It has been 12 years since the tsunami waves in the year 2004 hit the island and l claimed thousands of lives. 

More than 40,000 Sri Lankans perished in the disaster which affected 11 Indian Ocean countries, killing nearly 300,000. 

December 26, 2004 was an unforgettable day for all Sri Lankans as well as for the whole world. The tsunami tidal waves were caused by a series of earthquakes, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale that occurred in the sea near Sumatra, Indonesia. The other neighbouring countries affected were Indonesia, India, the Maldives, and Thailand. Since many Sri Lankans did not have any previous experience of this nature, the damage caused to lives was unbelievable. Thousands of people were displaced and killed within a short time.

Today is National Safety Day as well. 

The Disaster Management Center requested public to observe two minutes silence from 9.25am to 9.27 am to commemorate those who died in the tsunami.