Apathy

Three months ago the majority of the country were all gung-ho with protests of all sorts, including the setting up of the Aragalaya after the 9th of May incident. People were all outraged, protesting and demonstrating against what was happening in this country. The international community and the diaspora also got involved and extended their support in every conceivable way. Yes, there were some changes as a result of all of this and a positive attitude seemed to prevail among the masses, especially since a strong message of what has happened to this country was out in the open and fearlessly discussed.

However, since last week, I have noticed a complete lack of motivation and a no care attitude around the city and elsewhere, which could be attributed to the shortages that most of us have to contend with on a daily basis.  Lack of cooking gas, kerosene oil and fuel being the primary cause.  The lack of fuel, especially, as the distribution of local products is heavily affected, adding to the short supply and increased prices. The soaring prices of food and other items, makes life impossible for the monthly wage earner who has to pay rent, educate and feed their children etc.

Caroline, a person known to me in the neighbourhood, said that waking up only depresses her as she wonders how to get through the day.  She is employed as a daily paid domestic aide and on her way back home she has money only to purchases a vegetable and a leaf and rice to prepare a basic meal for the family. Caroline told me that this was their main meal, and the children ate the remains for breakfast before going to school. Life is hard for her, especially as she has to search for firewood. Even if cooking gas were available, she said buying one would not fit into her budget. There are many comparable stories and it is just a miserable day to day existence for the majority. 

I suppose with all of these problems people neither have the strength nor can find the time to be active holding up placards and protesting. The near future does not look any brighter and all we hear is gloom and doom. 
The cricket matches that are ongoing seem to have brought some respite and joy to the nation. People just try to escape from reality for a few hours only to face the hardships around them. 

Many people help the needy. Lots of soup kitchens and other made food suppliers have popped up to help the less fortunate but they too are running short of supplies and are seeing a drop in their income. Sri Lankans are kind and giving people thankfully but cannot help the entire Nation.