но после посещения музея появилось чувство большой гордости за этот народ после пережитого. Огромная благодарность нашему гиду за рассказ на английском. Рядом есть ещё пара музеев, которые не сравнятся. Особенно возле монумента- не советую.

Nice collection But quite depressing

(Translated by Google) No matter which museum is better or worse, the fact is that all the survivors have experienced and seen terrible things. Which we cannot even begin to imagine. I cried so much when I saw all the cruel photos ... in minutes whole villages, families, friends, nature were simply swept away ... respect for all these people! And no matter what they use the donations for, it always goes to those who survived! Thanks to the couple! Only through this experience did I really realize the full extent of this catastrophe! (Original) Egal, welches Museum besser oder schlechter ist, Fakt ist, dass all die Überlebenden Schreckliches erlebt und gesehen haben. Was wir uns nicht mal ansatzweise vorstellen können. Ich habe so sehr geweint, als ich all die grausamen Fotos sah....in Minuten wurden ganze Dörfer, Familien, Freunde, Natur einfach weggefegt....Respekt vor all diesen Menschen! Und egal für was sie die Spenden verwenden, es kommt doch immer bei denen an, die das überlebt haben! Danke an das Ehepaar! Erst durch dieses Erlebnis wurde mir das ganze Ausmaß dieser Katastrophe wirklich bewusst!

We found the museum very informative and recommend it to anyone who would like to learn about tsunami. We would suggest a sign or a warning that there are very confronting images for children.

A very moving and direct presentation of how the tsunami effected Sri Lanki and the local area in particular. Run to benefit the child survivors, well worth a visit and an appropriate donation. The area is still recovering.

(Translated by Google) This place makes you aware of the events of 2004 again, as well as the concrete effects on the people who lived and survived here. Entry is free and you are welcome to donate a few rupees. However, it is a private museum (there is probably a "public" a few meters further on) and for us it was not clear what the donated money would ultimately be used for ... (Original) Dieser Ort macht einem die Ereignisse von 2004 nochmal bewusst, so wie die konkreten Auswirkungen auf die Menschen, die hier lebten und überlebten. Der Eintritt ist frei und man spendet gern ein paar Rupies. Allerdings ist es ein privates Museum (es gibt wohl noch ein "öffentliches" ein paar Meter weiter) und für uns war es nicht klar, wofür das gespendete Geld letztlich verwendet wird...

Was very informative about the 2004 tsunami, Lal was very generous in telling his personal experience of his own family’s survival. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to know about the tsunami. Some graphic images. - Cole family

General tsunami photo museum

(Translated by Google) Very impressing. A 'MUST' Stop, If you visit Sri Lanka. Very impressive, especially the personal conversation. If you are interested in Sri Lanka and its people should definitely keep here. (Original) Very impressing. A 'MUST' Stop, If you visit Sri Lanka. Sehr beeindruckend, insbesondere das persönliche Gespräch. Wer an Sri Lanka und seinen Menschen interessiert ist sollte hier unbedingt halten.

Old place

(Translated by Google) Oppressive pictures and explanations to this great misfortune. (Original) Bedrückende Bilder und Erläuterungen zu diesem großen Unglück.

This is the beat please we can see the History of Tsunami

Very sad

(Translated by Google) Very interesting place, many photographs showing the horror that took place on the island. In close proximity is another museum that offers a different picture. Men in both the voluntary admission, there is seen a monument to the victims of a Buddha statue depicting the wave height at this point. (Original) Velmi zajímavé místo, mnoho fotografií znázorňujících hrůzu, která se na ostrově odehrála. V těsně blízkosti je další muzeum, které nabízí jiné fotografii. Do obou muzií je dobrovolné vstupné, je zde k vidění i pomník obětem a socha Buddhy znázorňující výšku vlny v tomto místě.

(Translated by Google) Free, but you can make donations. Photo norms (Original) Бесплатный, но можно сделать пожертвования. Фото норм

(Translated by Google) Tatsibu (Original) Tatsibu

Good ples

(Translated by Google) A simple museum, it's nothing fancy, but in this case, it's even in place. (Original) Jednoduché muzeum, není to nic honosného, ale v tomto případě je to snad i na místě.

