Following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, a massive tsunami struck Sri Lanka on 26th December 2004, killing over 30,000 people. Tsunami waves mostly damaged the southern coastal area of Sri Lanka. Kachchiwatta Viharaya is situated near the coast, The massive waves destroyed most of the antiques belonging to the temple. Among them was relics and old Buddhist writings, ancient paintings and lots of valuable antiques.

Now the repair work is progressing and some new buildings are being built.