A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN CHILAW

We are on the road from Colombo to Puttalam.

- BY PAUL TOPPING

At eighty kilometres we reach Chilaw.After a quick discussion, we realise none of us know anything about this city by the sea. Many of us have passed through Chilaw hundreds of times heading to Kalpitiya. At the Chilaw clock tower, a symbol of the rich history of the town, we decide to stop for a visit and a short tour.

Chilaw beachfront drive is our next target. We cross over a lagoon bridge and arrive at a massive car park and seafront promenade called the Beach Park. It is all a bit tired and, as in many places in Sri Lanka, a bit filthy. Onwards we go, driving under a large sign welcoming us to a Christian fishing village. The Wadia road is narrow and many elderly people are seated outside their little shack homes. The children wave and we wave back. They all look so happy, but have very little. Their wooden homes are so small.