Reflections
We have been here for 9 days now. Every day in Sri Lanka brings a more acute perception of the finer points and rougher edges of the country, culture and the collective experience of the people here.
There are people from all walks of life suffering from the Tsunami and people from all walks of life benefiting from it as well. There are some areas saturated with NGO presence and some areas completely left behind.
Nothing is ever black and white here, but a thousand shades of grey - a spectrum of emotions, approaches, levels of poverty, wealth and intentions.
In post tsunami Sri Lanka ones intentions are easily rendered meaningless, or they may carry far reaching and powerful repercussions. For instance, NGOs and volunteers are pumping money into affected areas with the intent of uplifting the people and are instead criticized for creating professional beggars. Savvy individuals looking for hand outs from foreigners for the purpose of making their own lives a little easier are creating a culture of disgust and mistrust among NGOs further marginalizing those most in need.
There is so much to navigate through and I credit the groups that are here and doing something despite the difficulties. Whatever the differences in opinion most people will tell you that the most that has been done is thanks to NGOs and private donors.
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