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From the bus to the farm
Mr.Gunadas, (46 years), bus conductor from Bandegriya was at Hambantota town when the tsunami stuck on 26th December. He was caught in the tsunami waves and had taken away to a far off place from Hambantota. When he got his conscious he realized that his left ankle bones are broken. He was hospitalized for three weeks for the treatment and now he is in a position just to walk.
This fracture restrained him from resuming his work as a bus conductor .Knowing no other professions the future seemed to be a big question for him. A major kidney operation that he had undergone before tsunami made him unable to take up any hard job. He is now staying with his second wife Ms.Rohini Chandalatha (39 yrs), who has returned from Middle East after facing a lot of hardship there. She is also suffering from several physical ailments. He has to take care of his 86 year old father who is also struggling with the old age problems. Gunadasa has a daughter and a son in his first marriage and one son in the present marriage. Even though the daughter is working in Middle East as a house made, Gunapala is not getting any financial support from her and is staying in a house which is owned by her.
Since Bandegiriya is a remote village and not directly affected by Tsunami, not any aid agencies reached to help Gunapala. National Anti War Front (NAWF), one of the partner organizations of ActionAid in Hambantota district is working with Bandagiriya community knowing the fact that they have been excluded by all the aid NGOs. Gunapala participated in one of the village committee meeting of NAWF and presented his problem to the committee.
I wanted to start a goat farm in my premises which I thought will help me to earn a decent income. The village committee approved my proposal and sanctioned 35,000 rupees to buy 8 goats. I found it suitable for me considering my physical problems and want to continue this business. I believe that after five months I can expand my business with more goats, Gunapala dreams of his future.
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