Pramudith D. Rupasinghe’s ‘Footprints in Obscurity A writer without borders

“That day, I realized that dreams without means were like helium balloons, just flying in the air with no goal, no direction, just straying in empty space.” -Footprints in Obscurity

Not many leave the safe comforts of our Island on a perilous journey to discover the mysteries of an alien continent which has been associated with cannibalism, black magic and everything that is not part of a civilized society. Pramudith Rupasinghe who was a fond listener to his father’s ‘free time stories’ during his childhood grew up being a very passionate enthusiast of the intricacies and quirks of African lifestyle. Being an inquisitive and sharp child for his age he grabs his first two books on the African continent from a second hand shop in Maradana.

There on starts a journey into and out of ‘obscurity’ as he learns about African countries. Rupasinghe, after the completion of his studies in psychology in France returns to Sri Lanka in 2005 where he assists in the tsunami recovery programme. Little does he know that his childhood dreams are being shaped through his humanitarian work. In 2010 he is offered the position of Staff Counsellor in the United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo. This facilitates his childhood dream of visiting African countries. Within 5 years of his departure he visits 29 countries in the African continent as a tourist. His book ‘Footprints in Obscurity’ is a documentation of his experiences and observations. “I discovered an unseen Africa. My long stay was an eye opener.

The stereotypes I held on to were questioned, challenged and in some instances fortified as a result. I wrote this book with the intention of stimulating people’s thinking, so that they could look beyond what they hear as outsiders of the continent,” said Rupasinghe, speaking to Daily Mirror. “For instance through my research and visits I challenged the notion that whites were responsible for the slave trade because there is much evidence to suggest that blacks had been sold by blacks themselves for money and resources,” he added. Rupasinghe has interviewed ex-child soldiers of the Sierra Leone conflict, warlords, victims of female gender mutilation, aid workers and Ebola survivors. When asked as to how he was able to gain the confidence of the victims to share their stories with him he said,

“I am a psychologist by profession. You need to convince them that you will not breach their confidentiality and with effective responding and listening skills they will reveal their story at their own pace. Some of the victims had never openly spoken of their plight before and yet they revealed their story to me though I was a complete stranger!” He added that all the names used in his book were pseudonyms to protect the identities of the victims. Subtitled ‘A Living Story’ each chapter deals with a particular theme that is central to Africa. Rupasinghe brings to light instances where rape is a weapon of war and instances where the voodoo culture encourages rape. He also highlights the Indian and Chinese trade monopoly which has downplayed and replaced local trade.

He also gives much insight into the history of the region especially the Ashanti kingdom which is today called Ghana. Further he speaks of black magic which has dominated the lives of present day Africans. Instead of seeking medical treatment for diseases like HIV/AIDS people resort to black magic. Rupasinghe aptly narrates the deplorable nature of black magic rituals for they violate human as well as animal rights. Through the discussion of issues such as female gender mutilation he has dismissed the notion that such rituals are religious. He manifests certain traditions unique to Africa but considered taboo in other parts of the world, which have been the cause for the increase in sexually transmitted diseases. Ironically and quite pathetically some such traditions have become attractions to tourists. Rupasinghe had to undergo arduous difficulties to uncover the stories he has reported. “Sometimes I had to leave my passport behind when travelling through jungles that stretched for 100km.

At the time I knew nothing about what may and could happen. But I had one intention in mind. That was to pose some questions to the warlords and rebels and see what they’ve got to say,” he remarked. His blunt and honest narration is poignant and at times witty. His anger at certain injustices is clearly felt. Being a humanitarian himself he questions the role of humanitarians as many natives are exploited by aid workers. He portrays certain ingrained qualities of Africans such as their financial dependency on foreigners which is clearly a deplorable experience to him. He is honest, unbiased and critical of justified injustice. Though factually the book is appealing to anyone interested in anthropology, politics, and international relations the book is not very well edited and certain errors are misleading. “My book has been categorized as a reference under ethnic studies and conflict resolution but I would say this is an itinerary where a person finds almost every unseen elements of Africa,” said Rupasinghe. ‘Footprints in Obscurity’ published by Partridge India is available in all Minsara bookstores and could be purchased through International online retailers such as Amazon, e-Bay, Barnes and Noble with free or low cost shipping.200 000 copies have been sold worldwide already and the story has been translated into Spanish and Russian. His upcoming novel ‘Behind The Eclipse’ which is a true story about an Ebola survivor will be released in November. PICS BY NISAL BADUGE

Photo of world`s largest fetish market in Lome-Togo where everything needed for black magic
is sold in an open market. From animal organsto human organs anything is sold here

Having a discussion with a female fighter in eastern parts of Democratic republic of Congo

Some caves known for last known cannibalistic societies in southern Africa. Having a chat with a
descendent of those who consumed human beings