I went on an amazing tour back in 2003 and our guide was fantastic local guy by the name of Amita. I think that he was sub-contracted from a local company called Lanka Sport Riesen.
Obviously my thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible event but I would particularly like to know that Amita and his family are OK.
If anyone one could tell me, I would much appreciate it.
Many thanks,
Paul (travelled with IT in Sri Lanka, Nov 2003)
Re: Is Amita OK? (Sri Lanka)
Hi Paul
I hope you have had some positive news about Amita and that all is OK with him and his family.
We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Sri Lanka in 2003. I don't know if you have read any of the posts under the other Sri Lanka string by people who are due to go out there on Jan 21/22nd, including me and my husband. The general concern is that by going out there so soon we could be taking vital food, water supplies away from affected locals, adding an extra burden to emergency services and generally hindering the recovery operation. We are, of course, also a little concerned for our own health!
Since you have been to SL before I wondered if you had any thoughts on the situation. How do you think things will be in places not materially affectd by the tsunami such as the cultural triangle, hill country and general interior region which is our main area of travel on the trip? Do you think we are better to stay away, or as seems to be increasingly the view of Sri Lankan ex pats and some of the media, that we should go and give our economic tourist support to those still in business with their hotels, etc? How do you think the general mood/ attitude of the locals will be towards tourists at this time?
I don't know if you can answer any of this but it would be nice to hear the thoughts of someone who has been there before.
Please let us know if your friend out there is OK too.
All the best
Shaara
Re: Is Amita OK? (Sri Lanka)
Hi Shaara,
Thanks, I will let you know if I find anything out.
Whether or not to continue your plans to travel there, tricky!
I was imagining what I might do myself in that situation the other day after hearing the, I think, the Prime Minister of the Maldives make public statement on TV the other day, shortly after the disaster.
He stressed that the islands and their people depended on tourism as it was the most part of their income, and that by continuing to take your vacations, you were in fact helping with recovery.
On one hand you know that the price of your holiday is helping their revenue and long term recovery, but at the same time I think I personally would feel as though I were intruding on their suffering.
I am sure that if I were on holiday out there now, that I would feel compelled to abandon my tour and help with the relief effort. So I guess the question is, would your conscience allow it?
I think you will have to go with what your heart tells you to do. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and definately worth seeing, but I wonder if your experience will be as pleasant as mine was.
However, as you say, much of the tour takes in the interior areas, which includes alot of high country. Which I would have thought were not directly affected. I am not however anywhere near being expert on the region so don't take my word for it.
The mood of the people might be affected, but the Sri Lankans, like many peoples of the world, are mostly very generous and kind natured so you might not see this.
I would not want to be the one to put you off of your tour, as if you never went, you would certainly be missing out. I think the best that you could do would be to speak to your tour operator to see what the situation is.
Surely, if your travelling there at this time were considered intrusive and burdening, the tour operator would not recommend it anyway.
I hope that you make a decision that you are happy with, and if you do go, I hope that you see the Sri Lanka I was priveleged to experience.
If you would like to see some photos, I managed to get three of my favourites onto the British Journal of Photography website. They can be found in the portfolio archive section.
Let me know how you get on with your travels.
All the best,
Paul
P.S. Sorry if I went on a bit, it's not exactly a light subject. I hope that I have helped but do please remember, this is just my opinion. At the end of the day it's your choice to make.
Re: Is Amita OK? (Sri Lanka)
Hi Paul
Thanks for taking the time to reply and no you didn't go on! It's not a black and white issue but I think we are pretty much set on going now and providing financial support to those who need it. We've been to India a couple of times and are sure that if the Sri Lankans are anything like their subcontinental cousins we will be warmly welcomed.
I've looked at your photos and think they are wonderful! The colourful car is very familiar from our travels and the Buddha is so serene and peaceful. I have seen so many beautiful images of SL that I am still really looking forward to seeing the place even though it will be tempered by sadness for those who have suffered so much loss there.
Once again thanks for your thoughts.
Cheers
Shaara