The rural war-torn village of Kattumurippu home to around 150 families, nestled deep in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the most economically vulnerable communities in the region. Along with nearby Andankulam, the local economy is sustained primarily through low-income agricultural labour and seasonal fieldwork. Employment opportunities are scarce, and most residents are daily wage earners living below the national poverty line.
Development indicators for the area are consistently among the lowest in the district—a reflection of geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and the compounding impacts of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. A staggering 70% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to safe water, sanitation, quality education, and reliable healthcare.
It was in this setting, in the aftermath of Cyclone Fungal, that I met baby Yasmi.
A Silent Plea from a Desperate Mother
During a medical outreach program led by Vanni Hope and Dr. Nirojan, the District Medical Officer at Kathiraveli Divisional Hospital, we visited Kattumurippu to conduct a maternal health session with local mothers. As we concluded our discussions, one mother quietly approached, holding her 4-month-old daughter, Yasmi.
Her baby’s right eye was swollen, infected, and protruding. The mother, overwhelmed and desperate, didn’t speak—but she didn’t need to. Her pain was clear.
Dr. Nirojan urgently arranged a referral to Batticaloa General Hospital, over two hours away. After an initial assessment, the case was escalated to Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo, nearly 8 hours from their village. The diagnosis was severe: staphyloma—a dangerous eye condition caused by thinning and bulging of the outer eye wall. The damage was irreversible. Surgical removal and replacement with a silicone prosthesis was the only option.
When Hope Stepped In
For a family living in deep poverty, travel and treatment in Colombo was unimaginable. That’s where Vanni Hope stepped in.
Through our treatment sponsorship program, we covered all the necessary costs: travel, hospital fees, accommodation, and post-operative care. Despite several logistical and emotional setbacks along the way, Yasmi’s surgery was a success.
Today, she is recovering safely at home, surrounded by her family and a renewed sense of hope.
A Story of Community, Courage, and Commitment
This story is more than just a medical case—it’s a reminder of the harsh realities rural families face every day, and the impact that a timely act of support can have. As Health Projects Advisor for Vanni Hope, I have witnessed hundreds of treatment sponsorships, each quiet but powerful in its own way.
We normally do not publicise these individual stories. But baby Yasmi’s case moved our entire team. It required coordination between doctors, hospitals, volunteers, and community leaders—and it took place against the backdrop of deep poverty and disaster recovery.
Looking Forward
Kattumurippu is beginning to rebuild, not just physically but emotionally. And Yasmi’s story is a symbol of that resilience.
We are continuing to invest in the health, education, and livelihoods of families in regions like Kattumurippu and Andankulam—villages often forgotten but never beyond our reach.
If you’d like to be part of stories like Yasmi’s, we invite you to get in touch.
Written by Dr. Nage
Medical Projects Director – Vanni Hope
