Rajiva Wijesinha

“ If you cannot fund Government direct, you should think of funding local NGOs, of which Sri Lanka has several with solid experience, instead of multiplying the number of those who have to be paid expatriate level salaries.
To turn now to the civilians still trapped by the LTTE, there is no doubt that the best way for them to be saved is for the LTTE to lay down its arms and surrender, as has so clearly been advocated by the G8, the Co-Chairs and the UN too. ”

“ We appreciate the many countries who have assisted us direct because, while the UN has good experience in these fields, it seems unfair on donors that there is sometimes a bizarre cascade effect whereby donors fund the UN which then subcontracts to international NGOs, which then subcontract to local NGOs, and in this plethora of overheads, the intended recipients of aid get very little of it. ”

“ This is also available on the Mission website, and it suggests why, just as we need to respect the uncertainties of well-wishers of Sri Lanka, you too need to respect our own worries. As we are on the verge of defeating terror, we cannot be complacent, given the ruthless effectiveness of the Tigers. ”