Source: Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Republished for information and discussion only. This report does not necessarily reflect the views of Mike Hitchen Consulting
Since the ancient times, Sri Lankans always take the enemy to a level playing field. This was evident in all historic battles in the country. This noble quality has not even fade in the present society. While other countries are curtailing food and all basic amenities to the enemy or their counterpart or sympathizers, Sri Lankan government provides all the needs that they require for basic living.
During the month of January to October 2008, the government had given 6000 metric tons of basic foods to Mulathivu, Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Wauniya north districts through the ministry of resettlement and disaster management as food aid, apart from that 42000 metric tons of foods sent to the same district through the cooperative societies. In addition, 14000 liters of kerosene oil was also provided.
Over and above that world food programme had sent 12000 metric tons of food to the same areas. Altogether, 60000 metric tons of rice, flour, dhal, sugar and vegetable oil had been sent for the day today use for residents living in the areas still under LTTE clutches. It should be worthwhile to note that LTTE cadres are too surviving on these consignments of food sent by the government.
Though government coordinated and sent 60000 metric tons of food for the use of the people in the area, it is important to research and find the operations of distribution at the tale end. According to the regulations laid in collaboration with world food programme and the government, a five member family unit is entitled to get 3.5kg of rice, 6kg of flour, 2.5kg of dhal, 0.5kg of vegetable oil and 2kg of sugar for five days. Apart from that, the residents are issued with 2 litres of kerosene oil per month.
However, the aid distribution has to be done under the strict control of the LTTE as there is no other option available to ensure that the public is benefited by the aid sent. It is a well known fact that LTTE has been exploiting the aid distribution to extend control over civilians. For example, LTTE carryout child recruitment, forcing elderly people to military fatigues and using civilians as shield against military onslaught by controlling food for them. This is quite similar to the strategy used by western powers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam to control the local public. Ironically, LTTE seems to have learnt this barbaric lessons by those western countries and their INGO's.
This method of controlling people have tarnished LTTE's image and respect among their own community. LTTE kept their own community in starvation and also they recruited the same starved children as child soldiers. Hopefully this had created the ending of LTTE dreams in the north and east.
Published by Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
Putting principles before profits
This blog will be on holiday from Dec 15 2008 -Jan 12 2009!
Putting principles before profits
This blog will be on holiday from Dec 15 2008 -Jan 12 2009!
