2004 'Boxing Day' Tsunami victims remembered
December 26, 2022- State Minister of Defence lays floral tributes
Marking the 18th anniversary of the shocking Tsunami disaster that jolted the island in 2004 killing over 35,000 people, the ‘National Safety Day’ ceremony was held at the Peraliya Tsunami Memorial in Thelwatte, Galle at around 8.45 am today (Dec 26) recalling the victims of the disaster.
State Minister of Defence Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Southern Province Governor Hon. Dr. Wilie Gamage were present at the commemorative ceremony organized by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Two-minute silence from 9.25 a.m. to 9.27 a.m. was observed in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the Tsunami 2004.
In commemorating all the local and foreign persons who died in the disaster, the event held at Peraliya today saw multi-religious observances at the venue under the patronage of DMC.
Southern Province Governor, State Minister of Defence, distinguished invitees and relatives of the victims placed floral tributes at the cenotaph in memory of Tsunami victims during the session.
In order to facilitate the regional students, stationary packs were distributed among 500 pupils to mark the event.
Director General of the DMC Maj. Gen. Sudantha Ranasinghe said arrangements were made to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the deadly Tsunami at the district level at the same time, today.
The southbound ‘Samudra Devi’ train, which is plying along the coastal rail line, with around 1500 passengers on board was hit by the killer waves close to Peraliya, Hikkaduwa killing its passengers due to disaster.
Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, the Director General of the DMC, State Officials and officers of the District Secretariat, armed forces and Police officers and residents were present at the event.
