Rajapaksha Pathiranalage Sriyani

The following transcripts have been translated from Sinhala to English.

Introduction

What was your childhood like? Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?

“I was born in Meegamuwa, where I spent my childhood until 30 years of age. I came to Rajanganaya 12 years ago. My family had 12 kids, and I was number 8.”

Do you work? If so, what is your profession?

“I married and moved to Rajanganaya. Both my husband and I have worked as laborers, earning a daily wage.”

How did you lose your limb, and how has the loss of your limb changed your life?

“My leg was amputated in February 2020 at the Anuradhapura hospital. We had to mortgage our house to pay my medical bills. I have lost everything. My husband and mother-in-law have been helping me with my daily needs.”

Follow-up (6 months)

How has getting a new leg impacted your life?

“After I lost my leg, I couldn’t work or do my daily activities. I had no income. I got to know that a free prosthetic leg will be donated to me, and I was so happy to hear this news. Thanks to you, I got this new prosthetic leg. I had a little trouble adjusting to it, but now I am able to walk. I opened my own little store. I am living very happily with my family.”

How is your health?

“My health is good. People have commented that I seem to be getting around as if I never had lost a leg!”

Besides your shop, what other activities are you doing?

“I do my housework. I also help out in the field. My husband also is very supportive. I am happy to say that I feel like I have gained my previous happy, active life back! Thank you so much for gifting me this prosthetic limb. I am able to play with my children now.”