Tsunami
We saw some Tsunami damage in Kalutara, such as foundations without houses, however I have been told that the damage here is minimal compared to other areas. Most everyone here however is affected by the Tsunami one way or another. We stopped at an ocean front shop to buy some water and chatted with the boy (maybe 16?) who was working in the shop. He was very excited to learn that we were from Canada as he had been to Montréal twice to play in basketball touraments. He had also been to other countries such as the States and India with him team. Sadly he told us that these days were now over as his home had been destroyed by the Tsunami and his father had been killed. Now he has to stay home and help run the family business.
Sanka told us that although his home and shop were not damaged by the Tsunami, they have experienced months and months with few or no tourists and little business in their shop. Only people who lost their homes received compensation so it has been tough for local business.
Some people approach us and tell us sad stories about their multiple losses in the Tsunami - family, friends, homes, possessions - and ask us for money. Some stories seem false or too easily offered up to a stranger, but it doesn’t really matter. Either away, these people need the money more than we do. These are difficult transactions to negotiate. As a newcomer you feel particularly vulnerable to misreading the situation. No matter how much you give or don’t give, you feel cheap, guilty, uncompassionate, conned, foolish, selfish, or oppressive.
Now knowing how far $100 Canadian would go in this community, we can’t help but wonder where the millions of dollars in aid has gone?
The people in this area hope that business will pick up in the tourist season (which starts in November) but with the recent political problems, they may be in for another tough year. We encourage you to consider Tsunami devastated areas for your next vacation. (Particularly during the off season, hotel rates and food in Sri Lanka are so inexpensive by Western standards that they would set off the cost of airfare.) There are many beautiful resorts along the coasts of Sri Lanka and countless friendly people to meet!
Sanka told us that although his home and shop were not damaged by the Tsunami, they have experienced months and months with few or no tourists and little business in their shop. Only people who lost their homes received compensation so it has been tough for local business.
Some people approach us and tell us sad stories about their multiple losses in the Tsunami - family, friends, homes, possessions - and ask us for money. Some stories seem false or too easily offered up to a stranger, but it doesn’t really matter. Either away, these people need the money more than we do. These are difficult transactions to negotiate. As a newcomer you feel particularly vulnerable to misreading the situation. No matter how much you give or don’t give, you feel cheap, guilty, uncompassionate, conned, foolish, selfish, or oppressive.
Now knowing how far $100 Canadian would go in this community, we can’t help but wonder where the millions of dollars in aid has gone?
The people in this area hope that business will pick up in the tourist season (which starts in November) but with the recent political problems, they may be in for another tough year. We encourage you to consider Tsunami devastated areas for your next vacation. (Particularly during the off season, hotel rates and food in Sri Lanka are so inexpensive by Western standards that they would set off the cost of airfare.) There are many beautiful resorts along the coasts of Sri Lanka and countless friendly people to meet!
posted by ~chill~ at
6:02 PM
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