Along with the continuous efforts of rescue and relief by government agencies and the forces, groups of volunteers, particularly, the youth can also be seen playing an active role with many such groups assisting the victims of disaster in numerous ways.
As the floodwaters receded and landslides cleared many such volunteer groups have descended on Ayagama including other towns to donate provisions and more importantly, their time and effort to those in need.
Gayan Vimukthi had travelled from Badulla along with around 20 other youth of the Red Star Brigade to assist people in Ayagama. “Our main aim is to help the people get back to their normal lives as soon as possible” he says adding that therefore, his group focused on clearing the public spaces preparing them to once again be utilized by the general public. “People are receiving provisions but what they need now is volunteerism through labour to help them get back on their feet” he says.
Joining a three-day program the group was seen cleaning out the Ayagama Sri Rahula Vidyalaya which was severely affected by the floods experienced by the town last week. “There was about three feet of mud left inside the school” he points out adding that the group will also clear the heavily damaged Ayagama pre school during their stay, along with another school in the area. According to Gayan, he believes all three schools will be prepared for its students by Monday.“Once we clean out the public spaces such as schools and hospitals we also hope to help people to clean their houses” he says.
According to Gayan, the volunteers vary in ages and engage in various career paths. “Some are students, while others work in different jobs” he explains adding that some others such as him are full time volunteers of the group. “Many have applied for leave from their jobs while others have temporarily paused attending lectures to help the disaster affected people” he says speaking of the sacrifices made by them to assist those in need. Gayan says members of their group have been volunteering in a large number of affected areas organizing medical camps, clean up projects of public spaces, wells and homes in a bid to aid those in need.