(Translated by Google) Very touching. Here you will be received by a very warm family. They have survived and they are so thankful for that. Many people would say we have lost EVERYTHING, the family says we and our 3 children have survived, we are so happy. It is a question of personal attitude, what is important and what is not important to you. What use is the house spared by the tsunami if your family does not live in it anymore? Please go to the memorial before, usually the buses stop here, stay there for a few minutes and take this moment into the museum. You will see this place again. (Original) Sehr bewegend. Hier werdet Ihr von einer sehr herzlichen Familie empfangen. Sie haben es überlebt und sie sind so dankbar dafür. Viele Menschen würden sagen, wir haben ALLES verloren, die Familie sagt, wir und unsere 3 Kinder haben überlebt, wir sind so glücklich. Es ist eine Frage der persönlichen Einstellung ,was einem wichtig ist und was nicht. Was nützt das Haus das vom Tsunami verschont wurde, wenn Deine Familie nicht mehr darin wohnt? Geht vorher bitte zum Denkmal, normalerweise halten die Busse hier, bleibt ein paar Minuten dort stehen und nehmt diesen Moment mit in das Museum. Ihr werdet diesen Platz wiedersehen.

The very first and the "Genuine" Tsunami Photo museum.

Good place

It shows the casualties of the 2004 tsunami. No explanation about the physics of a tsunami. Entry free, but ~1000 Rs donation expected.

Fully detail Photo collection

(Translated by Google) Materials of the history of the 2004 tsunami were displayed. It is the first tsunami in Sri Lanka tsunami It is said that it was named. (Original) 2004年の津波の歴史の資料が展示してありました。スリランカでは初めての津波らしくtsunami と命名されたそうです。

i didnt make photos inside. this museum in one of the family's house. it was very deep, i cried, when i arrived the part of the wall, where i found some draws of children, what they draw about the tsunami. there was some letters what some people wrote, how they felt, when they was here in srilanka on that day when the tsunami came. 2004. december26. this is the date what we cannot forget. tthere is no entrance fee, just one box. the family collect money. if u be in srilanka, have to go there

(Translated by Google) It is very sad and sad to look at this, sorry for pain ... (Original) Очень печально и грустно смотреть на такое,жалко до боли...

(Translated by Google) For me, visiting the place was a reminder of God's ability and the lesson of what happened in that tragic incident. There are some tragic images, expressions of people who have lived and some pictures of relief campaigns. But I would never recommend him (Original) بالنسبة لي زيارة المكان كان تذكير لقدرة الله تعالى والعبرة لما حصل في تلك الحادثة المأساوية. توجد بعض الصور المأساوية وعبارات لأشخاص عاصروا وبعض الصور لحملات الإغاثة. لكن لا أنصح بزيارته أبدا

Stop by and pay a donation

Harrowing byt should be compulsory

So sad lovely woman who set it up

One of my very favorite spots to take visitors while heading down south! The museum in the basement is tiny and super kitsch, but if you go in expecting a tiny display that hasn't been updated (nor cleaned!) since at t least the 1970s, then you're in for a surrealistic good time! The true gem is the shop upstairs that has the most high quality hand carved and hand painted masks you'll find in the entire country!

The museum is small but very nice. You can see many masks and read how they were used, typical stories or healing dances. Interesting and free.

Very small "museum", the tour we were given was extremely fast (but free, tips welcome). The workshop is small, but you can have a look over the shoulder, which is nice. The shop is rather large, offers a lot standard mass-production items, but also some more unique items. Everything is quite expensive with fixed prices, no negotiation. If you are looking for the standard-items, buy them somewhere else. If you are looking for something different you might be lucky here. I bought a very abstract modern looking mask for 50€ (medium size).

Good and expeceve.

