Have all the wells of compassion dried up?

One wonders, why the spiralling numbers of men, women and children suffering from every form of distress, whether they are in refugee camps in the North and East or in temporary shelters, due to the recent unprecedented landslides and floods, has not resulted in a spontaneous outpouring of help from fellow Sri Lankans, not affected by these calamities. Have the wells of compassion been exhausted after the tsunami, probably caused by the alleged mismanagement of such outpourings of generosity?

Whatever the reasons, there has been a singular lack of spontaneous public effort to help these hapless victims of conflict and natural disasters. Usually, both the government and the national press publicise such fund-raising to help those affected. Not just big business ventures and social welfare groups but even individuals try to contribute their mite to help their compatriots in their dire need.

Apart from the actual assistance and help extended it would also generate fellow feeling and empathy towards all, who through no fault of their own, find themselves in these extremely distressing and unimaginable predicaments. It is not too late to start fund raising as long as there are safeguards against possible fraud or misappropriation.

However, it would probably be more practical if fund raising is categorized under various heads such as housing, dry food items, clothing, footwear, books, school requirements etc. If the specific items that are required are listed, there would be a focus for people to respond to and make their donations according to their means. Sending actual goods is a cumbersome procedure, hence approximate cheques/money orders, to cover costs would be the best method.

It is to be hoped that such help from the general public (even it if is only a widow’s mite!) will be solicited as soon as possible to aid those who are suffering from extreme hardship. Merely chronicling their woes is a futile exercise! After all no man is an island and every person, who wishes to contribute and relieve the distress of their fellow Sri Lankans, should be given an opportunity to do so!

By Rita Perera