Sangaree condemns

COLOMBO: TULF President V. Anandasangaree has condemned the killing of 17 civilians attached to 'Action Against Hunger' and has issued the following press release:

"I, very strongly condemn the brutal killing of the 17 civilians attached to 'Action Against Hunger', a French NGO engaged in tsunami relief work. As their name suggests they are a lot, the country can't lose at this juncture when people in the Trincomalee district's Muttur are virtually dying of hunger and thirst.

There is no point in saying, "Not I, he did it." Whoever did , it must be traced and punished. Those responsible for these killings had foolishly done it without realising the consequences. This incident is going to seriously affect the country especially during a national calamity in the future. This NGO itself came to do relief work with the tsunami victims.

The immediate effects of this incident are firstly, the suffering refugees are deprived of the services of a group of well-trained volunteers. Secondly, till this matter is not sorted out to the satisfaction of the NGO concerned, the other NGOs also engaged in similar activities, will be reluctant to continue their activities.

Thirdly a lot of development work in which many countries are actively engaged in, will have to work with fear and tension in the future. What their reactions are yet to be seen.

Lastly a number of organisations from various countries that had come forward to assist in the resettlement of the refugees in Muttur will get discouraged without being re-assured of their security.

It may not be out of place if I find fault with some organisations that are critical of the NGOs in general, without realising the tremendous work undertaken by various NGOs from various countries. If any particular NGO is in the fault, deal with it without criticising all.

I express my deepest sympathies to the families and kith and kin of the unfortunate victims who should not have been killed in this brutal manner for no fault of theirs.

I may add that when the Government itself has no writ in certain areas, why blame the poor volunteers of certain NGOs who can't act independently.

As a responsible citizen of Sri Lanka, I tender my apologies to the Government of the Republic of France."