You can see from far those colorful paintings of some ancient masks/faces, that throw you back in prehistorical times, and forces you to dance in a crooked way, not like fortnite dance at all, around the huge bonfire and sing a song in unknown language that you suddenly understand. You will not even notice what happened, or how you bought those masks in your bag. The spirit of the history behind all different masks will totally take you away and you will be filled with positivity for the rest of the day. Or maybe I was just high. Big selection of masks, salesman will explain to you what is the meaning behind every different mask. Not so expensive prices.

This isn’t really a museum, it’s more of a shop. However it’s nice to be able to see the owner making the masks so you know they’re good quality.

This is a great tribute to one of the dying art traditions of the country. The explanation of the young ladies in the museum is adequate but if necessary they should be able to give a through explanation of Mask and Low country dance forms. Though limited their original Masks and Puppets collection is quite impressive. The showroom also feature a good collection of traditional and modern carvings and wood works.

Beautiful collection of the masks, if you want a sneak peek into the Srilankan culture then you must visit the museum.

Great place to buy masks. Wide collection of masks from hundred years old to recent creations.

The mask museum contains small library, mask workshop and museum with many displays of masks and tools used to make masks. The mask carving is carried out in the workshop by using trunks of Kaduru tree. They explain everything with out charging any fee. However you can make donations. Further facilities are available to purchase traditional masks.

Butifull place

On my opinion, 3 years ago this shop was more interesting than today. Less choice than earlier. Very expensive

A good collection of masks and the best place in Ambalangoda to see them. You can buy masks, view a puppet show and visit the small museum. You can even see how they make masks. Worth for children to see.

see traditional masks in Sri Lanka. Next to the museum is small workshop were you can witnesses the mask .. This museum is designed to introduce into the richness of the mask tradition of Ambalangoda and to strengthen this cultural heritage.

(Translated by Google) Shop masks, to be precise))) (Original) Магазин масок, если быть точнее)))

(Translated by Google) It is worth taking a look and hear about the role of masks in Sri Lankan culture. (Original) Warto zajrzeć i posłuchać o roli masek w kulturze lankijskiej.

Art

Traditional Mask Museum and factory

(Translated by Google) Cool and unusual place. You can buy interesting souvenirs. (Original) Классное и необычное место. Можно купить интересные сувениры.

Best mask museum

Wow..

(Translated by Google) The museum is so-so, their main task is to give you souvenirs. That's all (Original) Музей тако себе, главная их задача впарить вам сувениры. Вот и все

Small but interesting place. Entrance is free, but you can give some donation to this place. Ask the guide to show you the museum. They have also a shop, but prices are very high

Very valuable place to visit. Entrence totally free. But if you want to help to improve mark manufacturing culture, you can donate.

(Translated by Google) Little muse in two rooms. Admission is free. They will tell you a couple of stories for reporting. (Original) Маленький музе в две комнаты. Вход бесплатно. Расскажут пару историй за донейшн.

Good place

Very good place to get information about traditional Mask history.

(Translated by Google) Nice shop. It is a pity that tourists do not make discounts. Because of what we are tourists and do not buy (Original) Хороший магазинчик. Жаль ,что скидки туристам не делают. Из за чего мы туристы и не покупаем

(Translated by Google) Nice and historically interesting (Original) Ganz nett und historisch interessant

(Translated by Google) Nice masks, small museum, free entry, nice selection of souvenirs (Original) Schöne Masken, kleines Museum, Eintritt frei, schöne Auswahl an souvenirs

Traditional masks & muppet ,down south.Sri Lanka.....

(Translated by Google) A small museum, a workshop is a prelude to a compulsory store. By the way, there are many such museum-shops in Sri Lanka (Original) Маленький музей, мастерская - прелюдия к обязательному магазину. Кстати, таких музеев-магазинов много по Шри-ланке

A brief and interesting glimpse into local history and culture. Both museum and shop are worth visiting.

Very informative, hands on. Friendly staff and guide in English available.

