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Volunteers
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Green Market
Galle has been a trade centre for centuries, exporting tea, rubber, coconut oil, cloves, and other products of the surrounding region. The Green Market, a colonnaded, open-sided hall measuring 232 x 32 feet, was built by the Dutch at the turn of the last century - a similar design and visual reference can be found in London’s Smithfield Market - and for over 100 years was the district’s purpose built, central wholesale and retail vegetable market place.
The market, located on the Main Street of Galle town, approximately 130 meters from the shoreline was inundated by the tsunami. Tidal waves swept through the building and the frontage, roof, supporting pillars and floor were severely damaged (exposing dangerously broken asbestos) and the drainage system collapsed. The flood waters reached 10 feet and numerous stalls, baskets, stock and equipment belonging to fruit and vegetable traders were washed away, leaving a former centre of economic activity in ruins and hundreds of families without a means of earning a living. Nine months on from the disaster, people are picking up the pieces if their lives and the market has begun trading again - although to only just above half of its former capacity. It was a hazardous and unpleasant environment and many vendors have relocated to markets further inland in an attempt to re-start their livelihoods.
By restoring the Market building and landscaping the surrounding area with trees and foliage a central area of Galle town will be revitalized, creating an attractive area for traders, their customers and visiting tourists. Project Galle’s separately funded Livelihood’s programme is running in conjunction with The Green Market renovation to ensure that small businesses are supported and revived. A second phase of development could restore a number of empty retail units which were hastily and poorly erected in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami.
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