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Of COVID and condoms
4 years ago
Friday, May 8, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Frustration, rant and everything in between
I am almost near to the end of my placement and I thought that frustrations will not going to get under my skin again. For the nth time, I am wrong. I know that working in a developing country like Sri Lanka (and Philippines) poses many challenges rather than successes. This is exactly right and not just concatenate myths made by people like me who probably wanted sometimes to dwell on frustrations, anger, and everything that makes life difficult to live.
A week ago, I went on a field visit with the head and some staff of the organization. No, that is not exactly true; I was actually invited to attend an event of one of our community based organizations. I am not sure of the agenda or objective of the event but I went with them anyway. Not only because I want to get out of the office which is starting to suffocate me(being stuck and writing for 3 months) but also because I wanted to see and meet personally the members/beneficiaries of the organizations. Consequently, I wanted to start building up network of my organization to the district government where another VSO volunteer is working. It has been our aim for like 8 months now and it is only now its becoming realized (hope so though! Still crossing my fingers on it, LOL!).
On the way, me and my colleague were keeping updates thru text (technology really makes my life easier and quite bearable here, LOL!) as to the time and location of the event. I heard that he was invited to the event as well and he is asking me what it is all about. I could not explain to him as I don’t fully understand it myself in spite of several times I have asked the project manager as to the agenda of the event. I was only told that the Minister of Social Service is coming, that is why we need to attend and she wanted me to be there. Sigh! That is how it works sometimes. Since my time here, I have met more than one (maybe 4 or 5, can’t remember actually and I am not counting then) Ministers and other ‘big’ personality than in the Philippines. Anyway, it’s a different story; I will try if I can tell you more about it next time.
We arrived, waited for an hour or so and no minister showed up. However the social service officer arrived in behalf of him. The members of the association are already there and prepared with foods (usually of banana (all time food here), kiribat, biscuits, rice cake, etc) and some of their products being showcased in one side of the room. The ceremonies went on in sinhala of course. As I understand based on what I saw, the association is giving recognition to members who have been consistently successful in their chosen self employment and have mentored fellow members as well. A plaque of recognition is also being awarded to the Executive Director of the organization and the project manager who have unwaveringly and selflessly dedicated time and effort for the advancement of the organization’s members.
At the end of the event, my colleague arrived. After introductions, I started the discussion by opening up the idea of networking AKASA to the Regional office of health services. The purpose is to enable AKASA members to have full access to health care and services of the district including if possible trainings for family and carers’ on alternative and home based care of persons with disabilities. As a result, we all agreed to meet the Regional Director of Health Services (which is my colleague’s line manager) to propose the idea on the 2nd of February and a letter of request will be sent to formalize the meeting.
Back to the office, Monday the following week, it was the first on my agenda. I asked for a meeting with the senior management to plan our agenda and identify work cooperation as well as strategy for the meeting and the partnership. It was always difficult to arrange a meeting because what I considered as priority is not their priority. Hence, most often than not, important matters and even opportunity are missed. I was not lucky the first attempt. The day gone by without the meeting. The second day, I change my strategy, instead of meeting them I asked the project manager if the letter was prepared and if ready for posting. As expected, not yet. So I requested her to prepare the letter in sinhala and briefly tell her what should be the content and how it should be written and if she have any more questions, then she can call me anytime and with a reminder that she needs to ensure that the letter be posted that day.
Confident that it will be done, I went back to my room and started to concentrate on my work (of writing proposal again, this time for HI). The next time I saw her was when she came to the room and asked our computer operator to type the letter. Sigh, at least, that was done huh! Seems like it’s a difficult task eh, but frankly it’s not however it causes much stress that sometimes at the end of the day, I felt burnt out.
T’was on Thursday that I get lucky of cornering the three of them in a meeting, I mean in a short discussion as it was only for 30 to 45 minutes discussion. All is set I said to myself. Now I can concentrate on the proposal. The next day, when I was about to go home, my colleague informed me that she may not be going with us to the meeting. When asked why, she said that she don’t know except that the boss said that there is no need since there is another meeting that they need to attend and they cannot come back sooner. What? Wasn’t it resolved already the last time we had a talk? Was it not discussed as to who and why we all need to be there for the meeting? So I dashed back to the office and talk to the boss about why she is not coming and at the same time hastily explained why she needs to be there. The boss said okay, she will come. Satisfied I went out and off we go home (she and her family spent the week end with me, but that is a different story, again).
