What will you do when Kelaniya faces a natural disaster?

440 mm rain was recorded in the Colombo city. Many roads were under water for a few days. Floodwater was running from 3-4 feet above the road level. Many people were stuck in the houses they live, to go to safe places.

Due to the biggest ever rain fall Colombo had for the last 18 years, half of Colombo was under water.
More than 300,000 people have been affected by severe floods and landslides caused by continuous heavy rain in Sri Lanka since Monday. According to the official reports, the death toll has risen to 101 now.
Water level in Kelani River had risen and reached 7.6 feet (at Nagalagan street) and now it has reduced to 3.6 feet and will reduce further.

Sri Lanka Air Force deployed helicopters to rescue flood victims at Malwana, Kelaniya, Kolonnawa, Wellampitiya areas. Army and Navy also took part in rescue mission where small lanes  and street went under water.

Some tiny roads which was not accessible through boats people have used dingo’s and small crafts  Tubs and  Rigifoam  or packing materials whatever possible to float and possible to reach the victims
First two days we managed to access and deliver lunch packets to those who are effected in our area,
First day 50 lunch packets we took to people who are not accessible  behind 7th Mile post. We should thank to Water department officers who helped us to use the pipe line which is crossing the Kelani River.to other side of Egoda Kelaniya. 4 -5 families living in that area.  Then we had balance 16 packets which we wants to give it to other area, as we reached the Biyagama road again one Three wheeler came with another 24 packets of lunch to deliver  donate to us to continue with our delivery.

When we reached Nagahamulla there were plenty of helpers with food helping the victims. One  Police constable who gave us an advise to go to Pattivila and distribute as those area flood victims has less chances to get food. We rushed with Three wheeler and the young man (Mr. Asela - Wasthu) who took us to the place he never gave an value of his Three wheeler drove through water And muddy area. It was great experience to all of us when we reach the area Navy office said thanks we were short of lunch packets to some villages. We all were happy that our efforts  brought a good result.

Then we went to see Pattiviala Shailaramaya Temple and met the Ven .chief  Incumbent  discussed what to provide following day. Ven. Advised us not to waste daily he needs around 800 lunch packets to full fill  a day meal. He told us he will make rice and for us to make curries.  He also told us not to make normal curries like Potatos, Lintel , and Soya as last few days they received the same menu   Our Main organizer Computer Sarath  gave a brilliant menu “ Achcharu, Mango Pickel, Cutlets , Kira dry fish. And the Ven. Said ok then lets make Yellow Rice.  So we came bake to our place Sarath and his Three Wheel expert rush to for shopping.  Their family members  start the cooking  programme  throughout  the night .

The following day, temple has sent a Dimo Batta Lorry to take all the curries. We followed the truck. A heavy rain started poring my other two friends  Kanishka and Lakmal came on the Motor bike which had a tyre puncture  however he managed to reach the temple.  As soon we deliver  there was  an Amy to help make lunch packets. Its not the regular army it’s the temple Dayaka Karadi.  Before 11:30  we all got hold of things and also managed to give to Buddha Puja on Vesak Full Moon day. We all felt great with our good deed in Vesak day. I personally never felt  great inside my mind and heart with full of grace inside with in us. That we all united never thought about money, time, distance , Nationality, religion, nor color or gender.  We all worked towards one goal to please the hunger of flood effected victims.

We all not filthy rich to spend money  and time like this but we all felt that we are part of one disaster  therefor we had a goal, vision, and energy to thrive this mission .

We all were proud to be Sri Lankan to act like this perhaps its in our Gene  and guidance to Buddha’s teaching.

We all wish that soon this tension will die down and all effected victims  & displace victims will return to their homes and start a new life …..

Nature disasters  are note related to any God  or any Super power. Its  a part of  our life where humans are not able to stop but they can prevent by using new methods and technology. The most important thing is to respect the Nature she is our great Mother we are part of this family………….

"Sabbe Saththa Bhawanthu Sukhithaththa"

Wish all readers  Peace and Harmony during this Vesak Festival…….

Nihal