In the bustling streets of Sri Lanka, the reality of the economic crisis unfolds in the lives of ordinary families. Dharshini, a dedicated housewife, and her husband Srinivasan, a tuk-tuk driver, find themselves caught in a daily struggle to survive.
Once a seamstress who supplemented the family income by sewing clothes, Dharshini now sits idle. “I have had no clients due to the current situation,” she explains, her sewing machine silent amidst the turmoil gripping the nation.
Srinivasan’s livelihood has also been hit hard. As a tuk-tuk driver, he relies on fuel to keep his vehicle running. “Business is difficult because of fuel shortages and high gasoline prices,” he laments. The soaring costs and scarcity of fuel make it nearly impossible to earn a living.
The family’s days are now consumed by queues—waiting for hours to obtain the fuel necessary for daily life. “Our lives are spent in queues,” Dharshini says, highlighting a reality shared by many across the country.
Sri Lanka’s economic and social crisis has deepened, culminating in the country declaring bankruptcy. The effects ripple through every facet of society, with families like Dharshini and Srinivasan’s bearing the brunt of the hardships.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, stories like Dharshini and Srinivasan’s illustrate the profound impact on individual lives. Their resilience in the face of adversity embodies the spirit of many Sri Lankans navigating this unprecedented crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
