Arundhamala has lived for decades of demonstrations.
Born in a small village in Palali, Sri Lanka in the 5th, Arundhabamala grew up in a community of about 5 families. His father was in a jail and his mother was a housewife. Life with his eight siblings and school friends was simple and full of happiness.
But the civil war that was broken in Sri Lanka disturbed that peaceful life. On August 8, 8, when the violence increased, his family, like many other people, escaped from his house and took shelter at the Palavi Welfare Center in the Padro region.
It was just the beginning of the year of uncertainty and inconvenience.
Arundhabamala said, “We have tried to return home after the 26th tsunami.” We hope that we will be able to re -build our house. But the struggle started again, and in the 21st we were displaced again. “
“Then, he and his family were from a temporary shelter to another – Bhani, Valzamadam, Mathalan – finally reached Jaffner by boat. He took shelter at Alarai’s internal disputed shelter in Chavacheri. He reached Polylland, where he fought for Zero.
A new start
In these years, the life of Arundhamala in displacement depends on the compassion of his relatives and depends on a lot of work opportunities. His older brother’s business provided some stability, but Arundhabamala was concerned about his children’s education and welfare.
Sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction (EDRR) project widespread support, helps them restore their lives.
The European Union, Britain and the United States contributes to the Sri Lanka – Canada’s UN SDG Fund, assisted in the rehabilitation of internal displaced persons and people returning under this project.
Arundhabamala said, “Having your house gives me a lot of happiness. When our homeowner asked us to go during displacement, there was no other way to leave our house. Today, no one can tell us to go. My family and I feel satisfied and safe now.”
Restoration
Under the UN -BACKED project, shelter is also helped to restore livelihood.
Arundhabala was given phishing nets through a civil society supported by the United Nations, so that he could start a dry fish business. Now she takes care of her mother and son from the income earned from her. He also distributed phishing nets with his younger brother, so that he too could earn it and earn his family.
He proudly said, “Today, I can take care of my kids and my mom, it is also in peace, in our own home. When we were forced to escape from one place to another, I still didn’t think I would be able to see such a day.”
Future expectation
The story of Arundhamala is the power of struggle, strength and the support of the community. Although they have stability in their lives, he knows that many more people like him are still back home and fighting to live again.
“I hope he was displaced by other wars like me, they will get the land and help them the same way that they can recover their homes, livelihoods and recover their lives.”