He comes from Pitigala not Jaffna – by Joe Paiva

The ALBORADA ART HOME in Matugama opened its doors on 25 February 2023 with the screening of the film ‘Hansavila’ directed by Dharmasiri Bandaranayaka first screened in 1998. The home was filled beyond capacity, followed by simple light dinner.

However the Art Home at present is at an embryonic stage and expects to develop progressively. Some time in March children from schools in the area will be actively involved in a session of creative art, such as dance, drama, music, poetry etc

Matugama is in the Southern Province, of Sri Lanka, approximately 90 minutes drive from Pitigala in the Southern Province. Matugama is a semi urban town surrounded by low undulating Hills. The small rural town of Pitigala is on the border of the Western ( Colombo) and Southern Provinces (Galle, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Pitigala, Matugame, Matara, Kataragamme, Aluthgamme). Very much influenced by the annual South West monsoon ‘s beneficial rains, gently blowing in from the Indian Ocean.

Pitigala is 3 hours by public transport diagonally south east of Colombo. It is an ideal gateway to the many towns in the Southern Province.

Mr Buddhadasa Hewege has a successful English Learning Centre, a little distance outside the Pitigala Town Centre. Readers of Elanka would be well aware of ‘Buddhadasa Hewage’ award winning Singhala – English Dictionary which is available for sale via Elanka, Australia and M D Gunnesenas, Sri Lanka. The dictionary is being used by students and the universities in Sri Lanka. I understand Sri Lankan students studying overseas are finding the dictionary very helpful.

I happened to purchase the dictionary through Elanka. One thing led to another and I am staying at Buddhadasa’s beautiful home and spacious garden in Pitigala. A fresh water stream abutting their beautiful home flows continuously. Frogs commence their raucous choir at twlight. Fire Flies waltz in the dark on moonless nights.Bird songs at dawn.

If I overlook Eshi ‘ Panni’ Hewage, I am sure to be on Pol Sambol & bread rather than her del Singhala Kame for the rest of my stay. Buddhadasa, Panni and their vivacious little daughter, Jesmi have been admirable hosts and I have warmly welcomed into their beautiful family.

The lush green flora that embraces the whole district reflects the volume of rain the Southern Province receives during the year. The Singha Raja rainforest has an enormous spiders web of fresh crystal clear running brooks, streams large and small, water falls and rivers ( Bentota Ganga, Gin Ganga, Nilawala & Manik Ganga).

In my personal opinion, Southern Province is the best of all the Provinces in Sri Lanka. I am regret to say that Colombo is a concrete jungle in comparison.

Casual observation of the township of Matugama tells a story ( the large bungalows, spacious lush gardens). I postulate that some people are wealthy. They have a house in Colombo, 4WD vehicles and a holiday home in Matugama. Thriving hardware, textile retail businesses, small tea, rubber cinnamon and pepper estates and various other businesses in the district. Some people enjoy a good, comfortable, environmentally friendly lifestyle in Matugama, but not all.

There is no food insecurity in Matugama, Pitigala, Bandarawella, Ella, Horana, Aluthgamme, Kataragamme and Galle.

However, how the lower middle class, marginalised and disadvantaged live, I wonder and ponder.

Don’t be under any illusion, life is a challenge for many in Lanka but not for the rich mudelalies ( Bussines persons) and the politicians.. Ancedotal information indicates approximately 40 % of the population is struggling..

Education is very highly valued by parents and teenagers. Children and the youth are very motivated, disciplined and keen as mustard to learn English and better themselves in life with hopes of moving overseas.

I understand there are little good job opportunities for the youth in their motherland. Talented, intelligent youth are frustrated and despondent.

Regrettably the Government is far more focused on personal agendas, egos of individuals and administrators rather than the overall national good.

In my view, private schools and colleges in Colombo place a dispropotionate emphasis on sports specially cricket and rugby.

Sadly rural school just don’t have the resources to indulge in such elitist sports. In a way it a blessing in disguise as students in rural, regional schools focus on academic pursuits rather than fickle sports such as cricket and rugby.. Don’t get me wrong, the rural schools do play sports such as soccer and school yard cricket but just for fun , personal enjoyment and commeradrie.

Far from wanting to score a 50 , a ton , 5 fer, media attention or personal glory.

One early morning, at the Bandarawella central bus terminal my bus had broken down. I took the opportunity to have a cup of black tea and a piece of jaggery in a humble street boutique. I saw school children as young as 8 and 9, well groomed, in clean white school uniform, clean white shoes at 6 to 6.30 am in morning, beaming with infectious smiles getting in and out of public transport. I wonder at hour they woke up at home. The Bandarawella town centre was shrouded in early morning mist.

Parents mortgage their homes or take loans to send their children to private colleges & universities that have cropped up in Colombo specially Bambalapitiya, my home town. I now call my home town ‘Phonepitiya’. And the Majestic City shopping mall ‘Phone City’

The Aussie $ goes a long long way but not the Rupee. SL coins are worth very little or nothing due Inflation and very high cost of living.

If you give a beggar a 1, or 2 Rs coin, he is likey to throw it back at you.

Sri Lankan despora and Sri Lankans permanently living in Australia, specially the young adults, youth and children should be very thankful to God in numerous ways. They have truely been blessed as their brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka are not, in the same manner.. Yet they try bloody hard under challenging circumstances.

I believe the youth, both in Australia and Sri Lanka should be very grateful to their parents

Foot Note

Since my arrival in Sri Lanka in January 2023, I have been adventurous and travelled extensively in the Southern Province by public transport. I have been to Pitigala, Elpitiya, Matugama, Galle, Hambantota, Kataragamme, Yala National Park, Horana, Bandarawella, Ella, Lankagamme ( gateway to magnificent Singha Raja Rainforest). My Singhalese has improved significantly, I can even use some colourful phrases if provoked by the Chandiya. I can float like Samaneleya ( Butterfly)and sting like a Bamberaya (Bee).

Be aware of the Kataragamme KATADIYA. Don’t mess with me ! I am Ali.

Joe Paiva

Pitigala Kolla

Sri Lanka.