Sri Lanka’s second tsunami moment. This time it came from the skies – By Aubrey Joachim
Almost 21 years after the devastation of the 2004 Asian tsunami that wreaked havoc across much of Asia, most of the same areas have once again been subjected to the adverse forces of nature. Ove the last week or more, torrential rains have fallen across Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Southern India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has in addition been hit by a violent cyclone – Ditwah
While the 2004 tsunami largely affected the coastal surrounds of the affected countries, this time the fury came down from the heavens and impacted all areas of the country. Images on social media newsfeeds paint a bleak yet ironically similar devastating pictures. Huge volumes of gushing water, vehicles, bridge, houses and other infrastructure being washed away and even mangled railway lines bring to mind the haunting images of 2004. This time with the advancement of the digital era, such incidents are being beamed across the globe in real time. While the death toll is nowhere near that fateful event, the damage to the nation’s psyche is equally as bad and perhaps even more to its economy – just as it was beginning to recover from the recent financial crisis. While the financial impacts are yet to be worked out, this recent act of God is likely to push the country’s economy back a few more years.
What was pleasing to see – even though the circumstances were dire – was how the emergency services seemed to kick into action. The Disaster recovery management agency seemed to have matters under control. Equipment and civil personnel seemed to be available. The tri-forces too seem to be playing their part with army, air force and naval personnel providing valiant rescue services.
So what now from here? Already the Lankan diaspora have kicked into action with appeals for aid cris-crossing the globe. Local organisations from religious institutions to old schools’ associations have commenced initiatives to support the most vulnerable and badly affected souls.
No doubt the government also will need to do what best it can to support its citizens. Of course catastrophes like this will need international government support and such should be forthcoming in the days ahead. The President will need to appeal to the good graces of international leaders. His recent alluring presence on the global stage should pay dividends.
It must be borne in mind however, that people – both local as well as the diaspora – will remember how in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami there were various accusations regarding the mis-management of the huge volumes of financial aid that poured into the country. Such accusations were levelled at both the country’s then leaders as well as private organisations that didn’t seem to ‘waste a good opportunity’ irrespective of the human and national tragedy that faced the country. This time the country is under a new leadership regime who have wowed to rise above the temptation and scourge of corruption. Here is the opportunity for the President and his cohorts to do the right thing and lift the country and its people from the dire situation it has once again been placed in. If he is able to pull it off he and his team will accrue the political benefits.
What needs to be done is to get the best people on the job – irrespective of what side of politics they are, establish transparent processes of accountability and even demonstrate to the world how even a country like Sri Lanka can recover from adversity. Sri Lankan has the skills and competencies. What is needs at a time like this is good leadership to navigate the torrents. Meanwhile, corporate organisations must also come to the party. This is not an opportunity to increase their bottom lines, but to give back to society.
Meanwhile, as diaspora of Sri Lanka let us all come together and contribute whatever we can to help the country and its people. Let us all pray that the storms abate and the sun shines once more on this beautiful land. God Bless Sri Lanka.
