Beating the odds

A story of courage and optimism:

Text and pictures by Sajitha Prematunge

These are times that university students take to the roads in protest against the Government, whom they believe is under obligation to supply them with jobs. As if being products of free education is not privilege enough, they decide to waste precious time and energy they could spend on job hunting, on picketing. In the face of such hypocrisy Jagath Priyankara’s courage and optimism is truly commendable

His smile is capable of driving his customers’ stares from his crutch to his outstretched hands clutching packets of incense sticks and oil lamp wicks of his

‘Ramani’ range of products. This courageous man – now armed with an ID issued by the Divisional Secretariat a no-nonsense, all professional, self-employed vendor, proud of his profession – is a far cry from the bedridden man seven years ago.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis seven years ago Jagath Priyantha started this humble business by rolling wicks for oil lamps while still lying on bed.

“I was bedridden for two years, from 2002 to 2004” said Jagath, who sells his paraphernalia in buses of Kottawa, Maharagama, Piliyandala, Horana and Panadura. He is currently under Sri Lankan traditional medication for the condition and claims that he is doing much better.

Jagath had to quit contract mason work, his previous job, when the physical exertion involved became too difficult for him to handle because of his condition. “The money was better when I was doing contract work, but I don’t spend money on drinking and smoking,” and said that what he earns with his current job is often enough to get by.

One day when the going got too tough and he couldn’t earn enough by supplying his products to small boutiques, he got onto a bus in a desperate attempt to support his family. Although at first he has had qualms about vending on buses he has never looked back since.

“It got very bad when we were banned from getting onto buses. Sometimes drivers and conductors would not allow some vendors in. But most of the time they consider the condition I am in and let me go about my business.”

He said that he is registered under the Self Employment Bureau. “Vendors like us are issued temporary IDs by the Divisional Secretariat until a permanent ID is issued by the Ministry of Defense.” While these vendors will also be provided with a uniform in the future, Jagath says that the ID has recognized their place in society and has made their lives much easy.

“It gives us some respect and the police is very helpful to those of us who are registered.”

He says that his business, manned by him, his wife and another hired worker is enough to support his family of six. Jagath is the father of three daughters and a son.

Rheumatoid arthritis being a genetic disorder, has affected his only son, who had to temporarily discontinue his education.

“My eldest daughter just finished her A Levels, the second one is in grade nine. My youngest is going to school next year,” proudly announced Jagath. “My son will take up the business when he grows up.”

His humble abode is becoming too crowded for his workstation and claimed that he intends to move the dusty business out of his house. Jagath explained that rolling 400 incense sticks a day is not an easy task. “We also need more workers.” He pointed out that most of the incense sticks in the market are made of harmful chemicals. “From next week we hope to introduce a new medicinal incense stick to the market.”“Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it” said Jagath remembering a time that his condition got so bad that he had to get onto buses with the help of two crutches, his products tied to his stomach.

“It was excruciatingly painful” he said, wincing even now at its memory. “Everything depends on determination and honesty.” Although he is fully capable of managing himself with the help of one crutch, he hits a rough patch now and then, rendering himself bedridden weeks at a time.

“At the beginning all my relatives left me for dead,” said Jagath. He explained that his wife, ‘Ramani’ under whose name the business is registered, helped him beat the odds. She was a pillar of strength for him.

“She even carried me to the toilet and I still need help putting on my own trouser and having a bath. My wife is the reason I am alive today,” said Jagath, his voice brimming with love.