A remarkable story has emerged about a schoolgirl who saved two lives by swimming through a great flood in the Padukka Wagandapola area.
Seventeen-year-old Charithma Jinendri Maitipe, a student at Padukka Siri Piyarathana Vidyalaya, displayed extraordinary bravery during a recent heavy rainstorm. The violent current of the Wak Oya, which flows near Swagi Nandaipola, had risen suddenly, causing a sudden flood in the middle of the night.
As the water levels rapidly rose by about 10 feet, many residents fled to higher ground to save their lives. Charithma’s grandparents also ran to a hill behind their house for safety. Amid the chaos, Charithma heard cries for help as she was exiting through a window.
Acting swiftly, she retrieved a plastic rope from a nearby building and swam towards the distressed couple. Using the rope, she managed to bring the husband and wife to the top floor of a three-story building, securing their safety.
Charithma’s parents work in Colombo, so she and her brother live with their grandparents. Tragically, all her certificates and essential study materials were washed away in the flood. Despite this loss, Charithma remains hopeful and continues to smile, finding solace in the fact that she saved two lives.
Her selfless act of courage, risking her own life to rescue others, truly marks her as a hero.
