A national ceremony marking the first year anniversary of the disaster was held this morning in Peraliya, Hikkaduwa.

Dec 26, Galle: President Mahinda Rajapaksa says there is no challenge that cannot be overcome by a nation that has awakened as one. This was proven in the weeks immediately after the December 26th tsunami disaster a year ago.

The President said the joint effort made by the citizens of the country to recover from the disaster amazed the rest of the world.

He made this comment at the national ceremony for the first year commemoration of the tsunami devastation, held at the Jinarathana College premises in Peraliya, Hikkaduwa, this morning.

Addressing the nation, President Rajapaksa said the greatest challenge facing the country is to emerge and go forward with self-confidence and determination after the disaster. He also expressed gratitude for the service rendered by religious dignitaries and security forces in assisting the displaced.

President Rajapaksa said that during his visits to Jaffna, the people there had explained to him how members of the armed forces had saved the lives of the Tamil people. Particularly in Arugam Bay, Army soldiers had even saved the lives of LTTE members. Mr. Rajapaksa that among those who praised the service of the security forces was Batticaloa district parliamentarian Mr. Joseph Pararajasingham, who was brutally killed yesterday.

The President expressed hope over the “Jayalanka” programme, which was launched today to carry forward with greater energy the task of reconstruction and especially to address the welfare of children whose parents died in the killer waves. The programme will be carried out under the President’s personal supervision. He called for the support of “all who love humanity” to make the programme a success. The President also paid a floral tribute to the memorial erected in the memory of the thousands who lost their lives.