Sumith Ruwan Prasad Kumara

Introduction

Sumith is a 30-year-old amputee living in Melsiripura. He used to do temporary odd jobs before he lost his leg in 2017. Now, he lives with his parents and works in welding metals.

“I have 5 siblings, I’m the 2nd oldest. My mother and father did temporary hourly jobs,” he said on the topic of his childhood. “I used to hang out with my friends in the village and get involved in activities with the Buddhist temple.”

As he had a complication with his leg since childhood, a small wound rapidly became severe. Three years ago, his leg was amputated below the knee.

While he used to engage in an active lifestyle, Sumith now spends the majority of his time at home. “I cannot hang out with my friends anymore, and I really miss that,” he shared. “I get around with crutches, and can stand and support my weight for a maximum of half an hour.”

Sumith is motivated to maintain a prosthesis and believes that one would allow him to build on his welding work.

Follow-up (6 months)

What challenges did you face since receiving your leg?

“I had to train myself to walk, which took some time.”

What do you plan to do now?

“My workshop is in my house. I have the equipment. I am now able to get around more easily and attend to my daily activities and work.”

This message has been translated from Sinhala to English.