THOSE who lost their lives in the savage tsunami that devastated south east Asia on Boxing Day 2004 were remembered on the second anniversary ina simple ceremony at Margate harbour.

The event was held by members of KASTDA, the Kent based charity that has raised more than £25,000 in the last two years.

The money is administered directly to Sri Lankan orphans for their social and educational welfare, paying for them to develop learning and life skills until they have left school or further education.

Patron is North Thanet MP, Roger Gale, who spoke to KASTDA supporters and onlookers including members of the Margate coastguard watch before a short commemorative silence was held at 11am.

He said: "Too much money given by generous people around the world is still lying in banks waiting to be administered to those in need following the tsunami.

"This is why the work of groups like KASTDA is so valuable - it is a small outfit of dedicated and caring individuals who have raised an astonishing amount of money in under two years and gained charitable status too. The organisation is such that the money goes directly to orphans who need the money.

"Theirs is a long term need. The media will focus briefly on a tragedy like the tsunami but the game moves on and people’s thoughts turn elsewhere inevitably - the lives of children affected by the tragedy sadly will not move on unless they receive quite considerable help, and that is what KASTDA and others are offering."

Meththa Meththananda, a founder member of KASTDA, has recently returned from a fact finding visit to his homeland. He said: "The effects of the tsunami are still very real. Behind the facade of building regeneration lay shattered villages and communities, and so many orphans who are trying to rebuild their lives. It will be an extremely long job."

He met some of the children being offered support by KASTDA and added: "It is clear that what we are doing is helping and gives them a vital lifeline as they try to look forward."

A commemorative wreath was thrown onto the sea by Mr Gale and Sri Lankan children Hansaka Senaviratne and Hiruni Senarathana.

*KASTDA stands for the Kent Association for the Tsunami Daruwo; ‘daruwo’ is Sri Lankan for sons and daughters.