Lake comes alive

By Hiranthi Fernando

While digging was going under the current rehabilitation work, three 'sekkus', made of granite, which were used in the old days for extracting coconut oil, were unearthed. These are to be installed and an artists' corner with paintings by local artists also set up. In addition, an open air theatre for cultural activities, eating places, barbecue tables, mobile sales outlets and shopping arcade are featured in the plans for developing the Beira lake into an attractive spot for Colombo residents

Hemantha Jayasundera, Director, Project Management of the UDA, said the first stage targeted for completion this March is the south west lake, on the side of the Gangarama Temple. Here, the project encompasses three basic elements; water management, which includes the prevention of pollution, cleaning the water and managing it to an acceptable state. 

The environmental element deals with the relocation of unsuitable activities, alsoplanting and paving the area surrounding the lake. When this is completed, one could enter at one place and walk right round the lake. Space has been left in the paving to plant shade trees. Mr. Jayasundera explained that plans include involving the private sector for recreational and cultural activities. The island on the lake will also be used as leisure spot, with boating, water sports, a multi-purpose hall and a very small restaurant. 

The third element, which is the business plan envisages opening up unutilised land around the lake, with private sector involvement for development purposes such as construction of office buildings. 

Speaking of the work in progress, Mr. Jayasundera said a pump house has been installed and a pipe laid to pump in sea water to clean the lake. "We have disconnected 75% of the waste water inlets coming into the Beira. We still have to disconnect the balance 25%, but this is not easy as we have to see from where the inlets originate. When all the inlets are disconnected the water will be cleaned again by pumping in sea water."

Along the park area all unsuitable trees have been removed and new plants, already grown in a nursery, are being introduced. A railing around the lake will make it safe for children. A coloured railing at the road level and decorative street lighting right round the lake will add to its attractions. Further, Mr. Jayasundera said negotiations are being conducted with the Gangarama authorities, to relocate some activities at the temple corner so that the space could be used as a stage for cultural activities with a food court below. 

Against all odds

Sponsor a meal

By Naomi Gunasekara

Established in 1962, the Prithipura Home for mentally retarded and physically disabled children will celebrate its 40th anniversary by holding multi-religious services from March 15 to 17. A government approved charity, the Home situated on three and a half acres of coastal land adjacent to the Pegasus Reef Hotel, Hendala, is sponsored by the Ceylon Fellowship of Service, which has worked tirelessly for the past 40 years to provide its residents the love and care they need. 

The Home takes in children at the age of six and teaches them to take care of themselves while helping others who are unable to fend for themselves. The groups of volunteers from Netherlands who visit the home periodically have graded the children according to their levels of mental maturity in order to determine if they can attend the school situated within the premises. 

"The younger residents are taught drawing, fixing puzzles and matching pictures while the older ones are taught sewing, mat-weaving, coir-work, envelope making and painting," said Ms. de Silva entering a bright room that was painted in all hues of the rainbow. "They like coming here and also going to the physiotherapy room because it is painted in bright colours." 

A joint effort of the Ceylon Fellowship of Service (formed by the employees of the Colombo Gas Company under the patronage of Englishman Peter Davie), Bhikku Sumana a retired English naval officer ordained in Sri Lanka, and Anglican Priest Dr. Brian de Krester, Prithipura was built on land donated by the National Christian Council and operates on public funds, contributions made by the Social Services Department and donations from NGOs. 

Providing its residents with food, shelter, clothing, medicine and education, the Home finds it extremely difficult to function without public assistance. According to M. A. P. Jayawardena, President of Ceylon Fellowship of Service, the home, which started with four residents provides shelter to 80 residents today; "They are no longer boys and girls," he says, for most of them have reached middle age. 

The demand for admission is very high. But we cannot accommodate more. Only the death of a resident will create a vacancy," says Mr. Jayawardena pointing out that the six cottages (Bates Prithi, Norad, Canada, Gladys and Rosy) are inadequate for the residents, who have no homes to go to if asked to leave. "Most of these children have no homes because they were left in hospitals or thrown to the gutters." The Home incurs heavy expenditure, which includes water bills that run up to Rs.10,000-15,000 says Ms. de Silva who has a wealth of experience with children having been matron of St. Thomas' Prep and taken care of children under probation. 

Monthly expenditure ranges from between Rs.140,000-150,000 forcing it to depend heavily on public funds and NGO help. The Social Services Department grants Rs.300 per resident and helps the Home with 24,000 a month while the deficit is met by organising regular fund raising projects like their annual exhibition and sale held at the Lionel Wendt every November. 

The Home faces many other difficulties as well. "Food is only one problem we have," says Matron de Silva who fears for the safety of the children; Thieves enter the compound in the night and steal coconuts when the driver is not around. They know that there are no men around and that the residents are incapable of tackling them even if they enter a girls' cottage," said Ms. De Silva who has only three watchdogs for protection. 

The Home is also in need of more house-mothers and volunteers. "When the children are sick we have to send them to the hospital with a house-mother," says Ms. de Silva, who feels that government hospitals must give these children special attention when they are taken for treatment. 

The Prithipura Home is the proud holder of a certificate of registration granted under Section 20 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act No: 28 of 1996 and hopes to extend its services to other deserving children. "We are interested in at least providing the mentally handicapped of the area with day care. But we need help," says Mr. Jayawardena. 

"Human nature is very surprising at times," he says explaining that parents leave children at the Home promising to visit every month. "They leave false addresses and after the first three months are seen no more." But the Prithipura Home never gives up on its residents. It will continue to give them the food, shelter and affection they need by raising funds through various charity programmes for the 20-member board that runs the Home strongly believes that 'where there is life, there is hope'.