‘HATHPITIYA RIDEE THARU’ CONSTRUCTS THE BRIDGE OF COURAGE
Projects undertaken by the youth of each village were funded by the NYSC Easiest and the shortest route to come to the village was by crossing the Bellana river
At a time when every community or small-scale development activity goes through a systematic siphoning off of funds by the contractors and the authorities involved, to witness the dedication and commitment of a group of youth to uplift their village is indeed praiseworthy.
The following is an account of how a remote village benefited from the courage, dedication and determination of a youth club as they forged ahead to construct a bridge linking their remote village with a small town.
It was a group effort by the members of the ‘Hathpitiya Ridee Tharu Youth Society’ in the Neluwa Divisional Secretariat in the Galle District under the National Youth Services Council (NYSC). In accordance with a concept of NYSC Chairman Eranda Welihinna, supported by the ITN media network, the council recently organised the “Youth with Talent,” an islandwide programme in an effort to promote development. The programme offered all youth societies a challenge to launch a project that would benefit their villages. Each Youth Society was offered a sum of Rs. 75,000 to complete their projects.
Some 1,500 such projects were launched islandwide in August, which included the construction of community centres, roads, tanks, bridges and culverts, playgrounds and even water supply projects. The projects undertaken by the youth of each village were funded by the NYSC. With only Rs. 75,000 entrusted to these youth societies, the youth of each district displayed true dedication and diligence in elevating the infrastructure of their respective villages. Some 26 projects were selected as the best from all districts, out of which the best ten received Rs 1. million each for further development activities.
The story of ‘Neluwa Hathpitiya Ridee Tharu Youth Society’ that was placed first and received a cash prize of Rs.10 million deserves special attention. The youth involved in this project amply displayed how political leaders at the grass-root level could absorb the youth in development efforts, saving precious funds and eliminating wastage and corruption. The Neluwa youth society was formed about seven years ago and serves a population of 350 families in Neluwa Hathpitiya village. With its President (Ms) S.D.L. Dilki Madushani, Secretary Sandani Lahiruka and Treasurer B.L.J. Nilu at the helm, the society was able to win millions for their own village through pure perseverance.
Treasurer Nilu speaking about their journey explained that the main occupation of the villagers was Tea cultivation. Hathpitiya had been the village enduring most difficulties in the Neluwa Divisional Secretariat. The easiest and the shortest route to come to the village was by crossing the Bellana river; it was a daunting task. Logs were laid across the river to be used as stepping stones by those who needed to reach the town. Needless to say it was dangerous, especially during floods. The need to construct the bridge was further validated when Dilki’s father suffered a fall and succumbed to his injuries while attempting to cross the bridge. Dilki’s story was one of the many tragic deaths due to the absence of a proper bridge to cross the river.
The Ridee Tharu Youth Society took up this challenge demonstrating to youth worldwide what true team spirit meant. They never thought of winning a prize, but it was the result The youth involved in this project amply displayed how political leaders at the grass-root level could absorb the youth in development efforts of their honesty and desire to afford the people of their village a basic and vital need. Like all other societies, Ridee Tharu was also given only Rs. 75,000. There were a number of teething problems, but the villagers took up this challenge and with the guidance of Youth Services Officer W.C. Deepal, they commenced this arduous task. Many villagers offered their labour as masons and handymen. With the onset of rains and floods, the sand bags they purchased got washed away on many days. However, the youth or the villagers were not disheartened. They toiled morning, noon and night. What is even more inspirational is that there had been no criticism from any party as everybody had been moved by the enthusiasm of the youth, especially of the three young women who held the top posts of the movement. Students of the village collected additional funds by selling ticket books to contribute towards this worthy cause.
The three young women who pioneered this yeoman task are grateful to the support and encouragement extended by the Youth Services Officers, Grama Niladhari Jagath Ranjith Thrima Withana, Neluwa Divisional Secretariat Janaka Gurusinghe, the Chief Prelate of Hathpitiya Muninandanaramaya, the World Vision Institute and all villagers who lent a helping hand to them. They also expressed their sincere gratitude to ITN for all their efforts in putting Ridee Tharu Youth Society in the Map.
They had won Rs. 10 million for their splendid job in not only building a bridge, but also for providing a safe bathing area, a small market, a debating centre and the construction of the road ‘Ridee Tharu Mawatha.’
Their aspirations do not stop here, as their visions and dreams for the village are much more.