A Poem of Strength and Solidarity – By Dr Harold Gunatillake


The local resilience of Sri Lankans shines through, especially in the warmth of the global solidarity that grew stronger after Cyclone Ditwar.
When Ditwar’s winds tore through the land, And sorrow shadowed sea and sand,
The people rose with tireless hands,
To heal the wounds, to mend the strands.
By lantern’s glow, through sleepless night,
They cooked, they clothed, they held with might, No storm could break their steadfast will,
For love and duty guided still.
The wealthy gave, the poor gave too, Each heart is a beacon, strong and true, From distant shores, compassion came, Nations joined in one shared flame.
Together they built hope anew, A shelter strong, a sky more blue,
Sri Lanka’s soul, unbowed, unbent, A testament to kindness spent.
So let the world remember this,
That strength is born where sorrows kiss, And unity, both near and far,
Shines brighter than the fiercest star By Dr Harold Gunatillake (Kandy)

