Lighting the memories of 40,000 people

More than 300 candles lighted the big dome of Egoda Kelinaya temple twelve months after the tsunami washed away 40,000 lives in Sri Lanka. In an emotive silent act, this multi-religious event brought together university students, parents, neighbours and ActionAid staff, who organised the ceremony, to commemorate the tsunami anniversary.

Candles and flowers honoured the memory of all the people who lost their lives one year ago.

"It is a sad day, all the country remembers the people who are not with us today. But one year on, more than ever, it's time to keep on working and to deliver hope to all the people affected by the tsunami.

This is our clear commitment with the most affected communities; listening to them and then taking action addressing their real needs," says ActionAid Sri Lanka team leader Khemraj Upadhyaya.

Besides the main activity in Egoda Kelinaya temple, there were more multi-religious events organised by ActionAid in two temples - Bodhirukkaramaya in Pettah and Kuppiyawatte, and in Kochchikade Sivam Kovil and in one church in Colombo.

In Ahungalle, Movement for Restoration of the Human Dignity, a student body of Open University of Sri Lanka, organised with ActionAid support, distribution of educational materials for 75 tsunami victims schoolchildren.

To commemorate this first tsunami anniversary, until today, ActionAid telecasts a series of short films to highlight personal stories of people all around the country who have overcome the tsunami through Sirasa TV and Shakthi TV.