Govt. and U.S. condemn attacks on NGO offices [Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8.00 GMT]

The Sri Lankan Government yesterday described the attacks against three international non-governmental (INGOs) organizations in Muttur, in the Trincomalee district, as a “blow to humanity” and said they were “an orchestrated ploy to drive terror amongst NGO volunteers and employees, as well as the beneficiaries and local communities.”

Three simultaneous attacks were carried out on Sunday (May 21) which injured several people, including an expatriate NGO worker.

Appreciating the immense work done by the INGOs during the decade’s long conflict and the recent tsunami the government said, “This act of terror by the perpetrators should not go unpunished.”

The United States too condemned Sunday’s grenade attacks as undercutting efforts in bringing about the resumption of talks leading to a final solution.

In a statement it condemned the “unprovoked attacks” against Inter SOS, ZOA and the Non- Violent Peace Force. “These INGOs are working in Sri Lanka to meet humanitarian needs and bring people together in the search for a lasting peace in the country. Violent attacks against such organizations are deplorable and undercut efforts to lay the groundwork for a resumption of talks leading to a final settlement.”

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Last Updated Date: May  23, 2006 -8.00 GMT