It is 10 years ago the Asian Tsunami devastated the Sri Lankan coastal communities which we lost 30,000 precious lives of coastal communities while the 26 years of war ended 6 years before which claimed more than 40,000 precious lives lost to the country. Whether it is Natural disaster like Tsunani or Man made disaster war poor and marginalized communities are the worst hit.
We experiemce this in Sri Lanka once we see the 45,000 Internally Displaced Persons situation where people living in scattered in many camps, relatives or places in Jaffna peninsular and east.
My main story begin today with the pathetic story of Social Movement leaders visit to Plaquemine Parish in the Missisipi river bank in Lousinia state of USA. "The people in my parish devastated from both the Hurrikane Katrina in 2005 as well as the BP Oil spill in 2010." The socio, economi, environmental all agonies are continuing up to today." Says Ren. Ervin Edwards the minister of the Zion Travelers pastoral church in Paquemine parish.
The most stuck me with the woman who has become an advocate on connunity rights.
"The last 10 years it was very hard us to live. One way it was hurrikane Katrina. On the other hand it is BP Oil spill. It was very hard as the BP oik sludge was one feet thick in some places. However, the company paid scientist group lied to the society saying there is no harm to water, eco system, health of people or even to fish in the area. However, the oil spill hit the local communities specifically on the fisher people very badly. Skin diseases, diseases related to respiratory system and many other diseases spreaded the area." Said Ms. Kandra, a wife of Commercial fisher in the same parish.
She has been organizing the community and became an advocate to the community rights.
"What is the legacy we want to leave with our kids? What is the contingency plan for companies for future." Asked Kandra from the whole society.
Sandra, the organizer of a Non profit organization is also emphasis the importance of unity, togetherness, and determination to overcomee the difficulties.
However, Kendra the commercial fisherman's wife has not given up the courage and determination in their community struggle. She was very much engaged and said,"we dont allow to grab your story to out siders. They devastate you and your caseand benefit from your sorrows."
This experiences reminded me the similar situation of Sri Lankan society undergone due to tsunami and war. How the community spirit lost when the foreign funds pouring into tsunami affected communities in Sri Lanka.
No matter where any moment people affected with calamity the community spirit is the most important factor to unite them and find ways to overcome them.
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