Sri Lanka survivor to sue state

Mr Perera's wife and mother-in-law were swept away by the tsunami

A tsunami survivor is suing the Sri Lankan government, police and railways, for failing to protect him and his family from the disaster.

Priyantha Perera was among 3,000 passengers on a train swept away by the tidal waves, killing 1,000 people, including his wife and mother-in-law.

He accuses state authorities of not responding early enough and failing to mount an efficient rescue operation.

He wants to ensure Sri Lanka is better prepared for future catastrophes.

"If the government had been efficient enough to inform the people through loudspeakers or stopped the train in time, my wife would still be alive," Mr Perera, a radio presenter, told Reuters news agency.

"My life was not safeguarded by the authorities," he said. "I am hoping at least for some mechanism to secure people's lives."

Mr Perera has filed his case with the supreme court, accusing authorities of failing to issue an early warning, not responding after the initial tsunami wave and, later, for failing to send rescuers immediately.

His lawyer, Mr Tambiah, said Mr Perera phoned the police and other government bodies after the first wave hit but received no assistance.

The bodies of Mr Perera's wife and mother-in-law were found two days after the tsunami, near the train wreck.

"The second wave came 36 minutes later. They could have been rescued," Mr Tambiah said.

Mr Perera was swept away by the water and blacked out but was unhurt when he regained consciousness.