In Thiraaimadu, Batticaloa: Self-confidence and courage amidst multiple tragedies
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“I lost my house in Tsunami in 2004 in Kallady. I built the house not with my sweat, but with my blood ” recalls Rajeswary Sithravadivel.
“I took a big loan & built the house,I could not bear it was completely destroyed” says Rajeswary Sithravadivel with tears filled eyes.
She got some help from the Government & an NGO and managed to build a small house in Thiraaimadu, where Tsunami resettlement houses are built.
She got displaced twice in her life-In 1983 from Colombo to Batticaloa after Black July riots & in 1990 from Batticaloa to Colombo.
She went back to Batticaloa in 1996. She works as a minor staff at the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. Her average monthly income is Rs.18,800/=
Triple sister became widows in 1990.Rajeswary Sithravadivel and her two elder sister’s husbands went missing from Batticaloa in 1990.
“It was a tragedy.All three of us with children had to face the same situation.We consoled each other” says Rajeswary Sithravadivel
At 44 Rajeswary Sithravadivel is still struggling to survive with her daughter.She got her husband’s death certificate after 10 years.
“It was an arranged marriage.My husband was from Velanai in Jaffna.We led a happy married life.When my husband went missing,I was lost”.
“But I have decided to live,because of my daughter.Now she is grown up,she is 21 years-old&I have to find a good job&life partner for her”.
“I have searched for my husband,but found him nowhere.I began to cultivate self-confidence&led my life all alone from 18th June 1990″.
“I raised my daughter alone with so many difficukties,and educated her.She lives a life without father’s love”.
“I have double tragedy in my family,and I wish nobody in the world should face the same situation.It’s heartbreaking!”.
She makes candles&incense sticks at home & sells in order to earn an extra income to support her family&earns monthly Rs.8,000/=-Rs.10,000/=.
She encourages single women to have self-confidence, and work hard. She advices her fellow women not to give up under any circumstances.
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hi!
Your web site gives an encouraging tone to those who cannot voice their misery and at the same time it covers all the people irrespective of race, ethnicity and that is really amazing! And of course, your photos speak volumes of stories. Keep on your good work.
May I suggest some thing: why not have a parallel page in Tamil too, so that tens of thousands of those concerned could air their views in their mother tongue?