20th Tsunami disaster commemorated

By M. Susil Priyantha and D. G. Sugathapala

The Tsunami disaster that claimed the lives of more than 35,000, while about 5000 others disappeared in 2004 was commemorated yesterday for the 20th year at Pereliya in Hikkaduwa.

The ceremony had been organized by the residents of the area under the guidance of Ven. Pereliye Vipula Thera, the chief incumbent of Padumagabba Temple in Pereliya.   

 The most terrible train accident ever in the history that claimed the lives of more than 1700 passengers was the most harrowing experience of the tsunami disaster. The Matara bound express from Colombo that passed Ambalangoda railway station was heading for its next station Hikkduwa when it was hit by the tsunami waves and wrecked.   

The Matara bound train yesterday arrived sharp on time and halted near the tsunami memorial and the railway officers paid floral tributes in memory of the victims including the driver of the ill-fated train. The ceremony was held with the participation of relatives of its victims from all over the country giving priority to religious activities. Several senior officials of security forces, the police and the state officials were among those who paid floral tributes.

 Addressing the ceremony Ven. Vipula Thera said it was for the first time that the tsunami commemoration main ceremony was held without the participation of any government politicians. He said the District Disaster Management Centre that organised the ceremony earlier had not provided funds for it this year. 

Religious activities had been organised at Anuradhapura, Kandy and several other areas in memory of the victims of the disaster.