Northern development:

NGOs pledge to cooperate

Rasika SOMARATHNA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a meeting with the NGO fraternity at Temple Trees on Thursday, prevailed upon them that they were welcome to play a supplementary role to that of the Government when it comes to relief and rehabilitation efforts in the north.

During discussions, the President noted that the Government was prepared to support these organizations if they were prepared to work within the set framework by the authorities.

While acknowledging their contribution to the relief efforts so far, the President stressed that the Government was prepared to back these organizations if they come up with specific target oriented plans and necessary funding to carry out projects, which would benefit the displaced people.

President Rajapaksa also stressed that his prime intention of seeking support from all relevant sectors was to help people achieve better and equal living standards through out the country sans any geographical, religious or ethnic differences.

The President also paid special attention to the problems faced by these NGOs and regarding specific areas in which their support was needed.

While commending the Government’s present relief efforts in the north, NGO representatives prevailed upon the President that they could contribute in a significant way to supplement the relief/rehabilitation effort.

Admitting that some mistakes had taken place during their earlier efforts in the region, the NGO representatives stressed that they were prepared to carry forward the work while rectifying earlier mistakes.

The discussions with NGO representatives was also attended by Ministers Mahinda Samarasinghe, Tissa Vitarana, Douglas Devananda, Risath Bathiudeen, Jagath Pushpakumara, Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa MP, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge.