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P-TOMS will not lead to separate state - Prof. Tissa Vitharana

Although almost all the countries in the world were supporting the Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) on Tsunami Relief Council (TRC) signed with LTTE by the Government for the rehabilitation activities of the tsunami affected areas in North, East and South, two political parties in Sri Lanka are against it and started protest campaigns. It is strange and contrary to Buddhist philosophy, said Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana in Madurawala.

The Minister said so when he was addressing a meeting held recently at Madurawala, in Bulathsinhala electorate on the occasion of opening of Vidatha Training Centre and laying the foundation stone to the new two storeyed building for the Vidata Resource Centre at Madurawala, the first centre in Kalutara district.

Addressing the gathering the Minister said, further those parties who oppose the Tsunami Relief Council say that it would be a great danger for the sovereignty of the country, it would lead to separate the country and devolve the power. "I will firmly say that nothing of that nature will happen by forming a council for tsunami relief activities and it is not a danger to our country."

Although the council operates with the help of LTTE, they will not be able to play out foreign aid. Rehabilitation activities are conducted according to certain proposals and set-plans. A representative from the President is in the Council. There are representatives from foreign donor countries to inspect the activities carried out. If either the LTTE or any other groups try to misappropriate the development funds, the donor countries will suspend their aid. Funds for the relief activities are released through the Treasury and the funds are issued and used according to the Financial Regulations of the Government.

District councils or regional councils can not take their own decisions, they will have to work according to common decisions. "The Tsunami Relief Council functions only for one year with the Government. After that for another three years they have to function separately in the same way.

Donor countries have pledged to provide Sri Lanka about 2200 Million US Dollars. If the Government is not ready to utilise the monies for rehabilitation activities of the tsunami affected people and areas, they will provide their aid to LTTE or some other NGO's who are willing to undertake the task. If this happens, the rest of world and the donor countries will come to know there are two separate states in Sri Lanka.

If foreign aid is properly managed and used for the promotion of the welfare of the people and the country, we will be able to save Government funds out of which we'll surely be able to carry out the proposed development programmes in the country during this year. Projects like Vidatha will be able to work successfully."

Some groups think the Government of today is not strong. The government has allocated funds for the development work for this year. According to the constitution the President can carry on the Government even without Ministers upto the end of this year. The UNP dos not like to go for a fresh election now itself. They are not in a situation to face an election. However UNP will assist the Tsunami Relief Council.

Regarding the Vidatha Programme of the Ministry of Science and Technology the Minister said, 'Under this programme Science and Technology will be brought to the rural level.

It has been planned to set up 320 Vidatha Resource Centres throughout the country. Today for the first time in Kalutara District, Vidatha Resource Centre and a Training Centre have been opened in Madurawala area. From this centre, rural youth, and schoolchildren will be able to get scientific and technical knowledge and improve their education.

Traditional producers in the village too will be helped.

New technology could be used to promote their productions, find markets for their products, new local industries with local materials could be started and a new life for their industries will come.

They will get opportunities to use computers, information technology, and contact with international web sites. People can start 'Vidatha' clubs from which they will be able to approach the resource centres. This programme will not provide instant results, but it takes some time.'

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