A fisherman's tale

“Disability need not be an obstacle to success,” Stephen Hawking ,one of the most influential scientists of modern times said. Devapriya Vass took this to heart.

Marians Devapriya Vass is a father of three residing in Mohoththuwarama in Kalpitiya He makes a living going to sea on a raft. He has a rare disorder which makes it impossible for him to move his legs. Despite this, he fishes off the island of Kalpitiya.

Vaas said he had to face this unfortunate fate when he was 14 years old. Before which, he was healthy and fit as most kids.

“Many things changed for me. It's not easy ending up disabled for life at 14,” he says.

“I developed this condition when I was 14. I suddenly fell on the island and fainted. I was taken to the Kalpitiya Hospital and later had to be treated at several hospitals.When I returned I was 19 but I could not walk and I became helpless afterwards.

"I married at 21. Now I have three daughters."

"It's hard to lean on my hips because they are immobile, so sometimes it’s difficult to catch fish but I didn’t think of it as a hurdle and continued venturing to sea. I always kept myself fit, as I am the sole breadwinner of the family.

"All I request from the government is to help my children get a proper education."

Vaas' wife Menaka Udayangani says, “I married him knowing his condition, Our three daughters are currently attending school. We want a better future for them.”