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As waters raged in Kotiyakumbura a GramaNiladhari goes beyond the call of duty
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Pix and text by Ravindra Welagedara
When floods swept through the Kotiyakumbura area following Cyclone Ditwah on November 28, 89 houses in the Ampe Grama Niladhari Division were surrounded by water, with ten almost submerged and families trapped without food or water.
Amid the danger, Grama Niladhari P.R. Deshapriya Navaratne Bandara stepped forward to lead rescue efforts. Despite concerns from his family, he resolved to act. “It was not because I do not love my family. It was my duty to help those who were helpless,” he said.
Grama Niladhari P.R. Deshapriya Navaratne Bandara
Mr. Deshapriya collected ropes from nearby homes, swam nearly 200 feet across the raging Gurugoda Oya, secured a rope to a tree on the opposite bank, and created a lifeline that enabled the rescue of the trapped families. He then ensured their relocation to a safer two-storey building and continued to provide them with food and support for more than a day.
Beyond his own community, nearly 170 stranded tourists were sheltered and cared for under his coordination, with three emergency centers established at the Ampe Community Hall, Ampe Model Junior School, and the Ampe Temple.
A 45-year-old father of two with 24 years of service, Mr. Deshapriya has twice been named Best Grama Niladhari in the Kegalle District and has earned the honour again for 2024 and 2025. Known for his dedicated community service, he also supports students, builds houses for vulnerable families, and is preparing to open a new community library.
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