It was around 2 PM. I had just finished an orientation session on my campus and stepped into a phone shop to buy a phone for a friend. The scorching heat outside made the air-conditioned shop a welcome relief. They even offered us fruit juice to drink.

As I stepped outside again, I noticed an elderly couple sitting under a tree, relaxing and talking. It was a romantic sight on a hot, exhausting day. I wondered what they were discussing. The moment was so captivating that I felt the urge to speak with them. So, I slowly approached and greeted them with a friendly “Hi.”

Although their interaction seemed romantic, I could see the tiredness in their eyes. They were simply resting after a long day of work, yet they still wore warm smiles.

Curious, I asked, “What are you doing here?”

They replied, “We have been collecting trash all day and are waiting to deliver it to the headquarters.”

For a moment, I had imagined a sweet, heartwarming scene. But after hearing their story, I felt a pang of sadness.

I decided to ask them more about their work.

Me: How is the pay? Do they pay you based on the amount of trash collected, or is it a daily salary?

Them: No, Putha, we get paid Rs. 1,200 per day…

I was shocked. These people were well over 50 years old, yet they were working for such a small wage. Why? Our parents are fortunate, they stay home while we earn for them.

Still curious, I continued my conversation.

Me: So, Uncle, where do you live?

Them: We live in Moratuwa. We catch the bus at 4:30 AM, arrive here around 5 AM, collect trash all day, deliver it to the headquarters at MC, and return home around 6 PM.

Their dedication amazed me. Despite the hard work and low pay, they were committed to their job. Meanwhile, we often complain about waking up early for our well-paying, comfortable, air-conditioned office jobs. Do we have the same level of dedication? Most of us would probably say no. This couple was teaching us a valuable lesson.

Me: Do you live alone?

Them: No, Putha, we live with our children. They are married…

Yet, despite having children, they were still working at their age. If I were older, I would love to stay home, spending time with my kids and grandchildren.

This made me think- how could their children allow them to work like this? As a son or daughter, isn’t it shameful to neglect your own parents, leaving them to earn for themselves in their old age? This isn’t just about one couple; there are so many elderly people in Colombo doing similar jobs, collecting trash, cleaning streets, and struggling to survive.

Isn’t this something we, as a society, should think about? We have strict laws against child labor, but do we have any protections for our elderly? Do we have proper retirement schemes for them? As a society, aren’t we failing our parents and grandparents?

Two days later, I met them again. They were sitting in the same spot, beside their trash cart. Once again, I found the sight romantic, but with an underlying sadness.

I approached them again.

Me: Uncle, shall we have something cool to drink?

I handed them a soft drink bottle. It wasn’t much, but it was the least I could do. They deserved a five-star hotel meal at their age, but this was what I could afford.

Me: How long have you been together? I mean, married?

Uncle: It has been 46 years. We got married on May 13th, 1980. In four years, we’ll celebrate our 50th anniversary…

I was amazed. In today’s world, people struggle to maintain relationships for even two months. Yet, this couple had been together for 46 years. May God bless them. I truly wish them a long and happy life together.

Before I left, I asked one last question.

Me: Why do you still work so hard?

Uncle: Putha, we can’t just sit at home. That’s why we come here and work.

His words hit me hard. At our young age, we often rely on others , our parents, siblings, friends, or even life partners, to support us. But this elderly couple, despite their struggles, had an unbreakable spirit. They were young, not in age, but in heart and mind.

As I walked away, I realized I couldn’t do much for them except listen to their stories and give them my time. Maybe, to them, it felt like bedtime storytelling. At their age, they deserve rest, time with their families, and peace.

As individuals and as a society, we must do something. Maybe we can start small , visit an elderly neighbor, buy them some groceries, sit and talk to them, play their childhood games, and listen to their life stories. Most importantly, we should take care of our own parents.

Let’s not wait for a wake-up call. Let’s act now. Let’s ensure that no elderly person has to work when they should be resting.

Last but not least, let’s wish this couple a long and happy life. Hopefully, they will retire soon and celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at home, surrounded by family — not on the streets, still working.