Rajapaksa leads Lanka in mourning 2004 tsunami tragedy

The tsunami that struck Sri Lanka on December 26,2004 left a huge impact,as more than 40,000 were killed,over 20,000 injured and over One lakh people lost their homes.

As many as 1,000 children were orphaned due to the tragedy after they lost their parents in the tidal waves.

“This time of year is a period for reflection for many people around the world. For the people of Sri Lanka it brings back acutely painful memories,but also for the first time in many years,a genuine sense of hope,” Rajapaksa said.

“On December 26,2004,one of the worst natural disasters in modern times befell our country and we required aid and other support from the world on an unprecedented scale,” he said.

“Thankfully those events are in the past,” Rajapaksa said in his comments carried by the US news website “The Huffington Post.Com”.

And for the people especially in the north,east and south who survived and gradually rebuilt their lives,it can finally be said that the future holds great promise,he said.

“Our people are now living without the threat of terrorism for the first time in over a quarter of a century,” the website quoted Rajapaksa as saying.

“So,five years on from the terrible events of 2004,now is truly an exciting time for our country. We are creating a land of opportunity for all Sri Lankans and no-one will be left behind.

“Aid is no longer the priority for us. We offer investment opportunities,an island of beauty and tranquility to be enjoyed,not pitied,” Rajapaksa said.

Sri Lanka is ready to make its mark and our troubles are behind us and we look forward to welcoming the world,he said.

“As scientist and writer Arthur C Clarke said of his adopted home,this is the best place in the world from which to view the universe.”