Gammadda Door-to-Door: Shedding Light on the Struggles of Sri Lankan Families in Hatton and Nagadeepa

COLOMBO (News 1st) - In the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, the Gammadda Door-to-Door team has uncovered the harsh realities faced by several families who have been living in dire conditions for years. 

In the New Valley village of Hatton, families continue to endure the aftermath of a devastating fire that occurred four years ago.

Imagine being forced to live in such dire circumstances—four years ago, a fire forced the residents of the line houses in the New Valley area of Hatton to leave their homes. 

Left with no alternative, 14 families sought refuge in the abandoned ground floor of a tea factory. 

While the upper floor of the factory houses a technical college, the families on the lower level share a single toilet, struggling to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

Despite these unimaginable living conditions, the resilience of these families remains both heartbreaking and inspiring. 

They have endured the hardship of living in an overcrowded, unsuitable environment for years, with little help or support. The Gammadda team, as part of their Door-to-Door initiative, visited the villages of Dikoya, Darawala, Hattonwatta, and Thangamuruwatta on January 9th, 2025, witnessing firsthand the hardships these families continue to face.

Meanwhile, on the Island of Nagadeepa, approximately 200 fishing families are facing a daily battle to survive. 

Already burdened by economic hardship, these fishermen are further tormented by harassment from Indian fishermen in the Sea of Sri Lanka. 

The absence of a proper landing platform or pier to anchor their fishing boats only adds to their woes, making their already difficult livelihood even more challenging.

The Gammadda Door-to-Door team, who visited the area, witnessed the resilience and determination of these fishing families who continue to struggle despite the odds. 

The local fishing community is now calling out to those in power to support their efforts by providing a proper pier, a crucial need that would allow them to secure their livelihoods and improve their lives.

The stories of these families in Hatton and Nagadeepa are stark reminders of the challenges many Sri Lankans face every day. 

From abandoned factories to hazardous fishing conditions, their lives are a struggle against neglect and poverty. 

The Gammadda Door-to-Door team continues to be a voice for these marginalized communities, shedding light on their struggles and calling for much-needed intervention.

As these families continue to wait for assistance, the need for urgent action from authorities is more apparent than ever. 

Whether it’s providing a safe home or a fishing pier, these communities are in desperate need of support. It is time for change—time to turn their pain into progress and provide the support they’ve long been denied.