Services of Jaffna NGOs’ consortium commended

[TamilNet, Monday, 05 January 2004, 22:38 GMT]
“Some Non Governmental Organizations in Jaffna are only interested in self-promotion. But a few NGOs have been serving the people quiestly, despite facing several difficulties since 1995 [when the Sri Lanka Army wrested control of Jaffna], and we have to commend their service. We will join you in serving the people,” said Mr. Iniyavan, the coordinator of the Tamils Rehabilitation Organization in Jaffna, speaking at the meeting to elect new office bearers of the Consortium of Jaffna NGOs Monday.

Mr. V. Srishakthivel was elected President. Mr. V. Joseph was elected the secretary and Ms. K. Punithavathy the treasurer.

“ Out of the 46,000 families who have resettled in Jaffna, only some have received the resettlement payment of 25,000 rupees from the Sri Lankan government. It is not known when the others will receive the payments. Moreover, even those who received the payment need to be paid Rs.75,000 at the next stage, but it is not clear when it will be granted. The government of [Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister] Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe cannot cheat the people of Jaffna,” said Mr. S. Nallathamby, the coordinator of Oortu, an NGO.

He said the Consortium of NGOs should contact Mr. Wickremasinghe and take action to issue the payments.

Many NGO representatives participated at the meeting.