Disability no bar for Thisara

Anuradha ABYSEKERA

Not everyone has the courage to fight against fate or when things go wrong. Thisara Jayasinghe is an exemple who made her bitter life sweet despite the discrimination she has been subjected to due to her disability. Thisara never gave up the struggle and today she stands tall representing Sri Lanka in the international disabled volleyball scene.

Thisara Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

GP Garments General Manager Serge Watte presents a gift to Thisara at the felicitation ceremony. Picture Lalith C. Gamage

Thisara Jayasinghe, 27 is the eldest in a financially troubled family who was born with disabilities in both legs. Her mother being the breadwinner of the family took great trouble to nurture Thisara and her younger brother. Her father is unemployed.

Thisara attended Delloluwa Junior School, Kegalle, but had to quit education when she was in the O/L class as her mother's earnings was not enough to maintain the family. Being the eldest, family burdens pushed Thisara to seek a job.

She was very disappointed when she could not find a job owing to her disability in a garment factory at her first attempt. But GP garments, Seethawaka offered Thisara a job in their cutting department where the good fortune begun to change her life.

'I am eternally greatful to GP Garments for making me a worthy citizen who can look after myself and family instead of being a burden to society. I work hard everyday and when I go beyond my target, I feel proud and happy, that I helped my company. I will never leave this factory and hope to do my best in both work and sport to make my company and country proud, said Thisara with a tear in her eyes.

When disabled volleyball was introduced to Sri Lanka very recently, Thisara took up to the sport as a pioneer member in the girls' pool. According to the lady chaperone of the national girls team, Thsara is a very talented player who plays with a never-say-die attitude and is very strong in her arms. Apart from her playing skills she has the ability to organize the other players in teamwork with good leadership qualities.

In recognition of Thisara's talents, GP Garments felicitated her along with the national girls volleyball team before they participated in their first ever international tournament, the Inaugural Asian Sitting Volleyball Championship in China.

Thisara has been an inspiration to all in her workplace and she is also keen on handicrafts, poetry and music. She is a regular contributor to the company's magazine, 'Nagenahiru' and a very popular girl in the factory.

She performed well in the exhibition match played in Killinochchi and took part in a coaching camp conducted by the Sri Lanka National Volleyball Federation for Disabled (SLNVFD) in Colombo, where two Malaysian coaches Hardy and Bilee trained the local players.

After Thisara was selected to the national squad she trains under the national coach Jayasiri Perera and trainer J. R. Krishaniya.

She also thanked Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, SLNVFD officials and lady chaperone J. A. Shamali Renuka Jayasuriya for the support they rendered and said that with her team-mates they will try their best to bring honour to the country in this sport.