ABDF

You read a lot about the exploitation of children all ‘round the world, and it can be really depressing. Exploitation takes place in many different forms, some of it more devastating than others, but all of it is, in a word, evil. Sri Lanka is no better or worse than other places, and it has its share of child exploitation. During the war, certain armed groups used kids as soldiers, an experience that I imagine can only permanently disfigure a child’s mind. This is a particularly violent and also obvious form of child exploitation which is thankfully fading out as the war has come to an end and many militia groups are disarming.

Of the three kitchens at the orphanges this one is the nicest

There is an especially pernicious form of child exploitation here that is quite common. It’s especially bad because: this exploitation takes place in the name of helping and protecting kids, those in charge gain prestige in the local community for the civic efforts, and it has suckered millions of dollars, euros, and rupees into the system from well-meaning folks who only wish to help the helpless.

Loading the Kokadacholai ferry.

Saying no isn’t easy, especially here. Sri Lankan culture, with its emphasis on the group over the individual, decrees that to give a direct “no” might hurt or offend the person. Thus the answer is ALWAYS yes, or at best the ambivalent head-wobble, even when the real answer is no. This includes business or work situations. The result of a “no” yes is that things are avoided or put off until both parties either forget the situation, the situation solves itself (somehow), or the requester gets a clue and asks someone else. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve expected someone to follow-up on a “yes,” only to realize, some days or weeks later, that they meant “no.” Those of you who have worked in South Asia and other places will know exactly what I mean. I can just see you, nodding your heads knowingly and either chuckling or groaning.

To all of our friends and donors who have been following our efforts to fund projects in Sri Lanka, thank you!

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Thank you!