Today (26) marks 21 years since the tsunami that claimed over 35,000 lives in Sri Lanka. A two-minute silence will be observed nationwide from 9.25 a.m. to 9.27 a.m. in memory of those who died in the tsunami and other disasters.
The main commemoration for “National Safety Day,” honoring the deceased and missing, will be held this morning at the Paraliya Tsunami Memorial in Galle. In addition, pan-religious programs are planned at the district level, taking into account the social and economic impact of Cyclone Ditva, which left more than 5,000 people missing and caused billions of rupees in property damage.
The public is advised that any information regarding an earthquake that could trigger a tsunami in Sri Lanka can be confirmed through the Disaster Management Center, the Department of Meteorology, or the Geology and Mines Bureau. The Disaster Management Center’s emergency hotline, 117, is available 24 hours for public inquiries.
As part of the commemoration, a group of high-ranking officials, including the General Manager of Railways, will arrive at Paraliya Railway Station at 9 a.m. today (26) aboard the train with engine number 3050, which was damaged in the tsunami, to pay homage at the monument.
