Baby 81 rises from the mud to pursue higher education after tsunami tragedy

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami devastated eastern Sri Lanka, leading to the loss of more than 35,000 lives. During this tragedy, a two-month-old baby, later known as 'Baby 81', was found in the mud and separated from his family. Initially taken to a local hospital, he was approached by nine other families claiming him as their own. The boy's actual parents, Jayarasa and his wife, faced a long and emotional court battle to prove their relationship to the child. Despite multiple claims, the other families failed to provide legal claims for the baby, nor did they subject themselves to DNA testing. The hospital issued a public call for DNA samples from those asserting parentage, but none came forward, ultimately leading to Jayarasa and his wife proving their biological connection through DNA testing. Their struggle drew international media attention, highlighting the trauma and complexities surrounding family reunification after such disasters. Over the years, as the child grew, he learned more about his unique story and faced the stigma associated with being called 'Baby 81' or 'tsunami baby' by his peers. Abilash, which is his actual name, is now 20 years old and is preparing for his final high school exams, aspiring to pursue higher education in information technology. His father expressed a feeling of gratitude that their son survived when so many others did not, leading them to establish a memorial site to honor the deceased. The vastly publicized story left a profound impact on both Abilash and his family, shaping their identity and life experiences post-tsunami. His father's humble occupation as a hairstylist has allowed them to make ends meet, but the emotional weight of the tsunami's legacy weighs heavily on their lives. They cherish their reunion but continue to navigate the complexities of living with a story that is both unique and heavy with sorrow.