Woman loses entire family

Dr Sonali Deraniyagala of London was in Sri Lanka for her family's cherished annual holiday over the Christmas period.

Her husband Dr Steve Lissenburgh and their boys, Vikram, seven, and five-year-old Nikhil were swept away in a car by the massive ocean surge.

Dr Deraniyagala's Sri Lankan mother and father, Edward and Gemini Deraniyagala, were also carried off by the raging water.

Dr Lissenburgh, 40, was a senior researcher at the Policy Studies Institute and specialised in initiatives for the low paid and working opportunities for disabled people. One of his long-standing colleagues, Dr Michael White, said in a tribute: "Most years, Steve went to Sri Lanka with his family for Christmas and the New Year.

"He loved Sri Lanka and when he came back he loved to talk about the good times he had there. He had a big capacity for enjoyment. Surely he was happy there in his last days and hours."

He added: "You couldn't work alongside Steve without becoming his friend. Not just one of the usual work-friends, but someone you feel really close to.

"And once he was your friend, you would not find a truer one. I've never had a moment's anxiety with Steve about whether he would do the right thing.

"Utterly honest, absolutely reliable, but also such good company, with his good humour and his amazing capacity to be interested in others."

Of Dr Lissenburgh's work, Dr White said: "He wanted to make a difference, and he did make a difference. With more time, he would have made a great difference."

The family were on holiday in the Yala Safari Game Lodge when the powerful quake struck on Boxing Day.

A statement from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London where 40-year-old economics lecturer Dr Deraniy-agala works, said: "Everyone who has learned of the dreadful tragedy is united in their grief and support for Sonali.

"She is a highly esteemed popular member of the department of economics."