A helping hand will go a long way for them

The Katuwapitiya women who are engaged in candle and soapmaking are facing a few challenges on this therapeutic journey.

Finding the raw material for which they have to travel to Pettah is one problem, while the cost is another.

Giving a simple example, Niroshini says that the nool-kella (wick) and mould cost Rs. 20, while Gayani adds that they are able to sell a tea- candle only for Rs. 20, with no slight profit for their labours.

Another plea from these women who are attempting to raise their heads after a terrible blow is: Help us market our home-made candles and soap.

Any support in finding markets will show them that we, the people who did not experience this horrendous attack, are with them two years on and that they are not a forgotten lot.