I , Premila Priyangani of Gonawala, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka joined as a Field Officer to assist the Sri Lanka Baptist Women's League with their tsunami work. I am 42 years of age.
Working with women and children in the Tsunami affected area at Weligama, a town situated in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, has indeed been an experience in my life.
I am a woman who had a very difficult childhood. My parents were poor. As I grew up I went through a lot of hardships. I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, but all I received was hatred more than love from those around me. They misunderstood me. I was very much depressed. Thanks to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, although I failed many times in my life, I was lifted up and saved by His precious blood.
I attended the Gonawala Baptist Church and was a Sunday School Teacher.
I was selected to serve in the Tsunami project of the Sri Lanka Baptist Women's League away from home. This was a challenge.
I first visited the Weligama Tsunami affected area on the 1st Anniversary of the Tsunami the 26th of December 2005. I witnessed those persons along the beach lighting the oil lamps in rememberence of those dear ones departed on that fateful day. I was moved. I decided that though there are ugly people around us and ugly things happening in the society, I will serve the Lord in the best possible way I can.
On the 15th of January 2006, I took up appointment as the field officer of the Sri Lanka Baptist Women's League, Weligama Tsunami Program. I had to work in a new surrounding. God provided me a new home, a comfortable home the Sri Lanka Baptist Women's League Community Centre. I came with nothing and God provided.
My job involves collecting statistics and data from those around the Paranakade and Diriyashakthi Temporary shelters and co-ordinating the programs. There are around 180 - 200 families. It was a challenge. I work with people of different caste, creed, rich and poor all alike who were affected. At first the people thought that I was just another person come to take photos and send abroad and collect money.
But, as our programs were conducted on a regular basis the people built up confidence in our work. We have started an Educational Outreach program for the children. Classes are conducted free after school in the subjects of Math, Science, and English. English conversation classes for adults are very popular during the late evenings. We have patchwork classes, sewing classes, medical clinics, childrens programs, art competitions, new year Celebrations and awareness programs etc. The people trust us and our work.
Each of the programs cater to 100 women and 100 children. Educational outreach program is very popular as it is a great 
help. We provide by helping in the school work of the children specially those persons who can't afford it. We have employed young girls from the affected area to teach the children.
My day starts at 8.00 hours and most often ends around 19.00 hours. I try to visit about five homes every day.
I try my best to serve the community in the best possible way with the talents God has provided me. I have been able to be a close friend to many, and a mother to those children who have no love from their parents, a sister to the young women whose husbands have been unfaithful. With all this around me I have been made new. I am someone. Now I appreciate how much God has blessed me. This appointment was a blessing to me in disguise.
My prayers are with the Sri Lanka Baptist Women's League and all those who have financially supported this project to be a success.
Although there were times I was weak, now I am strong. Praise God and Thank you.
Premila Priyangani.
Field Officer
Tsunami Program of the SLBWL
Weligama.
Sri Lanka
