One of the things EFA has done together with the NCEASL is to highlight some things that are going on in Sri Lanka which the international community is not aware of. We have briefed embassies, given correct pictures to our international partners and we have called upon the international community to bring pressure on the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to respect human rights of civilians. One of the main things we have been able to do is highlight and bring awareness of the true situation in this country and bring pressure to try and stop this.
Besides this, we are also involved in relief and rehabilitation and developmental work irrespective of caste creed or religion. Wherever there has been relief needed, we have been there to help.
Q. Who is responsible for the abductions and disappearances?
Both groups are responsible for certain actions in their own territories. Both are disregarding the rights of civilians. Both have used humanitarian aid as a bargaining point to hit at each other and finally the civilians are suffering. The new law – Prevention of Terrorism Act – and some other laws are very dangerous and can rob the people of their fundamental, legal and civil rights. Things are really bad in Sri Lanka.
Q. The government is probing aid groups for suspected rebel links after the military recently claimed to have found equipment belonging to Netherlands–based ZOA Refugee Care at a rebel base overrun by the military in the eastern district of Ampara. Is this a witch–hunt or is there something more to it?
I think it is a witch–hunt because the particular group in question is ZOA…and in international papers the government has even accused World Vision (WV). ZOA and WV are reputed international organizations who are known for their non–partial humanitarian work. These groups do not take sides...they are neutral. The truth is that the government, after accusing them publicly and almost causing a backlash, has apologized and even sent letters to them acknowledging their humanitarian work. However, for public consumption, false propaganda are being passed against them...things are being said which are not true. This is very sad. In fact, a NGO consortium has even issued a statement on behalf of ZOA, condemning the false reports.
Q. Why is the government taking a hostile attitude towards the NGOs?
You see, even in most difficult situations and conditions, NGOs are speaking the truth and exposing the atrocities committed on the civilians by forces which may be backed by the government. I feel some people in the government are displeased by this exposure.
For instance, independent observers have claimed that Sri Lankan air forces have bombed civilian establishments like orphanages. However, the government asserts that these were terrorist camps and installations that were bombed. Now, this is a very dangerous trend as anybody – individuals or organizations – who speak on behalf of minority or human rights or anyone who speak for federalism or federal solutions – they are all categorized as LTTE or terrorists. This is a very sad situation that is now prevailing in our country.
Q. Escalation of conflict has resulted in food shortage in several regions in Sri Lanka. Who is to be blamed for this?
Society
Interview with Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah, general secretary, EFA
By: Jacob Chaterjee
Tuesday, 30 January 2007, 12:02 (IST)
Copyright © 2007 Christian Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior permission.
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