Kalukele cloaked in darkness
An amount of Rs. 18 million had been allocated for the supply of electricity 60 families in Kalukele are inconvenienced due to the lack of electricity
At the height of technological advancements, electricity has become an indispensable utility we find extremely difficult to live without. However, in Sri Lanka, these developments are not seen taking an equal distribution as we witness people in the cities live amidst glittery neon lights while those in remote villages still depend on unprotected kerosene lamps.
But these circumstances will least bother any ambitious student who studies off the dull kerosene lamp, determined to reach great heights whatsoever.
Kalukele in the Rideemaliyadda Divisional Secretariat is a region that lights up in the dawn and cloaks with darkness at dusk, the unfortunate residents of the area are deprived of electricity.
Some 60 families in Kalukele are inconvenienced due to the lack of electricity. Moreover, there are little children who have not even seen a light-bulb yet. Why haven’t relevant authorities and politicians who tour the area during election campaigns not attended to this serious concern, is a question that rises at this juncture.
For the past 50 years or so, the residents of the area live in hope of enjoying electricity. But will it only be a dream? No one knows.
It is heartbreaking to see our children study with the help of kerosene lamps when most of the students in other parts of the country are able to study comfortably
Commenting on the situation, D.M. Weerasinghe, a resident of Kalukele, said the village was a very remote area with a thin population of about 70 families.
“We are leading a very difficult life here. Several families have already left the village. We have sent hundreds of letters to relevant authorities asking for electricity. As a result of our continual representations in this regard, we were informed in writing that an amount of Rs. 18 million had been allocated for the supply of electricity to the village. Yet, we are still left without electricity. When questioned, the Electricity Board says they are unable to transport utility poles to the village due to the infrastructure that has gone to wrack and ruin,” he said.
D.M. Abeyratne, another villager, said politicians often bragged that they had given electricity to almost all parts of the country, but it was the Uva Provincial Council or the government that provided electricity to many villages around Kalukele.
“It is heartbreaking to see our children study with the help of kerosene lamps when most of the students in other parts of the country are able to study comfortably,” D.M. Lokumenika, another resident, said.
Commenting on this concern, D.M. Sunil Shantha said,“most of the young men in Kalukele are working in Colombo, and those fond of vivid electric items purchase and bring them home. However, they have to keep them at home for displaying purposes only.”
“Television is an entertainment provider and a source of knowledge at the same time. But we are deprived of these facilities as there is no electricity,” S. Manori, a student, said.
Further, V.M. Seneviratne spoke about the difficulties they undergo due to the unavailability of electricity.