Fortunately, today with the intervention of World Health Organization the endgame of polio is drawing near and the good news to us is Sri-Lanka is declared Polio Free, well for us that implies there aren’t any more babies born in Sri-Lanka with the lethal Polio. Much of the world has successfully achieved the goal, however the WHO together with many organizations are still thriving to ensure that Polio is eradicated in Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan, the last three of the entire world left with the ailment.
The ‘Polio Free Walk’ marks an important milestone achieved by Rotary International, in being one of the pioneering organizations that initiated the battle against Polio Virus. District Governor of the Rotary District 3220; Rtn. Sebastian Karunakaran, Chairman and Past District Governor Rtn. Imran Hassen and Past District Governor Rtn. Thariq Thulba were among the officials who were present.
The walk began with crowds of young and old, energetic faces of nearly 500 being gathered near the Foundation Institute Colombo-07 all set for the walk and at around 4 the Rotaractors lined up for the walk and so began the journey. As we trailed along the Independence Square with chatter and cheer, carrying the board ‘Keeping Sri-Lanka Polio Free’ and the papare blaring we also got to meet many fellow Rotaractors.
Then the parade trod along the Reid Avenue next towards the Kumarathunga Munidasa place and finally approaching our destination, Green Path. It was already dusk and then Lo and Behold! It was such a pleasant sight – ‘The Carnival’ dazzling with lights all the way and the soothing music enlivening the atmosphere along with the vivid stalls arousing our taste buds.
It was a good day with a good cause!
Moments of fellowship at the Carnival; (Photo Courtesy: Chathu Pilapitiya – Rotaract District 3220)
