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by Aditha Dissanayake

Remember Sub-Inspector Pradeep de Silva? The thirty-three-year-old police officer, with a spinal injury who vowed to get back to his feet, somehow or other by next year?

Even though he is still lying on his bed, waiting for the operation that would cure him, hope still burns bright in his eyes, stronger than never before. The only snag is time, which is rapidly running out. For, having been confined to his bed for two years now, Pradeep is determined to find the money to submit himself to a hospital in Singapore or the U.S.A, before the end of next year.

"Since the newspapers published my story, lots of kindhearted people have called me, visited me, offered me their help. So much so that, I have about Rs. 700,000 in my account now. But the value of the dollar keeps rising, and I need so much more...

Pradeep's voice tails off in mid sentence, then continues in a contemplative, subdued tone.

"I wish I knew the words to express what I feel for everybody who has helped me.

All I can do from my bed here is to love them back with all my heart."

Here is Pradeep in a new mood. The old vigour is still there, but now it is mixed with deathly seriousness. "I feel I cannot ask more from others. I have already got the money from the President's Fund and our department. I have made up my mind to find the balance on my own." says Pradeep, handing me a Christmas card with the picture of a herd of elephants painted on it. "The painting is mine. I hope I can sell the card and make some money".

Pradeep smiles for the camera. But he is more serious now than what he had been during my previous visits. He seems to feel Time's chariot wheels are drawing closer. "Time flies so fast. Before I know it, it will be next December, and I must walk before that".

Help Pradeep's dream come true. Buy one of his cards. He is warded at room No. 10 at the Narahenpita Police Hospital. (Tel: 071-286418).

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