Pavithri
Having grown up in a simple, humble surrounding with her family in the nearby town of Weligama, tragedy struck when the devastating 2004 tsunami swept through the coastal village, destroying their home. Forced to rebuild their lives, Pavithri and her family moved to Ahangama, where she now lives with her husband and her mother.
Pavithri is a daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother with unwavering strength and determination. She not only cares for her mother but also looks after her grandchildren, ensuring they have a nurturing environment to grow up in. To support her family, Pavithri weaves traditional rugs, a skill passed on from her mother. Even in her late 80s, her mother lends a helping hand, passing down her knowledge. Pavithri also runs a small kiosk attached to the house, where she not only sells everyday essentials, but also fosters a sense of community—her shop seems like a meeting point for neighbours, where daily news are exchanged.
Amid the routine of daily life, Pavithri occasionally joins the ladies in the neighborhood in the long-standing tradition of making coconut rope. Gathering under the shade of the trees on the side of the road, with piles of coconut husks by their side, the ladies stick to the traditional method, as the modern machinery uses electricity, which is expensive in the country. Each rope carries a piece of their heritage.
While Pavithri appreciates the opportunity to work from home and, at the same time, fulfill her roles in her family, she faces the daunting challenges of day labor in today's world. She wishes for greater stability and reliable sources of income for the future of her children.