SL marks 15 years since the devastating tsunami

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka will today remember the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami victims with several religious observances scheduled to be held island-wide.

As Sri Lanka marks 15 years since the devastating tsunami, today has been named the National Disaster Awareness Day.

The Disaster Management Centre called on all Sri Lankans to observe a two-minute silence from 9.25am to 9.27am in remembrance of those who died in the natural disaster, the time that the tsunami approximately struck the island.

Deputy Director and Media Spokesman of the DMC Pradeep Kodippili said the Ministry of Disaster Management and the DMC will conduct a number of programmes including religious ceremonies in remembrance of tsunami victims, opposite the tsunami memorial, placed adjacent to the area where the Peraliya train was struck by the tsunami.

He noted programmes to educate the public as well as religious ceremonies have been organized in all 25 districts today.

Kodippili claimed the DMC had been working diligently for the past 15 years in order to ensure that such a disaster will not take place again.

He added plans were in place to ensure the safety of citizens if such a disaster was to ever hit the country again.

Kodippili noted the DMC was formed following the tsunami adding steps had also been taken to implement early warning systems internationally, domestically as well as at grass root levels.

The Deputy Director added the DMC is prepared to ensure the safety and security around the clock with the support of the Tri-Forces and Police.