Sri Lankan actor and musician GK Reginold rides a motorised fishing boat through Colombo's suburbs, hoping to bring food and water to those in desperate need.
Some families, Reginold notes, have gone days without aid, isolated by the worst weather disaster the nation has seen in years. Cyclone Ditwah, which struck last week, has led to catastrophic floods and landslides, resulting in over 400 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage.
Despite the destruction, the cyclone has ignited a wave of volunteerism, as citizens respond to what President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called the most challenging natural disaster in Sri Lanka's history.
The main reason why I wanted to do this was to at least help them to have one meal, Reginold stated while assisting flood victims.
More than one million individuals have been impacted, prompting the President to declare a state of emergency. With helicopters deployed for rescue missions and humanitarian aid pouring in from around the world, the country faces a long road to recovery.
In a community kitchen in Colombo's Wijerama neighborhood, activists who previously protested against former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are now working tirelessly to prepare meals for those affected by the flooding. Sasindu Sahan Tharaka, a social media activist, emphasized, We reactivated the group as soon as we heard what was happening last Thursday.
Online support has also surged, with individuals creating databases to streamline donations and volunteer efforts. Political leaders, facing backlash for disaster preparedness, have called for unity in rebuilding the nation.
As citizens continue to band together, the sentiment remains hopeful. As volunteers work to assist those in need, the collective heart of Sri Lanka shines brightly amidst the challenges.
