Today (26) marks 21 years since the devastating tsunami disaster that struck Sri Lanka and several other countries.
On December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake occurred off the coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami that affected many countries, including Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka alone, more than 35,000 people lost their lives, over 5,000 people were reported missing, and extensive damage was caused to properties across coastal areas.
In remembrance of the victims, December 26 has been observed annually as National Safety Day since 2005. This year, the National Safety Day commemoration ceremony is scheduled to be held tomorrow morning at the Paraliya Tsunami Memorial.
The Disaster Management Center stated that on National Safety Day, victims of the tsunami disaster as well as those who lost their lives in other disasters will be remembered. Accordingly, several religious programs have been organized at the district level.
The Disaster Management Center has also requested the public to observe a two-minute silence from 9:25 a.m. to 9:27 a.m. today in memory of those who lost their lives in disasters.
