When do we learn Lessons from the System?

Sea erosion is serious threat to the coastal communities in the western, north/western coasts of Sri Lanka. Recent past the situation became very intense and number of houses and lands of the families were washed away to the sea. One community at Mudukatuwa, Marawila faced serious problem last February and still living in the roads adjacent to the sea. When NAFSO together with Puttlam District Fisheries Solidarity Organization conducted our field education campaign to build up the movement at north west coast at Puttlam district, we met this community and discussed how to find solution. The 15 families, most of them are supporters to a deputy minster of the area and wanted to approach him to find a solution.

However, till mid March, there was no attention paid by any of the politician even though they were running for the general election 2010. Unfortunately, the community members are not willing to discuss their issues openly and do not want to approach any of the government authority as they think that will disturb the election campaign of the aforesaid deputy minister.

After several attempts to meet them, several appointments were postponed by the group as they want to have some discussions after the elections. General election was over on 8th April and we thought people think of their difficulties even after the elections. So, finally we discussed with victimised community and decided to meet them on 10th April. To our surprize, this was also postponed due to the celebrations of the same politicans victory over the general elections.

Now, what we should say? Loyel Peiris, our Puttlam district coordinator says, "Let them find a solution from the same politician and why we should worry this much? When do these people learn a lesson and think how the politicans are behaving for their own benefit? I am mad of this situation and frustrate with the people like this."

As a follow up of the field education campaign, the policy studies team has engaged to organize the people and increase the membership of NAFSO. So, our policy studies team also has some serious concerns over the situation.

Nalaka Rosairo our policy studies coordinator says, "What ever the matter happen to these people, they are running behind the politicinas and the power mongers. Our people won't think for their future and politicians also known this very well.So, there won't be any solution for those families till they come together and approach the required authorities forcefully."

Anyhow, this is the reality of the country. Do we have concerned citizens to face their life struggles? We need to have some deep thoughts of our people, specifically on fisher people in the coastal communities.

We need to have an internal dialogue among NAFSO organizations to continue the work.

Herman Kumara,
12.04.10