Spreading of humanity during these pandemic times

By Sanduni Hettigoda

The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected each and every one of us in some way or the other. But some of us are in a much more difficult situation than others. This pandemic is also a remarkable turning point in recent history as it forced us to pause, think and get used to a new way of lifestyle altogether. 

In order to battle this situation and any unprecedented disaster, what is more important is resilience, swift adaptation and discipline to follow good processes and structures for the benefit of all. Humans need to feel safe and secure. Not just physically, but also mentally. For this, all societies built routines and structures to follow which were taught and spread through homes, religion, schools and even through the rule of law.

We all have our own ways of doing things, from the most mundane task to bigger responsibilities such as making a living and leading life. When one is challenged to change the usual ways of working, it is only natural to experience mental discomfort. It can be acute for some and tremendous for another, which can even lead to depression and anxiety. No matter the impact, the crisis demands we transform and do so as soon as possible. 

We also must understand that for us to grow as a people a nation, it is important we welcome any obstacle as a positive challenge, as an opportunity. An opportunity that will mould us to leave the comfort zone and think, act beyond. As children we learnt to follow rules and regulations through school and other institutions. We were disciplined to be a part of the wider society. 

It is only during a time like this we realize the value of structure and discipline. Just as much as we need to learn to be disciplined, to be orderly and follow a given process for the greater good, we also need to be able to think out of the box, be creative and proactive to find new solutions for the crisis, and initiate necessary measures as the situation demands. 

This mindset could only be developed if we encourage our children and our society to think creatively, to look at problems from different perspectives, critically and objectively evaluate our observations and the information we receive. We need to be aware of the possibility of constant change and be ready to adapt and accept it. 

As a voluntary organization of young people, the Rotaract Club of Panadura, took a creative and a timely initiative, by initiating  The Project “Prajashakthi”  (ප්‍රජාශක්ති) to be of strength to the  fellow members of the community who needed it, more than ever, during these desperate times. 

The main focus was to provide essential food items through a pack of dry rations. The club selected 100 families, who live in and around the areas of Panadura, Nalluruwa, Wadduwa, Waskaduwa, Kaluthara and Horana. 

These 100 families were selected after discussing with respective Grama Niladhari officers and through the information gathered by the club members, as the intended idea was to support the most deserving families. Recipients were daily wage earners who did not receive Samurdhi or any such government assistance or payments.

Each of these families were given a Rs. 1000/- worth pack of dry rations which contained  rice, lentils, sugar, Bombay onions, a tin of Salmon, a  packet of salt and a packet of chili powder. One interesting aspect of this project that extended from the 30th of March till the 15th of April was that, as a club Rotaract Club of Panadura respecting the privacy of the recipients of these donations.

Therefore the images were published in a way that it would protect the identity of these families. Further as a club, being accountable and transparent has become one of those mandatory priorities. Hence the club has published the comprehensive budget of the project on their “Praja Shakthi” facebook page.

The club successfully completed this effort and brought a smile to these families even for a short period of time. What is more important is caring for one another in these hard times. If each one of us can think about how the rest of the people in our nearest neighborhood live throughout this time we all will be more sensitive and empathetic towards their needs. We can physically empower people through activities like this project. But as a community, we must definitely support and strengthen each other emotionally and mentally to face and thrive through this transformation.

As a young group of responsible disciplined citizens, the club took all possible precautionary measures throughout the process to ensure the safety of our members and others who were directly and indirectly involved. From collection of donations to buying and delivering of the material until the distribution of these goods to respective families, everything was done lawfully and safely.  

Mr. Pramila Silva, Mr. Sanju Jayasanka and Superintendent of Police Sanjaya Irasingha of  Panadura South Police Division should be specially mentioned for supporting transportation and for allowing us to do the process smoothly by granting a travelling pass during this time under the curfew.

Rotaract Club of Panadura and their friends and family members, in and out of our club shared their time, energy and monetary funds with the kind thought to help another human being in these hard times. The club is very much grateful to all the sponsors, donors,  well-wishers, past and present members and their families who have been supporting the Rotaract Club of Panadura to grow within the past 11 years. 

COVID-19  has presented us an excellent opportunity to be  grateful and cherish  what we already have around us. Let us all remember this lesson, for the rest of our lives and welcome a world with genuine sustainable development, not forgetting to value the Sri Lankan heritage, the spirit of nature and most importantly humanity.

About the writer: Sanduni Hettigoda is a student of Social Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka and Director Community Service of the Rotaract Club of Panadura.