The researchers studied erosion processes at Uswetakeiyawa beach in Sri Lanka after a beach nourishment and breakwater construction project. They pumped sand onto the beach and built breakwaters to protect it. By collecting data on beach profiles and grain sizes, they found that the sand volume increased overall, but there were areas of erosion as well. Satellite images showed irregular changes in the beach profiles after the breakwaters were built. The breakwaters caused either subdued salient or gap erosion in specific locations on the beach. The lack of sediment supply from longshore currents and strong monsoon currents can lead to coastal erosion near the breakwaters.