Robert writes: The current fiscal devastation in Sri Lanka was mirrored during our trip in October 2022 by devastating rains. In all our trips out to the country, neither of us has experienced just so much rainfall in such a short period of time. For several hours every day – and in some cases all day – torrential rain prevented us from venturing outside. And while this was a frustration for Matthew and me, the adverse effect on the families in the interior whom we serve was far, far greater. Homes were damaged, roads were impassable, and school attendance was accordingly sharply reduced. The planting of saplings and seedlings had been suspended. Whether this was a meteorological anomaly, or a new pattern created by climate change, remains to be seen.
We were told that the sun shone incessantly for the two weeks before our arrival and that some rain was very welcome. For political and economic reasons, there were very few tourists in Unawatuna – almost all Russian – and for them, any hopes of a beach-based holiday were dashed.