SP SRI LANKA OCIP DAY 6

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The team had breakfast at the hotel as usual and headed to CSLEC at 7.45am.

When we reached CSLEC, we continued painting the external walls of the Multi Purpose Hall. Our goal was to complete at least three-quarters of the building, but it turned out better than expected. While taking short breaks in between, some of us went to the backyard to take a look at the adorable puppies.

Firdaus painting a side wall

The cute puppies!

At about 3pm, we started to work on the interior of the hall together with the students at CSL centre. To our surprise, the students managed to paint at a much faster rate than us.

Us painting the side wall

Students of CSL helping with the hall's interior

Overall, we felt that painting was particularly frustrating as the exterior walls were uneven and much time was spent on ensuring the holes were covered properly. However, we felt a sense of accomplishment after completing the tiring task. We were especially grateful for the students' help in painting, ensuring the task would be completed on time. We even noticed some of the kids at CSLEC had great drawing skills!

A drawing by one of the children

After we've done with the painting, we went to visit a granite hill located deep in a restricted area. Along the way, we saw armed soldiers at army posts. The hill was meant for monks to meditate on and we learnt that it used to be the war zone during the LTTE conflict, which explains the strict security.

A group photo on the granite hill

For dinner, we headed to the Brigadier General's residence. We spoke with him and we found that he was a caring man who wanted peace to prevail and for his district, Vavuniya, to progress in all aspects, especially in the development of the war-torn areas. He said that the only way to win a war is to prevent it, which I felt captures a lot of meaning. It shows how much he does not want to engage in war or violence. He does not abuse his power as a general but instead directs it in ways which benefits the community. We also found out that he and his soldiers are distributing artificial limbs to victims of war. This depicts his care and concern for his people.

A group photo at the General's doorstep 

We then returned to the hotel for a good night's rest and to prepare for tomorrow's task.

Reflection by Vidya.