My native place is Silavathurai. I was born at the Silavathurai hospital. My mom is a nurse while my dad is a fisherman. I have 8 siblings. One of my elder sisters died of an ailment. My mom is Shanthalena. My dad is Marian Gus. My mom is from Mannar. My dad is from Ariputhurai. I studied up to grade 09 at Silavathurai Muslim mix school. Due to the war in 1990 we shifted. Then I followed up to O/L in Madu. My marriage was arranged by the parents. My husband is from the village of Talvupad

There is water shortage in the village following the war. There is also a shortage of teachers. Transport is less. Given this situation life is difficult.

The economy is low. Lack of employment. Because of my husband’s illness our family is reeling. Thanks my mom who lives with us our difficulty is somewhat alleviated.

After returning home in 2009 we lived without any facilities. Since our livelihood was solely dependent on fishing the whole village suffered in poverty unable to continue our trade. Our family survived by engaging in odd jobs and fishing. Subsequently the government built houses for us. We provided labour. Once again employment opportunities are declining. The folks live in extreme poverty. Some engage in odd jobs. Some others set out to the sea and while some others go abroad.

We were displaced in 1990. …………….. ………………. ………………. We lived in a camp. We couldn’t count the number of corpses. When we returned home after paying our last respects those thoughts kept haunting us. The sound of wailing ………………………. these events have deeply been entrenched in my heart. My mom fell ill and was in her deathbed. Our economic situation pushed us further down the precipice. There were instances when we only had one square meal a day. A similar life shall not come.

We returned to our village when we wanted. Built a house. Lived happily. And Just as we were becoming hopeful once again we were displaced. When the military surrounded our village in 2007 we came on foot to the Nanattaan camp only with the clothes that we were wearing and nothing else. This was when a whole family that we knew very well and closely associated with caught in a claymore and perished including the kids. Even to date I get goose bumps whenever I am reminded of the past. I never

There shouldn’t be a war again. All must live happily in harmony

Our village should earn a reputation for education and decency. Our village should have all the resources.

I can’t forget my mom. Whenever I am in difficulty she lifts me up.

I can’t ever forget my husband ……………………….

……….. in our village offers useful advice, activities for the development of the village and tips for my family life.

Although my life is difficult now compared to the past I am happy because I have come past all of that.

I have a peace of mind thanks to this exercise. I am glad I could tell about the assistance given to me by everyone.