Episode 28 – Sigiriya Sanctuary

Sigiriya provides a model of reconciliation

I assumed duties in Sigiriya Sanctuary as a Beat Officer in 2016. As a tourism area tourist are abundant in Sigiriya. There were officials in charge of various tasks in this area, but there was no connection between them. There was no relationship between the officers of our Department and the public as well. Everywhere our officers were subjected to criticism.

The surrounding people were so out of touch that they could not dig a well or cut a toilet pit without a conflict. I called the people and told them that in future we will serve and do our utmost for the public. I started uniting the officers. It was finally possible to form a forum of heads of all institutions including the Dambulla Divisional Secretariat, the Police, the Divisional Council. We officers met in once a month. Discussed the problems between the institutions. Relationships were identified so that they could serve the public. After that, a situation arose where the work that took months could be done with one phone call.

On 27.06.2019, a person from SigiriyaKimbissa area died after being attacked by an elephant. He is a father of three children. He was attacked while coming from the field at around 6:00 pm. On that day, I had gone to the Battaramulla head office for some work. The deceased’s brother-in-law is a local councilor. He gave me a phone message and informed me about the incident. I told the member that tomorrow is Friday but I will talk to the divisional secretary and get the compensation money. Don’t let people worry you. I calmed him down. Kimbissa is a very risky area. I came there the next day. The compensation amount was 1 lakh rupees. The Deputy Minister also came that day. As they have no home. I promised in front of the minister, that we will build a house for them. He also said that it can be done with the cooperation of our institutions.

Burial was to be done the next day, everyone who spoke, even the monk, ready to take the coffin and parade on the road. But the deceased’s brother-in-law, the local council member, said that no matter what anyone says, Mr. Bandaranaike is a competent officer. He promised to build a house. That opportunity cannot be lost. Therefore, don’t take the body to the road. Accordingly, the protest of people planned to do stopped.

Three days later the aforesaid committee of our officers met and I made a request to everyone. “The family of the deceased has neither land nor a house, so, I promised to build a house for them. I appeal you to give the necessary support.” Everyone agreed to my request.

Major Nishantha, manager of the Central Cultural Fund, agreed to provide the aerial plan and labour. The Air Force agreed to provide labour, the Electricity Board to provide electricity through welfare fund, and the Water Resources Board agreed to provide water. The Veterinary Surgeon promised to set up a system to generate income through poultry farming and dairy farming. The Department of Forest Resources provided stone and sand whilst the Department of Wildlife gave the opportunity to cut some trees that were to be removed from the Cultural Fund. Rupees three hundred thousand received from Housing Development Authority in cash. Five lakhs in cash was received as compensation from the Wildlife Department and we found a suitable land to build the house.

Homework started with the determination to finish the work in three months. Before three months, we were able to build a beautiful house with 3 rooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a toilet. We bought items needed for the house.

We held a ceremony on the day the three months were completed, and all the officials participated and gave the house to that family under the leadership of the Divisional Secretary.

What I mean by this story is that good service can be provided to people through good coordination. Then we get good support from people for our official work. Although, I have conducted things like educational programs, building this house is a beautiful moment that I will always remember.