Photos & Report by Sewwandi and Victoria
A Bright Boy Full of Dreams
Induwara Umayanga, born on July 14, 2012, is a lively 13-year-old boy from Sri Lanka who lives with his parents and two younger siblings. He is currently in grade 7 at Koswatta MDH Jayawardene Vidyalaya, where he is known for his cheerful spirit and love for his friends. Full of energy, he excelled in sports, particularly running, and dreamt of achieving great things. However, an unexpected tragedy changed his life forever.
A Life-Altering Accident
One fateful day, a concrete slab fell on Induwara’s leg at home, causing severe injury. The damage was so extensive that doctors had no choice but to amputate his right leg below the knee. This heart-wrenching event turned Induwara’s world upside down, leaving both him and his family devastated. Once an active boy who thrived in sports, Induwara now faced the harsh reality of life without his leg.
A Family in Crisis
Induwara’s family was deeply affected by this sudden tragedy. His father works as a garbage truck driver, earning just 27,000 rupees (about USD 92) a month to support the entire household, while his mother stays at home to care for their children. The family’s simple life was thrown into disarray, and they struggled to cope with the emotional and financial toll of the accident.
Tzu Chi’s Compassionate Response
Hearing about Induwara’s story, Tzu Chi volunteers visited his family, offering encouragement and hope during this difficult time. Their compassionate presence brought a sense of relief to the family, reminding them that they were not alone in their struggles. Tzu Chi immediately set out to support Induwara on his journey to recovery.
The Road to Recovery
The amputation took a toll on Induwara’s health, both physically and emotionally. His weight dropped from 28 kg to just 19 kg due to the trauma. He had once been full of life, but the loss of his leg shattered his dreams of excelling in sports. His school also lacked the proper facilities to accommodate students with disabilities, which added to the family’s concerns about his future.
Doctors recommended a prosthetic leg for Induwara, but the cost was overwhelming—180,000 rupees (about USD 614), far beyond what his family could afford. However, with Tzu Chi’s support, they were able to make this dream a reality. The volunteers accompanied Induwara and his family to Exceed Prosthetics and Orthotics, where measurements were taken to prepare for his new leg.
A New Beginning
On September 20th, Induwara received his new prosthetic leg. Though nervous at first, he quickly adapted to walking with it. With each step, Induwara began to regain his confidence and independence. The Exceed staff reassured him that with time, he would be able to walk comfortably and continue to lead a fulfilling life.
Gratitude and Hope
Induwara’s parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Tzu Chi and its volunteers for their unwavering support. They thanked Master Cheng Yen for bringing Tzu Chi’s compassion to Sri Lanka, recognizing how much it has changed their lives. Their words were filled with hope, as they look forward to a brighter future for their son.
Ongoing Support for the Future
Although Induwara has received his prosthetic leg, his journey is not over. He will require regular check-ups and adjustments as he continues to grow. But with the continuous support of Tzu Chi, the family remains hopeful. The prosthetic leg has not only restored Induwara’s mobility but has also reignited his dreams, giving him the strength to rebuild his life and face the future with courage.
A Dream Fulfilled
What once seemed like an impossible dream has become a reality. Thanks to Tzu Chi’s generous assistance, Induwara now walks confidently on his new prosthetic leg. This life-changing gift has not only restored his physical abilities but has given him hope, confidence, and the belief that he can achieve his dreams once again.
