STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL
In a small shelter near the Dambana school which is almost a hut covered with polythene sheets lives a family- the father, the mother and two children in extreme poverty.
The children are often seen naked as their parents are not in a position to get them the bare necessities of life. Beauty and colour are beyond their reach - a piece of cloth will suffice to make them look decent and as a cover against the extremes of the weather. Endeavour and courage that is implicit in every minute of their survival is heartening.
The days they live without food is more than the days they would be satisfied with a meagre meal. Fleas and insects have easy access to them through the unprotected hut and suck their blood mercilessly.
The elder son of the father U.W. Sudubandiya and mother U.W. Asoka is U.W. Deuthum, who is now 8 years old, but he is yet not attending school.
The same fate befalls the younger child, U.W. Unmadani. Their dwelling with the polythene roof resting on
The father Sudubandiya who is now 65 years old, finds his income by doing odd jobs, which is barely sufficient to purchase the daily dry rations for the family.The two children eagerly wait till their mother still young at 29, cooks a meagre meal for them.
a few sticks, also gives shelter to the belongings of the family - a few ragged mats, earthen utensils and pieces of soiled cloth.
The father Sudubandiya who is now 65 years old, finds his income by doing odd jobs, which is barely sufficient to purchase the daily dry rations for the family. The two children eagerly wait till their mother still young at 29, cooks a meagre meal for them. The residents of the area say the relevant authorities have, so far, not paid attention to the agony of this poor family. Sudubandiya’s “home” is situated near Dambana school.
Meanwhile the Uva Chief Minister Harin Fernando has taken steps to provide the basic needs of the family.