Terrorists misusing INGO's aid; proved beyond doubts -Defense Spokesman

Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka

"Government has credible evidence that certain international and local NGOs unwittingly or knowingly supported the LTTE" Government Defence spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella revealed at a press conference yesterday (Wednesday the 17th of January).

Referring to the defensive operation launched against the LTTE in Ampara, he said the Police Special Task Force personnel have found a large amount of food stocks and other non-combatant equipment donated by several INGOs and states for tsunami victims in the captured LTTE camps in Ampara.

Explaining underpinning reasons for the defensive operations the Minister explained that the LTTE has stepped up child recruitment, civilian massacres and attacks at the security forces' camps in Ampara since last few months that the government could not afford to stay blind.

" In December the LTTE abduct 23 children who were sitting for the ordinary level examination, and because of that incident over hundred of other students did not come to the exams due to fear" he said.

"The aim of the operation was to restore normalcy in the area, which is a responsibility of any legitimate government," he added.

Referring to the success of the operation, The Minister explained that the STF barely had any fight with LTTE since its cadres had already fled their camps in the face of STF's advance. However, he said the stuff the STF found in the terror camps has made a startling revelation that the LTTE is misusing INGOs to fulfill its sinister motives.

"What we have said a few months ago is proved today with ample evidence," the Minister said referring to the recovery of The STF troops.

"Now we have evidence-video footage of supplies being provided by INGOs and NGOs. This is not a personal attack on anyone or institution. It relates to the national security of the country," he added.

Finally, the Minister explained the government would take necessary actions to monitor the activities of all NGOs operating in the country. With regard to those INGOs found to have become puppets to the LTTE he said the government will inform their parent countries via diplomatic means regarding their activities.

"There are hundreds of NGOs walked into this country following the tsunami calamity and many have been still doing an excellent service to the people in this country.'

"We really appreciate and welcome their service. We only need to pick out rotten eggs out of good ones for the sake of national security" he concluded.

See the video footage of the Operation "Niyatha Jaya" (Definite Victory) released by the Media Center for National Security.