'Tsunami guardians' not real angels

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Children affected by the 2004 Tsunami face problems because of their `Guardians'. Many female children have been forcibly given in marriage while some have been manipulated in different ways to acquire their inherited properties and money granted by the State and donors, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairman, Jagath Wellawatta said.

Wellawatta said after the tsunami, many 'guardians' came forward to take care of affected children but according to latest findings this was done with hidden agendas. Among them were acquiring money, donations, relief and assistance granted by the State and donors to the affected children, acquiring the inherited properties of such children and using children as domestic aides.

There are 5,700 children affected by the tsunami in Sri Lanka and some have lost both parents while others have lost one.

The NCPA conducted a post inspection in 2007 about children affected by the tsunami covering the entire Western Province, Galle and Matara districts.

Their requirements today show a drastic change when comparing with their requirements in 2004, he said.

The NCPA has taken steps to settle four cases in connection with misusing properties belonging to affected children, acting according to the 2005 Tsunami Provisions Act.

A National Counseling Centre for Children will also be established shortly, Wellawatta said.

Affected children do not receive any donor assistance.

Tsunami related donations, relief and other assistance have come to an end. The Asian Development Bank has provided Rs.40 million to assist the NCPA to set up a fund, scholarship or similar scheme to assist these children in long term basis, Wellawatta added.