Misinformation vis-à-vis Relief supplies to the North
[January 06, 2005 - 4.30 GMT]

For the past two decades the Government has been sending food and essential supplies to the Northern and Eastern Provinces to be distributed to people displaced by the military conflict. These items were distributed through the District Administration headed by the Government Agents in each of the districts.

Since the 27th of December, regular extra consignments of food, medicine and other essentials have been sent to the people in the North and East affected by the tsunami disaster. This is in addition to the regular supplies sent to the people displaced by the military conflict.

The Secretary to the President wrote to Mr.Thamilselvam on 28th December informing him that the Government stands ready to grant assistance to disaster affected persons and areas. The Secretary requested the LTTE to keep him informed of the relief requirements in areas held by them.

Mr.Thamilselvam at a meeting with UN representatives held at the LTTE Press Secretariat on 29th December had thanked the President for initiating action to provide relief to the North and East. He said that he saw the co-operation from the Government as a silver lining.

It is unfortunate that the LTTE and its agents are now carrying on a campaign that LTTE held areas do not receive disaster aid from the Government. However the LTTE expressed its satisfaction at the relief measures implemented and had communicated this to the Heads of UN Agencies and officials representing the President when they visited the North soon after the disaster.

The people in the affected areas in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu have in fact been receiving more Government assistance than those affected in the South. The Southern districts and some parts of the Eastern districts being more accessible, receive sufficient quantities of assistance from NGO’s, the business community and other organizations.

The Government is perturbed at the conflicting statements of Mr.Thamilselvam to the International Media, that LTTE areas are not getting assistance from the Government. 

 PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: January 06, 2005 - 4.30 GMT