Sri Lankan ex-cricketer Mahanama serves tea to people amid economic crisis

Sri Lanka is in a crisis, unable to pay for its desperately needed fuel imports. The lack of foreign exchange currency has made it difficult for Sri Lanka to pay for its basic necessities. A combination of government mismanagement and the COVID-19 has pushed the country into its deepest economic crisis since independence in 1948.

The country has been experiencing long lines for fuel at petrol pumps since February 22. This condition has led to an acute shortage of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas and other essentials, with some Sri Lankans having to stand in lines for hours outside stores to buy necessities.

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Watching the condition of his country, Sri Lankan cricketer Roshan Mahanama decided to serve tea and buns to those waiting in long lines at the petrol pumps around Ward Place and Wijerama Mawatha. He shared images on Twitter with a message that read “We served tea and buns with the team from Community Meal Share this evening for the people at the petrol queues around Ward Place and Wijerama mawatha. The queues are getting longer by the day and there will be many health risks to people staying in queue.” 

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He also told the people standing in queues to “ look after each other in the fuel queues. Bring adequate fluid and food and if you’re not well please, reach out to the closest person next to you and ask for support or call 1990. We need to look after each other during these difficult times.”

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His Twitter profile is filled with people praising him for his actions. A user said “You are a true legend and pride to our nation. Thank you!” another user from India commented “Hats off. You were an amazing cricketer. Now you are showing great humanity and compassion during tough times. We all want our neighbour to come out of this crisis asap.”