A few years ago, driven by a familiar purpose, I embarked on a journey to empower and support the resilient community of Thonithaddamudu village. Nestled deep within the forest of Batticaloa District, approximately 100 kilometers from Batticaloa Town and about 125 kilometers from my starting point near Kaluwanchikudy, Thettatativu South, lies this isolated haven.
The journey itself was a testament to their remoteness. My friend and I navigated broken roads and expansive grasslands on a motorbike, the sun beating down on landscapes that mirrored the parched lives we were heading towards. The faces we encountered along the way, weathered by hardship yet holding a spark of hope, etched themselves into my memory.
Arriving in Thonithaddamudu, a village within the renowned Vaharai region – a land blessed with both fertile soil and water resources – was a stark awakening. This ancient village, part of the Puchchakeni Grama Niladhari division, is home to just about 50 families, comprising about 200 individuals, including 7 widowed women and 28 school-aged children (15 in formal schooling and 13 preschoolers).
It's hard to overstate the challenges faced by this community, arguably the most marginalized in the district. Severely impacted by the war, they were displaced in 2007, enduring immense hardship in welfare camps before finally returning to their ancestral land. Today, while 34 families have received temporary housing through NRC, others still reside in their damaged homes. Their livelihoods primarily depend on rain-fed agriculture and small home gardens.
The lack of basic amenities is a daily struggle. Water scarcity is a constant concern. Transportation is virtually non-existent, with push bicycles being their only link to the small town in Vaharai – a journey fraught with the risk of wild animal encounters. Access to advanced education is also a distant dream. It's a stark reality of a community that often feels overlooked.
Witnessing their resilience in the face of such adversity stirred a deep sense of responsibility within me. It highlighted the stark contrast between the resources many of us take for granted and the fundamental needs of others that go unmet.
On this visit, I was determined to bridge this gap. By connecting with relevant officers, we were able to initiate support for their critical water issues and explore avenues for improving educational opportunities for their children. The smiles on their faces when they heard of potential assistance were a powerful reminder of the profound impact even small acts of support can have.
It compels us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we overlook the abundance we possess? How often do we fail to consider the struggles of those seeking just a sliver of the opportunities we take for granted?
Let this story be a call to action. Let's come together, transcending geographical boundaries and perceived differences, to extend a hand to our fellow human beings. Their needs are real, their aspirations valid, and our collective support can illuminate their path towards a brighter future. Let's choose empathy and action over indifference. Let's choose to see and to care.
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