Week ends gone by and I am already ready with my notes in bullet points for the meeting. I waited for the call as to what time we are going to leave here but none came. Normally, the vehicle will pick me up at 5:30 therefore I need to be up at least 1 hour to prepare myself. At about 6:30, just got out from church I decided to make the call to find out the arrangement for tomorrow’s trip. Surprise, I am not going with them. F—k! Why? Just because the vehicle they hire is a car and not a van (AKASA van has been in the garage for a major engine repair) and they decided that a field officer should be there since he is the one working most of the time in those fields. Right! I don’t have a problem with the inclusion of the field officer however they should have informed me upfront. How long have they decided that I will not be coming? Alright, as Sri Lankan’s would say, “what to do?”. This is not the first time. Again, for the nth time it happened. I guess I better learn to manage my stress otherwise I may contract a hypertension here and that would do me no good. Later I will tell you how I manage my stress on situation like this, but honestly it drives me nuts.
A week ago, I went on a field visit with the head and some staff of the organization. No, that is not exactly true; I was actually invited to attend an event of one of our community based organizations. I am not sure of the agenda or objective of the event but I went with them anyway. Not only because I want to get out of the office which is starting to suffocate me(being stuck and writing for 3 months) but also because I wanted to see and meet personally the members/beneficiaries of the organizations. Consequently, I wanted to start building up network of my organization to the district government where another VSO volunteer is working. It has been our aim for like 8 months now and it is only now its becoming realized (hope so though! Still crossing my fingers on it, LOL!).
On the way, me and my colleague were keeping updates thru text (technology really makes my life easier and quite bearable here, LOL!) as to the time and location of the event. I heard that he was invited to the event as well and he is asking me what it is all about. I could not explain to him as I don’t fully understand it myself in spite of several times I have asked the project manager as to the agenda of the event. I was only told that the Minister of Social Service is coming, that is why we need to attend and she wanted me to be there. Sigh! That is how it works sometimes. Since my time here, I have met more than one (maybe 4 or 5, can’t remember actually and I am not counting then) Ministers and other ‘big’ personality than in the Philippines. Anyway, it’s a different story; I will try if I can tell you more about it next time.
We arrived, waited for an hour or so and no minister showed up. However the social service officer arrived in behalf of him. The members of the association are already there and prepared with foods (usually of banana (all time food here), kiribat, biscuits, rice cake, etc) and some of their products being showcased in one side of the room. The ceremonies went on in sinhala of course. As I understand based on what I saw, the association is giving recognition to members who have been consistently successful in their chosen self employment and have mentored fellow members as well. A plaque of recognition is also being awarded to the Executive Director of the organization and the project manager who have unwaveringly and selflessly dedicated time and effort for the advancement of the organization’s members.
At the end of the event, my colleague arrived. After introductions, I started the discussion by opening up the idea of networking AKASA to the Regional office of health services. The purpose is to enable AKASA members to have full access to health care and services of the district including if possible trainings for family and carers’ on alternative and home based care of persons with disabilities. As a result, we all agreed to meet the Regional Director of Health Services (which is my colleague’s line manager) to propose the idea on the 2nd of February and a letter of request will be sent to formalize the meeting.
Back to the office, Monday the following week, it was the first on my agenda. I asked for a meeting with the senior management to plan our agenda and identify work cooperation as well as strategy for the meeting and the partnership. It was always difficult to arrange a meeting because what I considered as priority is not their priority. Hence, most often than not, important matters and even opportunity are missed. I was not lucky the first attempt. The day gone by without the meeting. The second day, I change my strategy, instead of meeting them I asked the project manager if the letter was prepared and if ready for posting. As expected, not yet. So I requested her to prepare the letter in sinhala and briefly tell her what should be the content and how it should be written and if she have any more questions, then she can call me anytime and with a reminder that she needs to ensure that the letter be posted that day.
Confident that it will be done, I went back to my room and started to concentrate on my work (of writing proposal again, this time for HI). The next time I saw her was when she came to the room and asked our computer operator to type the letter. Sigh, at least, that was done huh! Seems like it’s a difficult task eh, but frankly it’s not however it causes much stress that sometimes at the end of the day, I felt burnt out.