I was amazed to find such good explanation for the ancient art of curing people of their diseases via certain rituals. It made sense at that time when it was practiced when one thinks of the progress science had made till then

(Translated by Google) Free, but donate. The museum is cool of course. There is a shop on the second floor. Great choice, "fixed prices", but bargained well. (Original) Бесплатно, но можно пожертвовать. Музей прикольный конечно. На втором этаже магазин. Большой выбор, "фиксированные цены", но сторговались хорошо.

(Translated by Google) An interesting museum, though modest. You can learn something about individual masks. Next to it is a workshop where masks and a shop are made. The store has a very large selection of masks, although the prices are very high. Three times overpriced. (Original) Ciekawe muzeum, choć skromne. Można się czegoś dowiedzieć o poszczególnych maskach. Obok jest warsztat, gdzie produkowane są maski oraz sklep. W sklepie bardzo duży wybór masek, choć ceny bardzo wysokie. Trzy krotnie zawyżone.

(Translated by Google) Entrance to the museum is free, but donation has not been canceled, cozy and small. Near the working area, you can see how the masks are made. Unlike other places, it’s much more expensive, you can find cheaper, but there is a very large selection of masks and the quality is good than I saw before, as well as a work area nearby where you can see how the masks do. (Original) В музей вход бесплатный, но donation никто не отменял, уютный и маленький. Рядом рабочая зона, можно посмотреть как делают маски. В отличии от других мест намного дороже, можно найти дешевле, но зато очень большой выбор масок и качество хорошее, чем я видела ранее, а также рядом рабочая зона, где можно посмотреть как маски делают.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful masks. Not enough good excursion factory (Original) Красивые маски. Не хватает хорошего эксскурсавода

(Translated by Google) A small workshop with a creative atmosphere👍🏻 here you can see how 🎭 are made, visit a museum and buy a great souvenir in their shop! (Original) Небольшая мастерская с творческой атмосферой👍🏻 здесь можно увидеть как 🎭 изготовляются, побывать в музее и прикупить отличный сувенир в их магазинчике!

Good view's

One must visit this place to really know about what happened. The photos are shown in such a manner that depict exactly how and what happened. It also shows the massive damage tht had happned and how things transformed. You will enjoy and be amazed how the city looks now and then.

The museum is free of charge because they want to give everybody the opportunity to see the exhibition but a donation, to maintain the museum, is most welcome. Museum Sri Lanka: Mrs. Kamani de Silva Holland : Mrs. Jacky van Oostveen

Very insightful experience, some shocking images but a must see in my opinion

A rough collection of pictures of that terrible day and a few days later. Decent people. Free with collection for the museum and an orphanage although it is unclear how much goes to it... Raw picture and footage to remember the victims of this tragedy. I learned quite a few things.

Very horrible but informative. Many dead body images so beware.

Lal the instructor at the museum was excellent, shared his personal story (a sad one), as well as the nation. It was very informative interesting tour at the museum. Totally recommend!

breath taking photos and videos. Nicely organized place. Most part of donation goes for children who lost their parents in tsunami.

Absolutely amazing and emotional! The owner of the museum was the most inspiring man! Very brave and so glad I went to see his museum!!

Its so worth to go there and visit this place & get to know more about the story of Sri Lanka! Lal shows you around this little place and tells you the official & his own story!

It was special to see all the pictures and it’s heart breaking. Lal is so friendly and explains everything and he is taking care auf his visitors Thank you so much

This place again remember an emotional about tsunami.

A photo museum about Tsunami. No entrance fee. Lots of photos and paper article here.

A very emotional place. Sad place. This small museum houses tragic memories, photos and belongings lost by local people and by tourists, e.g. suitcases, children's toys. Marine nature and her strength are unimaginable. Could you imagine a big railway wagon crushed like a piece of paper? If not visit Tsunami Photo Museum, please. I couldn't take any photos inside due to emotions. Admission is free, but in March 2017, I left a proper financial donation there. The place worth to visit.

Very impressive place. The owner has his own experience.

Very good tsunami photo guide and collection

Heartbreaking. Lal does a great job relaying his personal experience.

Good place to remember about tsunami

Very impressive. Lots of pictures + video’s and very informative explanation by the guy who runs the museum. Who is btw also a victim of this act of nature.

