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| Sunday, 18 December 2005 |
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Religious ceremonies to remember tsunami dead by Ananda Kannangara In order to commemorate the first anniversary of December 26, 2005 tsunami catastrophe, the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs has initiated a six- day countrywide national level religious program to be conducted at all Government institutions commencing from December 26 to 31. The Ministry has also requested all non governmental organisations, corporations and statutory boards to organise such programs during this period to remember the sudden demise of a large number of fellow Sri Lankans who lost their lives at an unexpected time on December 26, 2004. According to the six-day program, the religious activities are to be conducted at national level, provincial level, district level, divisional level and village level. The national level program is conducted under the supervision of the Secretary to President Mahinda Rajapakse and secretaries of all other Ministries. Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary D. Dissanayake said that the program will begin at 8.30 am on December 26 at respective institutions with religious ceremonies, conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, Christian and Islam dignitaries. He also requested all institutions as well as religious places to fly the national flag half mast and bells to be sounded to commemorate all people who died during the short tsunami disaster period that occurred in the early hours of December 26, 2004. "In addition to this, the Public Administration Ministry has requested the state and private sector institutions as well as all Sri Lankans to hold pirith ceremonies, light oil lamps, offer alms and conduct prayers and various other programs to coincide with the occasion during this six-day period. President Mahinda Rajapakse will also address the nation on the first day of the program. |
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