T’was on Thursday that I get lucky of cornering the three of them in a meeting, I mean in a short discussion as it was only for 30 to 45 minutes discussion. All is set I said to myself. Now I can concentrate on the proposal. The next day, when I was about to go home, my colleague informed me that she may not be going with us to the meeting. When asked why, she said that she don’t know except that the boss said that there is no need since there is another meeting that they need to attend and they cannot come back sooner. What? Wasn’t it resolved already the last time we had a talk? Was it not discussed as to who and why we all need to be there for the meeting? So I dashed back to the office and talk to the boss about why she is not coming and at the same time hastily explained why she needs to be there. The boss said okay, she will come. Satisfied I went out and off we go home (she and her family spent the week end with me, but that is a different story, again).
Week ends gone by and I am already ready with my notes in bullet points for the meeting. I waited for the call as to what time we are going to leave here but none came. Normally, the vehicle will pick me up at 5:30 therefore I need to be up at least 1 hour to prepare myself. At about 6:30, just got out from church I decided to make the call to find out the arrangement for tomorrow’s trip. Surprise, I am not going with them. F—k! Why? Just because the vehicle they hire is a car and not a van (AKASA van has been in the garage for a major engine repair) and they decided that a field officer should be there since he is the one working most of the time in those fields. Right! I don’t have a problem with the inclusion of the field officer however they should have informed me upfront. How long have they decided that I will not be coming? Alright, as Sri Lankan’s would say, “what to do?”. This is not the first time. Again, for the nth time it happened. I guess I better learn to manage my stress otherwise I may contract a hypertension here and that would do me no good. Later I will tell you how I manage my stress on situation like this, but honestly it drives me nuts.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Women and Me
In Sri Lanka, the number of women with disabilities is 1.3% of the total population based on the 2001 census (without the north east provinces). Based on the survey recently conducted by AKASA (www.akasa.lk) on the situation of women with disabilities, (http://nsawwd.org/rep_show.php) the largest number of women found to suffer from mobility impairments followed by hearing and those with visual disability. Further, over 60% of persons with disabilities have no access to assistive devices and equipment. These women come largely from poor backgrounds, where monthly family income is below 6000 rupees and majority of them are engaged in domestic work and into self employment.
Moreover, the large majority of them falls within the age range of 16 – 35 years old and they do not own any land of their own. Correspondingly, 90% of the women have heard of abuse of both women and children with disabilities. A substantial number of them also seem to be unaware of their rights and entitlements and at the same time most of them are not aware of the steps to be taken in the event these rights are violated.
It is in this context that AKASA aim to mobilize, organize and form the district movement of women with disabilities in 6 districts of Sri Lanka. A training of trainers on leadership and advocacy was conducted last October which was attended by 23 strong and vibrant women with disabilities from 15 districts of Sri Lanka. The energy and enthusiasm that radiates in each of them inspires me every day during the training in spite of the many pitfalls we encountered. The 3 ½ days training provided an opportunity to network each other and created and developed a cohesive action plan aimed to challenge barriers and ultimately to change attitude, behaviour and belief including influence policies towards women with disabilities in particular and people with disabilities in general.
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It was my first time to facilitate training with women with disabilities as participants and in Sri Lanka. The women were shy and curious at the same time. Yet they are also eager and keen as to what is in store for them. Yes they have seen me during the district workshops. Some of them had the chance to talk to me with my little sinhala and with their little English. I know it will be difficult especially for me not only because of the language barrier (we have a translator but our English level still differs and it was still a struggle) but also I will be facilitating and managing the admin side of it. Early on, I had a meeting with the core group and delegated task but none of it were followed. None of them really bothered to do what is being delegated. I know based on my previous experience that this was always a part of the challenge but still I hoped that somehow this will be different. Frustrated? Yes, it almost reached my boiling point. The only thing that keeps me going that day was the women themselves. The warmth they have shown me and the belief they have that I can be an instrument to move forward their cause was so powerful and motivating to give up.
At the end of the 3 ½ days trainings, the women expressed increased in understanding and learning on issues and concerns faced by women with disabilities. A participant from Batticoloa said, “ I will go home and brief what I learnt to the CBO and with the help of them I would start advocating the rights of persons with disabilities at the village level”. Similarly, Nishanti, a participant from Hambantota said, “already we have a CBO in our village. With the experience I have gathered here, I will go and conduct awareness programmes to the people in the area”. There are more women who have given testimony as to the learning’s they had and committed themselves to be strong and lead the action in their respective districts.
