Discover how a Singaporean’s journey to Sri Lanka led to unexpected challenges during the country’s political unrest, and how she is adapting to her new reality amidst chaos.
In our series ‘Singaporeans Abroad,’ we share the inspiring stories of locals who have found success in various corners of the globe, whether for financial gain, romance, or the sheer joy of adventure. We’ve recently featured Kenneth, a Singaporean head chef at the world’s best restaurant, and Mr. Ting, who was stuck in Shanghai during the lockdown.
Now, we introduce you to Vino, who moved to Sri Lanka in 2017 and is currently facing the political turmoil affecting the country. In recent weeks, Sri Lanka has run out of cash to purchase essential goods, such as fuel and food, leading to citizens protesting in the streets after waiting for hours to secure petrol and enduring daily power cuts lasting up to 13 hours.
Vino grew up in Singapore, believing she would spend her entire life there. She attended Victoria Junior College before studying sociology at the National University of Singapore, envisioning a typical 9-5 job for herself. However, her perspective shifted during a 2013 volunteer trip to Sri Lanka with a humanitarian aid organization, where she worked in the war-torn town of Mullaitivu, helping to provide water filtration systems.
Her now-husband was also in Sri Lanka, collaborating with a church to offer aid. As he managed logistics for their team, Vino spent a considerable amount of time with him, which eventually led to their marriage in 2017. They began to consider where they wanted to live together, ultimately deciding to follow her husband’s calling to serve as a pastor in Sri Lanka. In Galle, Vino supports her husband by handling administrative tasks and assisting with pastoral counseling.
Adjusting and Learning
Moving to Sri Lanka taught Vino invaluable lessons about the world. Despite her background in a developed nation and a prestigious university, she felt unprepared for the realities of a new environment. Upon arrival, she experienced a sense of shame for her limited understanding of life in developing countries.
However, she quickly grew to appreciate the beautiful nature surrounding her, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the culture of sharing produce among neighbors. The resilience of the Sri Lankan people left a lasting impact on her, as she heard stories of survival from those who had faced hardships such as tsunamis and wars.
After three years in Sri Lanka, Vino returned to Singapore last November for her father’s surgery, apprehensive about potential reverse culture shock. Although she appreciated the convenience of life in Singapore, she feared encountering complaints over trivial matters. Having witnessed the hardships faced by Sri Lankans, she found it challenging to relate to complaints about delays in service or other minor inconveniences.
The Unrest in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is currently grappling with its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. Widespread protests erupted as the government ran out of funds for essential imports, leading to skyrocketing prices for goods and severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. The Sri Lankan rupee has depreciated by 60% in just one month, exacerbating the situation as everyday items become increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen.
Despite government attempts to impose curfews and restrict social media, the protests persist, with thousands gathering peacefully in Colombo. Vino has been inspired by the solidarity shown among diverse communities, witnessing moments of unity, such as non-Muslims holding umbrellas for Muslims during Ramadan.
Attending Protests
After curfews were lifted, Vino and her husband attended a protest for the first time. Initially fearful of violence or theft, they found the atmosphere to be charged yet peaceful, filled with a sense of community. In Singapore, protests are often perceived as dangerous, but Vino found the reality to be more about people expressing their emotions and grievances.
Although she is wary of future protests after incidents of police violence, Vino feels a strong sense of duty to remain in Sri Lanka and support its people during this difficult time. Despite having the privilege to leave, she believes it would be wrong to abandon a country facing such immense struggles.
Worries and Fears
Vino’s primary concern is the ongoing shortage of medical supplies. Hospitals are only performing emergency surgeries, and there is a critical lack of essential medications. Conversations with healthcare professionals reveal a dire situation where life-saving drugs are scarce, and patients face uncertainty regarding their treatment.
Despite the challenges, Vino remains optimistic. They managed to secure gas before the crisis escalated, and they are doing their best to conserve resources. Vino has also come to terms with her feelings of helplessness as she watches countless people in need of medical attention.
Ultimately, Vino’s journey reflects a profound transformation as she navigates her new life in Sri Lanka, striving to make a positive impact while embracing the rich experiences that come with it.