Very informative. No entrance. The pictures are intrested but also very sad and the pictures are real !! Its not suitable for children. This Museum a is must seen for the Trip in Sri Lanka.

Informative personal and touching tellings from a local woman. You will find a lot of photos and material regarding the tsunami of 2004.

It's a really "nice" museum with a lot of horrific content. The most touching part is that the owner and curator of the museum is a woman how experienced the Tsunami. And the museum is build on the remains of her house which was destroyed by the Tsunami.

the couple that runs this museum is definitely what made the difference. they're authentic and are able to share their memories honestly. thank you!

I really appreciate the time taken for the lady that was explaining her story. This place is a MUST if you are near the area. Thank you for your hard work, I wish you all the best. Donations go to the local people.

A very informative, interesting and memorable visit to the tsunami museum. Thank you for sharing your story and memories.

Such a raw experience, had a very well informed guide who showed us the horrors of this disaster. Would recommend to anyone visiting through!

Really interesting and scary to learn about the awful experiences of him and others from Sri Lanka . Would highly recommend going!

Really great to see the devastating photos, owner showed us around. Free entry, donations accepted.

It is worth visiting this museum if you are interested to know the true story of the Tsunami in 2004. Uncle Lal is excellent at explaining the incident. You can see all the photos taken at the time of the incident with an informative video. I would highly recommend this place.

It was a mindblowing experience. It is a pretty small museum, 5 rooms. One guy, who is the owner of the museum, showed us around and told us about the tsnunami. He himself was there when it happened and shared his story as well, which was meaningful, touching and authentic.The museum really visualizes what happened in 2004 and it was really interesting to learn about. I was with 3 other tourists, but one could speak Sinhala, which made it possible for us to really understand all the stories but the guy showing us around can speak English. We spend around an hour at the place and at the end were asked to leave a donation. I would recommend it for everyone visiting Hikaduwa as it has impacted so many people their lives and nature!

A must see location in Sri Lanka. It‘s very hard to see the pictures but then you really unterstand what happend to that people. It‘s very informative and the family is super kind and lovely. For me it was either a shocking and a wonderful experience. Thank you for Everything!

Very emotional place with a lot of terrifying pictures and impressions of the catastrophe of 2004. The guid explain a lot of things and stories. Please, show respect and don't make pictures of this sad place. And I hope this russian couple read this, who was with me there and ignore this rule, even when the guide said it several times. You are disgusting, take it personal please!!!

We wanted to see this place but weren’t expecting the impact it would have on us. We left in tears. The images are very confronting but it’s nothing compared to what these people must have gone through and are still going through. My heart goes out to all of them. ❤️ also the man who gives you the information welcomes you with a big smile. You can really tell he is doing this from his heart, not to earn money. He doesn’t ask for anything but please, donate

It was very touching experience that really shows the genuine devastation and disaster the people went through. The tour guide was incredibly nice and told his and everyone’s story very well. I highly recommend this exhibit to everyone.

The man who showed us round was lovely, talking to us about his personal experience which was very moving. The documentary at the end showed us the true deviation from the 2004 Tsunami. Thank you for the enlightening afternoon.

The man who runs this place is a beautiful, kind, gentleman who showed us around and shared his traumatic experience with us. I thank him for showing us around and sharing his time because it must be so difficult for him to relieve it. A beautiful man and its definitely worth seeing, it's very important to learn about the Tsunami and this museum does it perfectly.

It is a small but very informative museum. The museum manager was fantastic and survived the disaster. He gave us lots of information and background to all the photos

museum with a collection of hundreds of photos with a tsunami disaster that hit this island of Sri Lanka .....

Very sad and humbling museum about the 2004 tsunami. Highly recommended if you’re in this area or don’t know much about the event. We really learned a lot. The owner/guide lived through the event and even had pictures from their old house.

Very impressive museum. Had a nice tour and received a lot of information.

Good material in image and video format, which impressively shows the terrible tragedy. This material is framed by sayings about the tragedy and information boards. The museum director deserves 5 out of 5 stars!