20 Years ago today

Boxing Day Tsunami devastated communities

Naomi Booth :: Thursday 26th December 2024 :: This Story

20 Years ago today a massive tsunami with waves up to 30 m (100 ft) high, known as the Boxing Day Tsunami  devastated communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean, killing an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries. Sri Lanka, located about 1,700 km (1,100 mi) from Sumatra, was ravaged by the tsunami around 2 hours after the earthquake. The tsunami first struck the eastern coastline .

Our Founder Dilanee Bunter who was born in Sri Lanka but now lives in the UK was inspired to do something to help the children who had suffered loss and devastation due to the Tsunami. The idea of Ocean Stars was born that day and went on to become a UK Registered Charity in June 2005.  Here is a link to hear her story.  https://oceanstars.org.uk/dilanees-story

20 years later Ocean Stars Trust UK and Ocean Stars Lanka , both Registered Charities in the UK and Sri Lanka are growing and transforming thousands of lives. To read the story of Ocean Stars and about the work we do please have a look around this website.

If you would like to support our work please have a look at our website for ways you can donate.