[Sri Lanka] The First Round of Emergency Response to 2024 Sri Lanka Economic Crisis

This story was shared by Devika Priyadarshini, a local Sri Lankan and volunteer with JTS. Here, we bring you Devika’s observations, conveyed with a compassionate eye and a warm heart.

“As we welcomed the year 2024, Sri Lanka’s economic situation showed no signs of improvement. Food shortages and sharply rising costs for electricity and water continue to push the lives of many Sri Lankans into poverty. However, thanks to the ongoing efforts of JTS this year, there has been a glimmer of hope and vitality for these communities.”

JTS actively seeks out those in dire need of support by working directly in the field. They listen to what the people truly need and incorporate this feedback into their activities. For this initiative, the areas of Ayagama, Horana, and Gimpatha-Panadura were selected based on preliminary research. Residents in these areas typically work as day laborers or domestic helpers, managing to work only about three to four days a week to sustain their livelihoods.

Despite facing financial hardships, parents universally hope for their children to have the opportunity to study without constraints. However, for those earning only 800 to 1,000 rupees per day (approximately 3,500 to 4,200 KRW per day, or about 60,000 KRW for half a month’s work), purchasing school supplies represents a significant burden. Sometimes, these families struggle even to provide basic necessities like food. In response, JTS has provided school supplies and rice as part of their first round of emergency relief in 2024. With the new school term approaching, JTS is working diligently to identify recipients before the deadline.

The aid items included 20kg of rice and a package of school supplies (a backpack, 5 notebooks, a sketchbook, colored pencils, crayons, 5 pencils, and a water bottle). Although finding a distribution site was challenging, the voluntary help from the residents facilitated a smooth resolution. The tireless cooperation and dedication of many individuals, including Korean JTS activists deployed in Sri Lanka, allowed for the swift preparation of the distribution of these supplies.

On February 5th and 6th, 2024, over two days, 200 households with students in Bulathsinhala, Ayagama and 550 households with students in Horana were provided with 20kg of rice and school supply packages. Additionally, 102 students in Panadura Parad received school supply packages. Another 100 vulnerable households were also supported with 20kg of rice each. Supporting children is a significant contribution to the future of Sri Lanka, as they are the potential future leaders of the country.

Thanks to everyone’s help, this activity was successfully completed. It was very timely given the local conditions. The faces of the children who received backpacks and school supplies were filled with happy smiles. Each time the parents expressed their gratitude, I felt even more thankful to be able to help.

At the site, everyone was united. We even saw people who shared some of their received items with the people who came without coupons. All these experiences have taught me how to empathize with others, offer help, and resolve conflicts. To me, being a ‘JTS volunteer in Sri Lanka’ means ‘helping neighbors and doing good.’

I extend my heartfelt thanks and respect to all who contributed to this activity, including the JTS volunteers in Sri Lanka, teachers, kindergarten teachers, local office staff, and the JTS family in Korea. This activity was especially meaningful as it helped fill the stomachs of those in Sri Lanka suffering from hunger.

Moving forward, my fellow JTS Sri Lanka members and I will continue to support Sri Lanka’s poor and marginalized neighbors, persevering with courage and dedication.

See you at our next activity!

Best regards,

Devika Priyadarshini