The combating Coastal Erosion dates back to many centuries, and Coast Protection works were handled by various departments at various times prior to 1963. The realization of the government, that a comprehensive approach to coastal erosion control is required, led to the establishment of a Coast Protection Engineering Unit in the Colombo Port Commission in 1963. In 1978, the Coast Protection Engineering Unit was transferred to Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (MFAR) and was functioned as Coast Conservation Division.