On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunami across the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka experienced its worst natural disaster, with nearly 35,000 people losing their lives.
The tsunami also caused the largest single rail disaster in world history by death toll in Peraliya, where 1,270 people died. To this day, 141 people are still missing.
Today, a National Safety Day event was held at the Defence Ministry’s Disaster Management Division at 9:00 a.m. Two minutes of silence was observed islandwide at 9:25 a.m. to remember those lost.
Engine No. 50, which was damaged in the tsunami, was brought to Peraliya this morning. This was the same train that was hit by the waves on December 26, 2004. Relatives of the victims traveled from Colombo to pay their respects, and a floral tribute was placed at the tsunami memorial in Peraliya.
The MTV/MBC Media Network also held a special commemoration at Stein Studios in Ratmalana to honor those who lost their lives.