Tsunami billions chanelled to LTTE

Chaminda PERERA

Foreign Employment Promotion Minister and Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukkwella yesterday said some INGOs have chanelled billions of funds in the form of tsunami assistance for the LTTE.

"They have swindled these funds meant for tsunami-affected people to provide health facilities for the LTTE. The Government's criticism against some INGOs has now proved correct . Not a single cent has been used for the welfare of tsunami- affected people by these INGOs particulary Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation.

It is now well established with the capture of Mullaitivu town, the INGOs which were operating in the area have done nothing for the civilians. They have misued these funds to strengthen the LTTE's logistic capacity.

The remarks of the Government over some INGOs two years back drew the Opposition's protest. They protested in Parliament and outside that the INGOs were carrying out a mega-scale development drive in the uncleared areas and their presence is vital to expedite the post tsunami rehabilitation in the Mullaitivu district.

The Government in turn demanded that their activities should be accountable to the Government.

The Minister said there was an argument that tsunami aid should go directly to the INGO and then allowed to tsunami funds flow in, he said.