Shopping: Nothing can prevent it
by Lakmal Welabada
"Madam, please buy a packet of camphor. It's just Rs,20. Please,
Madam, do it to help me," a camphor vendor pleaded before the female
shopper who just came out of a famous shopping Mall. She opened her
purse and pulled out Rs. 20. A polythene packet which consisted of a few
camphor balls went into her hand bag.
The female shopper who had spent more than five to six thousand
rupees on her shopping spree, was a bit reluctant to spend Rs,20,
perhaps because both her hands were fully occupied with the load of bags
filled with clothes.
Her hand bag which was under her left arm had only a few notes left.
She might have managed to save this either for her bus fare or a three
wheeler. I was happy, however, she listened to the plea. That little
packet of camphor might be the sole bread winning 'piece' of the vendor
and his/her family.
Even after facing the cruel blast that took place at Nugegoda, many
are still looking forward to shopping for the forth coming festive
season. Attractive items including alluring clothes, cosmetics,
household pieces and so on which are on racks and shelves in super
shopping malls catch our heart.
When the notes and coins are not enough for the elegant items, then
the Credit card comes out from the wallet. We become lavish spenders
whether we like it or not.
"But, this Christmas seems to be quiet and things are on a low
scale," says Sandy. "Unlike in the past shops have not been decorated.
Some say they are scared to go shopping as the recent bomb blast has
caused devastation on many minds.
The fear that emerged through the terrorist activities has made the
civil set up topsy-tervy. Who will be their next target, is the question
on everybody's minds. But still we have to do something for the festive
season as the little ones are eagerly waiting for it," she says.
"Due to the high cost of living, it's always better to celebrate any
festival in low scale. Some spend their whole year-end bonus for the
season, without thinking of saving a cent for the future. Some go on
debt, and then have to start the new year paying its interest," says
Roy.
Many spend a lot for a few days' joy, while another set of society
struggles for a daily meal. Steps have been taken in many ways to
achieve peace. Even the musical shows are being cancelled on security
reasons since such gatherings can be another target for LTTE
human-bombs.
The Sri Lankan Forces and the Police, despite the allegations made
against them, are trying their best to maintain peace and safety in the
civil society. Except for a few, many countries in the world seem to be
facing a similar situation at present.
Who is to be blamed is the question. Until man quenches his thirst
for power, the present circumstances will prevail. When will it be over.
None can predict.
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