Twnty-five years of ‘Galsarana’ patronage

The lives of these carters had been so eventful in earlier times even songs were composed to describe their lives and experiences

“During the era when bullock carts were predominantly used for transportation, many spoke about their usefulness and their contribution towards the development of trade. It was also a common practice then to look down upon an individual’s profession; it is not so now, everything has changed, “said western provincial councillor and the pioneer of the “Pragna Pradeepa” Jayantha Jayantha de Silva at the 25th anniversary of ‘Galsarana’.

He also said that the lives of these carters had been so eventful in earlier times even songs were composed to describe their lives and experiences. They lived simple lives and travelled the length and breadth of the country undergoing many discomforts and hazards. They functioned in groups and each group had its own identity. They were content with what they received.Also, there existed a closeness among the carters and their bulls as the animals helped them to earn a living.

The carters did not think of their children’s education beyond their own profession. They preferred their children too to follow in their footsteps. De Silva claimed that the government had failed to realise the plight of these carters, but during the past twenty-five years the ‘Galsarana’programme had assisted these carters to manage their finances and improve their living conditions.