Pathma Chandralatha

The following transcript has been translated from Sinhala to English.

Introduction

Tell me about where you were born and how you spent your childhood.

“I was born in Kurunegala district. I went to school like other children and lived with my parents. My parents were both farmers. They are deceased now.”

What kind of work did you do?

“I didn’t have a permanent job. I studied up to only 7th grade. I got married and had two children, and then went abroad to find work. First I went to Lebanon, then Dubai, then Kuwait, then Bahrain.”

When did you go abroad?

“In 1989. I worked abroad for 14 years.”

What are you doing now?

“My time is spent taking care of my sicknesses, going to the hospital, and getting my leg wound treated. There’s no time to do anything else.”

What kinds of recreational activities do you engage in?

“I don’t have much time for recreational activities. Whenever I have free time, I read a book. Besides that, I do my housework.”

Let’s talk about how losing your leg impacted your life.

“Before I lost my leg, I had a lot of problems with my right leg. I had a lot of non-healing wounds, and was going to the hospital and clinics constantly. Finally, it led to amputation. Afterwards, I became helpless. I could not even get water for myself.”

How are you managing now?

“Right now, my little sister is helping me. She cooks my meals, cleans my house, and takes care of me. Actually, today I came to this clinic with her.”

After you get a leg, what do you hope to do?

“I hope to get my function back to what it was. To take care of my daily needs, cook, and clean my house.”

Is there anything about life that you would like to share?

“Not really. The rest of my life will go similarly. I have spent 55 years. The rest will be the same.”