Lanka marks December 2004 tsunami anniversary

Chaminda PERERA

The Nation yesterday observed two minutes silence on schedule at 9.42 am in memory of those who were killed by the 2004 December 26 tsunami disaster. The national ceremony was held at Dharmaraja College, Kandy yesterday, declared as the National Safety Day by the Government.

The people in thousands thronged places of religious worship and engaged in prayers and poojas to bestow merit on the victims. They also conducted candle light vigils in remembrance of their kith and kin who lost their lives due to the sudden tragedy.

The Boxing day tragedy affected all irrespective of racial, religious or political differences. Sri Lanka was among the few countries which rose from the debris of tsunami.

Sri Lanka launched a massive rehabilitation drive in the aftermath of tsunami with the assistance of foreign countries and several Non Governmental Organisations.

The tsunami hit train at Peraliya was repaired and operated from Fort to Matara yesterday. Railways General Manager Lalitha Siri Gunaruwan received the train at the Matara station. He said three compartments which were badly damaged by the tsunami tidal waves were placed at the Railway Museum.

A special tsunami commemoration pinkama was also held at a mass graveyard at Akmeemana.

The mourners lit candles in remembrance of their relatives.