For me, it was a very enriching and moving experience. Amid all the frustrations, tears that I have shed silently and the yearning to be back home, to my comfort zone fades with it and come along the sun shining brightly bringing hope for all of us especially for these women who have been denied of their rights.
Moreover, the large majority of them falls within the age range of 16 – 35 years old and they do not own any land of their own. Correspondingly, 90% of the women have heard of abuse of both women and children with disabilities. A substantial number of them also seem to be unaware of their rights and entitlements and at the same time most of them are not aware of the steps to be taken in the event these rights are violated.
It is in this context that AKASA aim to mobilize, organize and form the district movement of women with disabilities in 6 districts of Sri Lanka. A training of trainers on leadership and advocacy was conducted last October which was attended by 23 strong and vibrant women with disabilities from 15 districts of Sri Lanka. The energy and enthusiasm that radiates in each of them inspires me every day during the training in spite of the many pitfalls we encountered. The 3 ½ days training provided an opportunity to network each other and created and developed a cohesive action plan aimed to challenge barriers and ultimately to change attitude, behaviour and belief including influence policies towards women with disabilities in particular and people with disabilities in general.
.JPG)
It was my first time to facilitate training with women with disabilities as participants and in Sri Lanka. The women were shy and curious at the same time. Yet they are also eager and keen as to what is in store for them. Yes they have seen me during the district workshops. Some of them had the chance to talk to me with my little sinhala and with their little English. I know it will be difficult especially for me not only because of the language barrier (we have a translator but our English level still differs and it was still a struggle) but also I will be facilitating and managing the admin side of it. Early on, I had a meeting with the core group and delegated task but none of it were followed. None of them really bothered to do what is being delegated. I know based on my previous experience that this was always a part of the challenge but still I hoped that somehow this will be different. Frustrated? Yes, it almost reached my boiling point. The only thing that keeps me going that day was the women themselves. The warmth they have shown me and the belief they have that I can be an instrument to move forward their cause was so powerful and motivating to give up.
At the end of the 3 ½ days trainings, the women expressed increased in understanding and learning on issues and concerns faced by women with disabilities. A participant from Batticoloa said, “ I will go home and brief what I learnt to the CBO and with the help of them I would start advocating the rights of persons with disabilities at the village level”. Similarly, Nishanti, a participant from Hambantota said, “already we have a CBO in our village. With the experience I have gathered here, I will go and conduct awareness programmes to the people in the area”. There are more women who have given testimony as to the learning’s they had and committed themselves to be strong and lead the action in their respective districts.
For me, it was a very enriching and moving experience. Amid all the frustrations, tears that I have shed silently and the yearning to be back home, to my comfort zone fades with it and come along the sun shining brightly bringing hope for all of us especially for these women who have been denied of their rights.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Personality Test
I was sorting out some of the files i have when i come across this file which is normally use as ice breaker on trainings and workshops. Thought i'd share it with all of you and maybe you would be interested to take the test.
On a blank piece of paper draw a pig. If you are doing this with a friend, make sure not to look at your friend's pig. After you have completed the drawing, identify yourself which among the description below best describes your type of personality.
If the pig is drawn toward the top of the paper you are a positive & optimistic person.
If the pig is drawn towards the middle of the page you are a realist.
If the pig is drawn toward the bottom of the page, you are pessimistic & and have a tendency to behave negatively.
If the pig is facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates and birthdays.
If the picture is facing forward (towards you) you are direct, enjoy playing the devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussion.
If the pig is facing right, you are innovative and active, but have neither a sense of family, nor remember dates.
If the pig is drawn with many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
If the pig is drawn with few details, you are emotional, naive, care little for detail, and take risks.
If the pig is drawn with four legs showing, you are secure, stubborn, and stick to your ideals.
If the pig is drawn with less than four legs showing, you are insecure, or are living through a period of major change.
The larger the pig's ears you have drawn, the better listener you are.
And last but not least . . . the longer the pig's tail you have drawn, the more satisfied you are with the quality of your sex life.
What did you find out? When i did the test myself i was amused and delighted at the same time. It may not be true but one thing is sure, it relaxes me even if only for a while.
On a blank piece of paper draw a pig. If you are doing this with a friend, make sure not to look at your friend's pig. After you have completed the drawing, identify yourself which among the description below best describes your type of personality.
