Thitthalapitiye Chandratilaka

The following transcript has been translated from Sinhala to English.

Introduction

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

“I was born in Ratnapura, but I now reside in Padaviya (Anuradhapura district). I live in a poor farming community. My father owned paddy fields there. I lived with my wife and two sons. They are also involved in farming. My wife had a heart attack and is awaiting surgery. My sons have married and now live separately.”

Do you work? What is your profession?

“I started farming. I own one acre of paddy fields.”

How did you lose your limb?

“I was diagnosed with diabetes several years ago. About 2 years ago, I developed a wound in my leg. I didn’t have enough money to get it treated properly. I tried various home remedies which unfortunately didn’t work. Ultimately, the wound infection got worse and doctors recommended amputation. I had the amputation of my leg done 1 year ago, and since then have been struggling financially with no reliable income.”

How would receiving a prosthetic limb impact your life?

“I plan to get back to farming in some other way.”