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| Saturday, 26 February 2005 |
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In a letter to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the Ashraff Congress states that it is the need of the hour to transform the national calamity for the common good of the Nation. "The tsunami has laid the foundation for seeking solutions to the ethnic conflict. This is an opportunity to win over the hearts and minds of the people of the North-East," the Congress said, in a letter signed by its leader S. Subairdeen. Excerpts from the letter: "Foreign countries and their people perceive Sri Lanka through the image of Your Excellency. The Foreign aids are flooding into the country reposing confidence in your Leadership. No room should be allowed for the erosion of this confidence and for the fading away of your image. "You are the protector of our country. If your Excellency is going to be successful in facing this unimaginable calamity inflicted on our country by the tsunami, then no room will be left for any one to sit in a corner and murmur about the future of this country. Rational constructive projects with far-sighted prospects have to be implemented effectively and efficiently. To achieve these objectives the executive powers vested with Your Excellency have to be vigorously activated". You have initiated the programme of nation building in Hambamtota District. It is an applaudable venture. It is the need of the hour to transform the national calamity for the common good of the nation and simultaneously start housing projects in the tsunami-affected North Eastern areas in parallel line immediately". "By undertaking a personal visit to these affected areas, the President can win the confidence and support of the people by giving instant orders that are necessary to carry out these Herculean task of rebuilding these areas. It will also give an encouragement to the government servants too." The Foreign assistance should be monitored and managed properly in order to prevent any impending danger that may crop up as a threat to the country. All Non-Government Organisations receiving foreign aid that are suspected of posing a threat to the National security must be carefully scrutinised. The President must consider appointing an all party committee at national level and advisory committees on regional level in the affected areas. Local VIPs, religious leaders, academic and political leaders must be included into these committees. A reasonable percentage of the foreign aid received, must be allocated either to construct temporary sheds or low cost houses. In case, if there are people who are adamant that they should be resettled in the 100m buffer zone disregarding the possible recurrence of such calamities, they must be left at their own risk to do so, while getting them to make a declaration to this effect. It is imperative to take all measures to protect and maintain all religious places as monuments of the respective religions in the tsunami affected areas. This is a national duty as well as the responsibility of the government. |
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