If the pig is drawn toward the top of the paper you are a positive & optimistic person.
If the pig is drawn towards the middle of the page you are a realist.
If the pig is drawn toward the bottom of the page, you are pessimistic & and have a tendency to behave negatively.
If the pig is facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly, and remember dates and birthdays.
If the picture is facing forward (towards you) you are direct, enjoy playing the devil's advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussion.
If the pig is facing right, you are innovative and active, but have neither a sense of family, nor remember dates.
If the pig is drawn with many details, you are analytical, cautious, and distrustful.
If the pig is drawn with few details, you are emotional, naive, care little for detail, and take risks.
If the pig is drawn with four legs showing, you are secure, stubborn, and stick to your ideals.
If the pig is drawn with less than four legs showing, you are insecure, or are living through a period of major change.
The larger the pig's ears you have drawn, the better listener you are.
And last but not least . . . the longer the pig's tail you have drawn, the more satisfied you are with the quality of your sex life.
What did you find out? When i did the test myself i was amused and delighted at the same time. It may not be true but one thing is sure, it relaxes me even if only for a while.
Man's best friend
Dog. Everybody says its man’s best friend. I am a bit skeptical about it because of my personal experience with dogs. I was attacked (as in literally attacked) by a dog when I was still a kid. From then on, I always made sure that I am at least a feet away from dogs.
This particular day amazes me though. I was rushing to go home as I have guests. A colleague and her daughter arrived last night and instead of staying in the hotel, I invited them over my house. They are going to tour around Anuradhapura and its historical ruins. After breakfast I made a brief introduction of the town and where are the sites which we are not allowed to go including how to bargain with trishaw drivers and I am off to work. I felt bad because I cannot go with them. I have so much work to do; I mean so much to write at work that I can’t afford a leave. So we agreed that I will be home by about 12 even though they indicated that they will probably finish the round by about 2. Given my experience, it only takes me 2 hours the maximum. When I reached the office, I talked to my boss and the other project managers if they wanted me after 12 noon as I need to be home for my guests.
Before 12, my friend texted me that they are on the way home, I called them back and tell them that I will be there at about 45 minutes. My trishaw (normally the trishaw will pick me up on our agreed time after dropping me off in the morning) did not show up. I hiked and almost run the 1km road from the office to the junction where I could catch a bus to Anuradhapura. I was really walking fast to the point of running when I noticed the dog running behind me as well. I stopped for a moment, thinking of strategy on how I can move fast as I can and at the same time not to scare the dog and motivate enough to bite or attack me. Then, the dog run at least 5 steps away from me and snarl at the two men staring at me. A lorry also stopped and the men were whistling at me when the dog snarls harder at them. This gives me the courage to continue walking, this time as fast as I could. When I looked back again, the dog is behind me again. It was then I realized that he is giving me company and seeing my safety on that almost deserted road. Every now and then he will go 5 to 7 steps ahead of me then stopped and let me overtake him and he will follow behind then go ahead of me again. I felt like we were dancing with him stepping forward then me straightly walking forward and him backward and forward again. When we reached the junction, he turned around and went back to the office.
Now, in spite of my belief on dogs, somehow my experience proves me wrong. Dogs are really man’s best friend and protector. They are indeed able to provide you safe passage and even keep you away from abuse or harassment. My father has always a dog in the house but I never approved of it, sometimes I coaxed him to give the dogs away and it causes disagreements between me and my brother who adore dogs. Today, I am still wary of dogs as they can still bring you harm but at the same time, I believe that in special circumstances they bring you to safety and keep you alive and harm free.
This particular day amazes me though. I was rushing to go home as I have guests. A colleague and her daughter arrived last night and instead of staying in the hotel, I invited them over my house. They are going to tour around Anuradhapura and its historical ruins. After breakfast I made a brief introduction of the town and where are the sites which we are not allowed to go including how to bargain with trishaw drivers and I am off to work. I felt bad because I cannot go with them. I have so much work to do; I mean so much to write at work that I can’t afford a leave. So we agreed that I will be home by about 12 even though they indicated that they will probably finish the round by about 2. Given my experience, it only takes me 2 hours the maximum. When I reached the office, I talked to my boss and the other project managers if they wanted me after 12 noon as I need to be home for my guests.
