I was born in Valaichchenei Pethalai village. I have one elder sister. My father died when we were young. My mother prepared string hoppers to earn a living and looked after us. I studied in Vipulanntha School. When I was in grade 04 my mother went abroad. I stayed with my aunt. My elder sister also stayed there. My aunt looked after me very well. She too went abroad. After that I suffered due to lack of food and clothes.

When we were small we suffered a lot. When we went to my father’s house they did not welcome us and my mother, my elder sister and I were sent out.

I was undergoing severe hardships and my cousin brought me to Sammanthurai. I am 17 years old. I lived with my cousin for 2 ½ years. After that I married him.

After that he married another woman. After 06 months I too married another person. I have 3 children. My husband forced me to go abroad. 2 ½ years I lived abroad. My husband spent my money to drink alcohol. I came to Sri Lanka and divorced my husband. Then I stayed with my aunt.

Houses have been destroyed. Property has been robbed. Some houses have been burnt. We understood that there was no security.

There were conflicts between the LTTE and the Army in the 90’s. Therefore we got displaced and came Vipenekkali area and lived in Bunkers. Because of shell attacks we came out of the bunkers and lived in the school. We got food. We stayed there for about a month. Search operations were carried out. Therefore the women faced severe difficulties.

When the women have a bath and when they fulfill their basic needs the army can see them and we took steps to prevent that.

We faced severe hardships due to the war. We lived in the camp. We had food but no peace in mind. We had fears and doubts. The environment was no supportive to ensure the privacy of women. Therefore they were physically and mentally ill.

Red Cross gave food, clothes and medicine. The government built houses.

My children should not undergo the hardships I encountered. They should be educated to live respectfully in society.

I can’t forget the support I gave and her sacrifices. She worked outside for about a period of 20 years and sent the money to the sister. We bought a land and build a house and we are living happily.

I pray for God to ensure safety living to my children.

In the future all the people should live together without a war and we should live in peace and harmony.

I got a relief by sharing my story. I told my story to the children also and they all came to know about that.