Joint mechanism a commendable idea - President Clinton 

[May 28, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga today received President Bill Clinton the UN Special Envoy on Tsunami Recovery at the President’s House.

President Clinton briefed President Kumaratunga on his visit to Kalmunai where he inspected rehabilitation work; he thanked her for the excellent arrangements made for his visit.

Joint mechanism

President Clinton said the proposed joint mechanism for post tsunami rehabilitation is a commendable idea. He said since it involves all the stakeholders, reconstruction could proceed without delay if such a mechanism was in place soon.

President Kumaratunga said she was very committed to establishing the proposed joint administrative machinery. The President said this was not a part of the peace process, but that she believed it would help move the stalled peace process forward. The President referred to the resistance to it from some members of the ruling alliance, apprehensions of the Muslim community and the silence maintained by the main opposition party the UNP.

Buffer zone

President Clinton observed that the buffer zone requirement has become a rallying point for all the frustrations and complaints of delays. He was of the view that some flexibility on the part of the authorities may help. In the US he said there are incentives provided in instances such as this. He suggested Sri Lanka may also take similar steps to motivate people to move out of coastal areas. Clinton said Sri Lanka should also think of constructions, which could withstand tidal waves.

President Kumaratunga said in the South there was little resistance to the buffer zone requirement. However she said in the North and East the authorities could consider some flexibility because of the demography and congestion in those areas.

Speaking on the contentious issue of funds collected by certain INGOs for tsunami, not reaching the needed, President Clinton said he would personally intervene and put it right.

A detailed presentation, from the rescue and relief phase to the present position was made by the Chairman of TAFREN Mr. Mano Tittawella.

The UN delegation was appreciative of the fact that there was no outbreak of disease or incidents of deaths due to lack of food or water. Mr. Tittawella said all vital installations were put in place and temporary shelters were made available. Tittawella said 30,000 transitionary shelters have already been completed and another 10,000 are now under construction. As such all the camps would close by the 3rd quarter of this year. He then explained plans and funding arrangements now in place for infrastructure reconstruction in the affected sectors.

Associated with the President were senior cabinet ministers and officials. President Clinton was accompanied by Erskine Bowles Deputy UN Special Envoy and senior UN officials.

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Last Updated Date: May 28, 2005 - 10.30 GMT