Before 12, my friend texted me that they are on the way home, I called them back and tell them that I will be there at about 45 minutes. My trishaw (normally the trishaw will pick me up on our agreed time after dropping me off in the morning) did not show up. I hiked and almost run the 1km road from the office to the junction where I could catch a bus to Anuradhapura. I was really walking fast to the point of running when I noticed the dog running behind me as well. I stopped for a moment, thinking of strategy on how I can move fast as I can and at the same time not to scare the dog and motivate enough to bite or attack me. Then, the dog run at least 5 steps away from me and snarl at the two men staring at me. A lorry also stopped and the men were whistling at me when the dog snarls harder at them. This gives me the courage to continue walking, this time as fast as I could. When I looked back again, the dog is behind me again. It was then I realized that he is giving me company and seeing my safety on that almost deserted road. Every now and then he will go 5 to 7 steps ahead of me then stopped and let me overtake him and he will follow behind then go ahead of me again. I felt like we were dancing with him stepping forward then me straightly walking forward and him backward and forward again. When we reached the junction, he turned around and went back to the office.
Now, in spite of my belief on dogs, somehow my experience proves me wrong. Dogs are really man’s best friend and protector. They are indeed able to provide you safe passage and even keep you away from abuse or harassment. My father has always a dog in the house but I never approved of it, sometimes I coaxed him to give the dogs away and it causes disagreements between me and my brother who adore dogs. Today, I am still wary of dogs as they can still bring you harm but at the same time, I believe that in special circumstances they bring you to safety and keep you alive and harm free.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ancient City of Lanka
Anuradhapura is a city of approximately 60,000 populations, situated in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. It experiences a hot, dry climate with temperatures ranging from 29ºC to 35ºC. It gets rain almost daily during the North East monsoon, which is usually from October to March. It must not be confused with Anuradhapura District, in which it belongs, but with the District representing a much wider area, far beyond the city.
Anuradhapura City has historical significance, and it is where Buddhism found its first real home in Sri Lanka, so it’s also Sri Lanka’s most sacred city. In 1988, it was designated a World Heritage Site and is a major tourist attraction as part of the ‘Cultural Triangle’. It is estimated at 235 km from Colombo.
Anuradhapura City has two distinct parts - the “New Town” and the “Old Town”. The Old Town or Ancient City is the site of the first capital of Sri Lanka, which was the seat of the kings between the 4th Century BC and the 10th Century AD. The site was rediscovered in the 1820’s during the British colonial rule and, as work started on the ruins towards the end of the century, the New Town developed and became established. The ancient city is a fascinating place of ruins, temples, and pagoda’s and tanks (ancient reservoirs). The area is quieter than the New Town. The Old Town is also the home of the famous centuries-old boa tree, grown from a shoot of the original boa tree from India, under which the Buddha attained his enlightenment while meditating. Hence most Sri Lankans’ Buddhist make a pilgrimage to the tree at least once in their lifetime, and often after significant events like marriage, first job, birth of a child, or death of a loved one. The historic and religious significance of Anuradhapura City means that tourism, from international and local tourists and from pilgrims, is one of the main industries in the city.
The New Town, by Sri Lankan standards, is relatively modern and has many conveniences. The town supports a range of private sector professions as well as a large government sector network. It is the capital of the North Central Province and the seat of the Provincial government. The development initiatives in the surrounding area have brought in a few non-government organisations (NGOs), both international and local. It is also the site of some large and very strategic military bases (army and air force) and there is significant military presence in the city.
The city and surrounding area are almost completely populated by Sinhalese Buddhists. The civil conflict has changed the ethnicity of the area in recent years, with many Tamils leaving the area in the mid 1980’s. The area is associated with strong Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism. There are a few pockets of Sri Lankan Moslems (Tamil-speaking, though not of Tamil ethnicity) in the area, primarily displaced from the conflict areas. Although the city itself is far from the conflict area, the District borders some of the conflict locations. North of the city, towards the conflict zones, entire areas are kept off-limits by security personnel. There are some IDP (internally displaced person) camps in the area, mostly of Moslems or Sinhalese people forced to flee their homes.
The A12 highway running from Puttalam in the West to Trincomalee in the East runs through Anuradhapura city. Many Embassies and High Commissions have advised their citizens not to venture north of this highway. This has put Anuradhapura city in an ambiguous position and tourist numbers, international and local, and even pilgrims have plummeted.
