No Silver Lining

Many things may have changed after the Aragalaya but the misery continues. There is no silver lining in this very dark cloud. Depression has set in for many people and the number of suicides owing to financial difficulties has also increased.  All this gloom and doom is due to the sky-rocketing of prices daily.

Monday’s newspaper stated that nearly five million people or twenty two percent of Sri Lanka population are food insecure and in need of great assistance, which probably is a conservative calculation.  It is sad as some of those going hungry cannot ask to be fed. There are many organisations providing food vouchers to many. It is also great that many have formed community kitchens to provide people with at least one wholesome meal for the day. Other good Samaritans provide food packs or dry rations.  This begets the question, ‘how long can people afford to do this?’

Robberies and snatching of jewellery at knife point are growing. Just remember not to wear anything valuable when going out.  Stories abound of trishaw drivers taking off with  passengers' purchases.

Business has to go on as usual or everything will collapse. Fortunately, many have decided to host events which will keep the hospitality industry alive. Many believe that people must not have functions in these times but life has to go on. The biggest hitch is transport as car owners have no fuel and taxis are near impossible to get. If you are fortunate to get a taxi it will cost you a small fortune. The taxi drivers all have sad stories, whilst the radio cab drivers are either mournful or hilarious to listen to. The last cab driver I had was one of the most hilarious as his take on everything going on currently was absolutely hilarious. I actually tipped him well as he lifted my spirits. I wish more people had his attitude since life would be more cheerful.

We all live in hope that there will be some solution to this current crisis and see some sort of positive aspect soon.  Else, we will sink further and the disparity will get worse with people dying of hunger and the shortage of medicines.