Repack And Unpack

John blogs ...

Early transfer to Lanka Hands (souvenir shop owned by a Rotarian) – this will become a regular transfer point for the team – after papaya and curried omelette which was very tasty. Tipped Hans’ manservant as a thankyou for doing my washing, left best regards to Hans (and Tomas) for looking after me so well.

With Senake for tasty Sri Lankan lunch

Met Senake, President of Rotary Club of Colombo, his driver took us to his home and I was pleased to be introduced to his elderly mother who was sadly rather unwell. Beautiful house and garden, driver, cook, security guard, Isis the guard dog (Alsation?). Spent the morning buying a new phone and wireless dongle from Dialog provider. Took longer than expected (many things do in Sri Lanka), time is short, but at least I have the hardware now … later realise I have no phone credit. Duh!

A traditional Sri Lankan lunch of rice, dahl, beetroot curry, curried beans, seerfish curry, malling, tapioca curry, mango chutney and pappadum, followed by sago dessert. All very tasty and not too spicy. Senake and Ruki chose to eat without cutlery and are very adept – of course. Pleased to have a fork and spoon.

Concert With A Difference

Off then to Rotaract Regency event ‘Concert With A Difference’ for 450 differently-abled schoolchildren. Lots of music and dancing with popular Sri Lankan singers performing for free. A very happy event with the children having all the moves when dancing Baila-style. Used my Flip for the first time. Refreshment break of roll, packet of juice. Children very happy. From 7 single-sex special schools. Little integration into mainstream education. A very ‘good thing’. Well done, Rotaract Regency!

Then on to hear a talk on ‘A constructive diaspora making a difference in post-conflict Sri Lanka.’ Subtitled ‘Missing Piece, Missing Peace’. Organised by the WGG (Women for Good Governance) as part of building networks of professional women. Aiming for a pluralist country that is enriched by diversity.

Team presentation at Colombo Central

Senake’s driver drops me for the evening Team Presentation to Rotary Club of Colombo Central, President George Perera, Secretary Dr Raj who organised this part of our exchange. Presentation went well - friendly club. Interacters from St Joseph’s School and Rotaracters also in attendance. (There are 45 Rotaract Clubs in the District, and more than half dozen Interact Clubs mainly from private High Schools). Good to see some younger faces in the Rotary family.

Then on to Chinese Restaurant meal courtesy of our hosts, with red wine to start fellowship followed by tasty food. I enjoyed my conversation with Dr Raj who is a Tamil, about rebuilding confidence and trust between the Sinhalese and Tamils. The people seem to be working well together but some promises from the government have still to come through. A very positive future for Sri Lanka now they are not being drained by a war (that has lasted 30 years).

Late home and so to get my phone sorted to text Su or get on the Internet to Skype … but no credit included in the purchase … I wish they’d tell you this in the beginning. Phone home using UK mobile and hang to cost.