Not the Sri Lanka of the past
Life in Sri Lanka was not the same as it was during my last trip to the island nation just last year as the seemingly laidback and warm nature of the locals had turned into a rather suspicious one with steely glares being shot about every now and then.
Things changed dramatically in Sri Lanka after a series of horrifying suicide bombings on three churches and four hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday (April 21) earlier this year claimed the lives of over 250 while another 500 were left wounded.
The attack was the deadliest event to take place since the Sri Lankan civil war ten years ago. In response, the Sri Lankan government beefed up the security to such an extent that you could find armed forces almost in almost every corner in Colombo.
Three months on, it may seem like Sri Lanka have managed to overcome the horrible tragedy, much like they had after the tsunami in 2004 and the civil war, which lasted nearly thirty years. In reality however, there a sense of fear and foreboding still seems to cling to people of the city.
Security checkposts are found around almost every corner and anyone that arouses suspicion is checked thoroughly by special armed forces. The case was very different just six months back.
During a taxi drive from the airport to the hotel, the chauffeur, Herath Silva, initiated a conversation on the matter.
"You know we are yet to overcome the damage of that suicide bombing on Easter Sunday. There is still a sense of fear among the people of this country as the incident was a manmade catastrophe. How can you stop yourself from thinking that perhaps tomorrow someone might once again come up with a suicide bomb and blast it in a temple or even a mosque?" said Silva.
Herath went on to elaborate that the after effects of the horrific incident not only hampered daily life but it also negatively impacted the economy, shaking the country from its foundations.
"Since that attack the business has gone down to zero. Sri Lanka is known for its scenic beauty and is one of the top destinations for tourists but since that attack, the number of tourists travelling to our country has decreased drastically," Herath, with his eyes heavy with disappointment, explained.
This reporter even got a first-hand experience of how the stringent security measures need to be handled after arriving to cover Bangladesh's three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. It should be mentioned here though that Bangladesh are the first international team to visit the country since the Easter attacks.
Although the fact that the Bangladesh team were provided with top-class security may be the call of the hour, this is quite unlike how it usually is in Sri Lanka, where fans and journalists from abroad were one able carry out their duties with relative ease.
As mentioned above, things have changed and the journalists from Bangladesh were barred entrance from the R Premadasa Stadium, where the Tigers were participating in a training session, yesterday. However, possibly due to the tight security, the Sri Lanka Cricket officials were yet to issue accreditation cards for the touring media.
The security was just as strict at the Tigers' team hotel, the Taj Samudra, as you were made to pass at least three security checks before even entering the hotel. In addition, armed body guards were assigned to remain with each member of the Bangladesh team round the clock.
From Sri Lanka's point of view, the government is trying their level best to bring back normalcy but only time will tell how long it will take for the people of this country to return to business as usual.
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