Sri Lanka is currently facing an economic and political crisis, with protesters taking to the streets and ministers stepping down. The crisis has caused inflation sending the cost of basic goods skyrocketing. Some 230 Bhutanese students are also currently in Sri Lanka amid this crisis.
According to international media, the crisis has forced a currency devaluation and sent the cost of basic goods such as food, medicine and fuel through the roof. It has turned the daily lives into an endless cycle of waiting in queues for basic goods. Most of the food items are being rationed.
The Bhutanese students in Sri Lanka say their living expenses have doubled due to the inflation.
‘‘Compared to the past, the house rent has doubled and it is difficult to get food items. Even when we get it, the price has increased beyond our capacity. We are unable to get imported essential items like milk and milkpowder. Likewise, we are facing power outages which resulted in many problems,’’ said Dechen Namgyel, a 3rd year student of the University of Peradeniyain Sri Lanka.
‘‘Since the country depends on petroleum for their electricity generation, lately we have been experiencing power outages. Daily we have six to 10 hours of power cuts in this peak season, which makes it very difficult for students to study,” said Kinley Wangmo, a 2nd year student of the University of Kelaniya.
‘‘Price of goods and house rent has increased drastically. We are also not getting gas to cook food. So we use electricity to cook food and the bill gets doubled. Now due to the increase in fuel price, the transportation charges has also increased significantly,’’ added Pinta Rika, the student representative of the University of Colombo.
The Assistance for Privately Enrolled Medical Students (APEMS) has requested the Foreign Minister to increase their stipend to meet the increasing living expenses.
‘‘The fund we get from the government is not sufficient. Even those on full scholarships are also facing challenges. Because of the economic crisis, prices have increased. The government has been supporting us in everything. Therefore, we would be grateful if the government could look into the current situation and increase APEMS and RGoBs stipend,’’ Dechen Namgyel said.
‘‘The university tuition fees has increased with regard to dropping currency value against the dollar rate. Especially the APEMS students are more vulnerable as they solely depend on parent’s money,’ added Kinley Wangmo.”
According to the Bhutanese Embassy in Dhaka, they are in constant contact with the students. The Embassy is providing necessary assistance including consular services to the students.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
