Tens of thousands of people gathered along Tamil coastal areas to mark the 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. The tsunami claimed more than 230,000 lives across 14 countries, including over 35,000 in Sri Lanka.
In Mullaitivu, one of the hardest-hit districts, a solemn ceremony was held at the Tsunami Memorial Site, organised by the memorial management committee and led by Rev. Fr. Rajasignam, Dean and Parish Priest of Mullaitivu. The programme featured interfaith prayers representing Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, followed by a Holy Mass presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Jaffna, Rev. Fr. Josephdas Jebaratnam.
Clergy, religious members, and local residents paid tribute to the victims, reflecting on the disaster’s enduring impact and the resilience displayed by affected communities in its aftermath.
The Indian Ocean tsunami was triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the northwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on 26 December 2004. The resulting waves devastated coastal communities across 14 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, cementing its place as one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history.
