In memory of tsunami victims

M. A. Phakurdeen Addalaichenai group correspondent

A series of ceremonies are being organised by Departments, INGOs and organisations in Ampara District to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of Tsunami which has been declared as National Safety day by the Government.

A Mass Awareness Rally on multi hazard awareness organised by the Department of Disaster Management and Human rights with the assistance of Sri Lanka Red Cross Society along with four other INGOs at Kalmunai will be the main feature of the ceremony of the District on the day.

All arrangements are being made by the District Co-ordinator Disaster Management A.S.M. Ziyath. Two processions flanked by thousands of villagers will commence from Maruthamunai and Karithivu simultaneously where tsunami claimed the highest number of lives in the District and gather at Kalmunai House of 'Brother of Charities' for the Commemoration meeting.

Relatives of those who died in tsunami, volunteers from Social Services Organisations, Members of the Sports Clubs and Community based organisations will take part in the processions carrying slogans in memory of those who met their untimely death in the disaster which are scheduled to commence at 2.00 p.m. on the 26th December.

The commemoration meeting which is to be held under the patronage of the District Secretary Sunil Kannangara will be attended by religious dignitaries of all four religions, Divisional Secretaries, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman including the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society's Ampara Branch Sunil Dissanayake.

The programme which will commence with religious observances and special prayers for those who died in the tragedy, includes School children's dramas depicting the tsunami tragedies, SLRCS' First Aid demonstrations and preventive measures at times of disasters and presenting awards to those who extended unprecedented selfless voluntary services to the victims of tsunami in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, a Multi Early Warning Tower built at Maruthamunai to mark the day will also be ceremonially opened by the District Secretary Sunil Kannangara, according to the District Co-Coordinator Ziyath. He also told 'Daily News' that construction works on similar Towers at Karithivu and Thirukkovil are in progress while the works on Pottuvil DS Division is due to commence soon.

At the same time the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and Moral Upliftment Ministry too organised a Commemoration Meeting at Nintavur Jumma Mosque to mark the National Safety Day under the chairmanship of the Senior Asst. Secretary to the Ministry As. Sheikh M.I. Ameer on Friday (26th December).

According to the Asst. Director Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs and Moral Upliftment M.M. Junaid, the programme is scheduled to commence with the recital of 'Kathamul Quran' by Moulavies and Ulamas in memory of those who died in tsunami at 8.00 a.m. followed by the Speeches on 'disaster and national calamities' and what Islam says on such instances by reputed Moulavies of the areas.

This will be followed by a 'Special Thuwa' for those who died in the tragedy. SLBC's Pirai FM Regional Service Radio will give a live broadcast of all these events.