All rights to this photograph is reserved the photographer
This photo was taken in the spring of 2009 a week or so after the tentative end of the 25 year civil war in Sri Lanka. I was traveling north along the A9 highway in central Sri Lanka on my way to a Tamil refugee camp. My journalist visa had been denied so I was in the country on a tourist visa and trying to keep as low of a profile as I could. My luck eventually ran out and my driver and I were stopped and detained somewhere near Mihintale. Due to the language barrier I was roughed up a bit by the soldiers and took a few rifle butts to the stomach and side. My Leica M3 took the brunt of the hits but that was the last thing on my mind until we were release. Once back in the car I noticed I was missing the quick rewind crank and my lens seemed a bit sloppy, but otherwise the camera was in working order.
We were not allowed to travel to our destination but as luck would have it we were near one of the holiest sites for Buddhist in Sri Lanka and they were about to celebrate the first Poson Poya (full moon festival) since the end of their civil war. I spent the rest of my time in Sri Lanka photographing the pilgrims that had come from all corners of the country to worship and celebrate in a way that many had not been able to because of the years fighting.
Sometimes life puts you in the right place at the right time. This photograph of a little boy and his father represents to me the strength of a people that have endured so much, and have so little. I was humbled and changed for the better thanks to the people of Sri Lanka.
Shot with a Leica M3 (Double Stroke) with a 50mm Canon LTM 1.8
Why I use a Leica:
I shoot much quicker with a rangefinder and who knows what my 5D would have looked like after my detainment.
Please visit Juan-Carlos Delgado’s website or his Flickr photostream to see more of his work.
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Great story and evocative shot. My ‘56 M3 is also still going strong (though converted to SS) but hasn’t had to endure that sort of punishment!
Amazing shot sir. I can see great things in your future.
Really interesting account told in a very matter of fact way. Great photograph even after your rough treatment shows tremendous dedication on your part. Well done.
Hi Juan,
Sorry to hear you got ruffed up but glad to hear it all worked out. Would enjoy getting together in Tacoma again next time you’re here.
-Shawn
Thank you all for the kind words. I really do appreciate it!
@Shawn – You bet, I’d love to meet up again! Not sure when that will be but I’ll try and shoot you an email.
Amazing story and shot.
Shawn: do you live in Tacoma? I’m a student in the University of Puget Sound. we should meet up sometime!