Devastation: Sri Lankan navy personnel helping to evacuate stranded villagers in Hanguranketha town in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka's Central Province on Nov 27. The area was hit by several landslides following heavy rains brought on by Cyclone Ditwah. — Photo provided
FLOODS and landslides, people trapped on rooftops, vehicles submerged, residents without electricity or unable to cry out for help, cyclonic winds, and endless rain thwarting rescue and relief operations. This is Sri Lanka today, facing a devastating natural calamity, one of the worst in decades.
True to character, the entire country, especially ordinary folk, has responded admirably, demonstrating enormous resources of resilience. And we have – with our almost genetically-engraved trait – reached out to and supported those in dire need of help. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder without hesitation, putting aside all differences, political or otherwise. We are doing this even as I write.
