04/04/2004
Hi Bill and others
You asked for news from us so its greetings from me in Sri Lanka. I have been here a month now and I am out here with VSO (vso.org.uk) The 1st 3 weeks we spent in Colombo but have now moved to Kandy which must be the nicest town in Sri Lanka. Its centred around the lake and surrounded by rain forest covered hills. Its elevation at 500m means it less oppressive than Colombo.
Our first 6 weeks here are spent trying to learn some language – in my case Tamil – which is quite intensive and hard work (may be something to do with my age) .Then its off to our placements. I shall be going to work in Akkarapattu a small town on the south east coast mostly paddy fields and fishing. Some fabulous beaches and good surfing at Aragum bay about 1 hr south. Because of the civil war there have been no tourists to the east so it remains quite unspoilt.
It will be interesting to live in an area effectively under the control of the Tamil Tigers.
I’m not too sure yet exactly what my work will be but its likely to involve training in my skill area of financial management. I do know I will be working with 4 NGOs in the area engaged in the peace process and ethnic integration. I will give more details when I’m settled in over there.
Will close now as we off for a swim at the hotel next door – apparently was the British Governor’s summer residence in colonial days.
Cheers for now.
John