Seeing psychological change among the tsunami affected

EASTERN Human and Economic Development organisation's (EHED) Director Rev. Fr. Sritharan Sylvester, in an interview with the Daily News said his organisation has served all communities irrespective of caste, race and religion.

EHED is not an institution that was formed after tsunami and it has been involved in social service activities for many years. It has taken several measures to bring up the living standards of those who were below poverty line.

Question: What is the present condition of the people after the war and tsunami devastation? Have their lives returned to normalcy?

Answer: People of this country have suffered during the two-decade of war. There are widows after the tsunami. Children are unable to concentrate on their studies as they have lost their homes. Frustration among youngsters has increased. While some have returned to normality, there are people who still suffer.

Q: Were there any changes in EHED's programme after the tsunami?

A: There were no major changes in our activities after tsunami. However, we provided immediate relief and carried out programs to improve the living conditions, built permanent houses and temporary shelters. We have taken measures to build these houses within the buffer zones announced by the Government.

Affected people are now returning to their places. We provided assistance by obtaining data from Governmental and non-governmental organisations that were directly involved in the relief efforts.

There were three categories of affected people. Those who have lost everything, those who were partially affected and those who have lost their equipments and assets.

Q: Do you have any plans for the psychological recovery of those who were affected by war and disaster?

A: We provide regular training through counselling. There are several activities to rehabilitate the people affected by the tsunami. We pay more attention to children.

Although our trainers are not matured in their work, they contribute as much as they could. Efforts are being made to continue this process. At present counselling is provided for parents. Eleven orphanages are being run by EHED. Promoting of art and culture play a major role.

Q: How do you assess the activities of the youth of Eastern Province? What is the present situation of the educational activities?

A: As far as the youth of the Eastern Province are concerned, they are badly affected. When we trace history, we could see the how backward the present generation acquired education, ethics, art and culture. They have lost employment opportunities.

Youth were involved in various militant groups and their education was badly affected. We have initiated a residential peace awareness programme, that includes education and culture. Our programmes are being implemented with the cooperation of the Education Department.

Q: Do you have any special plan for those who do not want to continue in their studies?

A: Only 60 per cent are studying. EHED and other organisations in the East provide vocational training for those who do not want to continue their studies.

Q: What is your experience in social service?

A: I am the Director of EHED for the past seven years. It is a unique experience. We need each others assistance and aid. As human beings everyone should use their leisure to serve others irrespective of race or religion.

We must be able to accept both praise and vilification equally. We cannot change the people. We must explain them about our mission and vision.

Q: What is the objective of today's (24th September) Art festival?

A: The aim of the festival is to instil a psychological change among the affected. This festival is being organised with the collaboration of EHED, Burgher Community and Aesthetic Faculty of the Eastern University. Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and the Rupavahini are the sponsors.