Outside the city, the area is predominately rural with a few small towns in-between. The area is vast, with villages and settlements quite distant from one another. Public transportation beyond the main highways is almost non-existent so in that sense, villages are quite isolated. Most villages have electricity and telephone connections, though mobile coverage is still very limited to some remote villages. People are mainly involved in agriculture and small and medium enterprise. The main crop is paddy and people are also involved in animal husbandry and the cultivation of other crops such as chillies, onions and other Dry Zone vegetables and fruits. The Dry Zone climate means that external irrigation is required if the small scale farmers of the area are to be able to cultivate more than one crop per year. There is an ancient irrigation system of tanks and canals to store and distribute rain water. Work has been done to restore some of these, and the area is part of Sri Lanka’s massive Mahaveli river project that channels the river water into the area. Despite all this, a good monsoon is essential to restore water levels, and the area is frequently subject to drought. The economic situation of the people in the province is one of the least developed in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura City has historical significance, and it is where Buddhism found its first real home in Sri Lanka, so it’s also Sri Lanka’s most sacred city. In 1988, it was designated a World Heritage Site and is a major tourist attraction as part of the ‘Cultural Triangle’. It is estimated at 235 km from Colombo.
Anuradhapura City has two distinct parts - the “New Town” and the “Old Town”. The Old Town or Ancient City is the site of the first capital of Sri Lanka, which was the seat of the kings between the 4th Century BC and the 10th Century AD. The site was rediscovered in the 1820’s during the British colonial rule and, as work started on the ruins towards the end of the century, the New Town developed and became established. The ancient city is a fascinating place of ruins, temples, and pagoda’s and tanks (ancient reservoirs). The area is quieter than the New Town. The Old Town is also the home of the famous centuries-old boa tree, grown from a shoot of the original boa tree from India, under which the Buddha attained his enlightenment while meditating. Hence most Sri Lankans’ Buddhist make a pilgrimage to the tree at least once in their lifetime, and often after significant events like marriage, first job, birth of a child, or death of a loved one. The historic and religious significance of Anuradhapura City means that tourism, from international and local tourists and from pilgrims, is one of the main industries in the city.
The New Town, by Sri Lankan standards, is relatively modern and has many conveniences. The town supports a range of private sector professions as well as a large government sector network. It is the capital of the North Central Province and the seat of the Provincial government. The development initiatives in the surrounding area have brought in a few non-government organisations (NGOs), both international and local. It is also the site of some large and very strategic military bases (army and air force) and there is significant military presence in the city.
The city and surrounding area are almost completely populated by Sinhalese Buddhists. The civil conflict has changed the ethnicity of the area in recent years, with many Tamils leaving the area in the mid 1980’s. The area is associated with strong Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism. There are a few pockets of Sri Lankan Moslems (Tamil-speaking, though not of Tamil ethnicity) in the area, primarily displaced from the conflict areas. Although the city itself is far from the conflict area, the District borders some of the conflict locations. North of the city, towards the conflict zones, entire areas are kept off-limits by security personnel. There are some IDP (internally displaced person) camps in the area, mostly of Moslems or Sinhalese people forced to flee their homes.
The A12 highway running from Puttalam in the West to Trincomalee in the East runs through Anuradhapura city. Many Embassies and High Commissions have advised their citizens not to venture north of this highway. This has put Anuradhapura city in an ambiguous position and tourist numbers, international and local, and even pilgrims have plummeted.
Outside the city, the area is predominately rural with a few small towns in-between. The area is vast, with villages and settlements quite distant from one another. Public transportation beyond the main highways is almost non-existent so in that sense, villages are quite isolated. Most villages have electricity and telephone connections, though mobile coverage is still very limited to some remote villages. People are mainly involved in agriculture and small and medium enterprise. The main crop is paddy and people are also involved in animal husbandry and the cultivation of other crops such as chillies, onions and other Dry Zone vegetables and fruits. The Dry Zone climate means that external irrigation is required if the small scale farmers of the area are to be able to cultivate more than one crop per year. There is an ancient irrigation system of tanks and canals to store and distribute rain water. Work has been done to restore some of these, and the area is part of Sri Lanka’s massive Mahaveli river project that channels the river water into the area. Despite all this, a good monsoon is essential to restore water levels, and the area is frequently subject to drought. The economic situation of the people in the province is one of the least developed in Sri Lanka.
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