UNICEF unnerved by Wimal’s comments

UNICEF has raised concerns with the Government regarding the security of its local staff in the wake of comments by JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa claiming that some of the UNICEF staff were LTTE sympathisers. The Sunday Times learned that a representative of the UNICEF office here met Foreign Ministry acting Secretary T. B. Maduwegedara to discuss the safety of the UNICEF local staff who he said were misrepresented by Mr. Weerawansa in his statement.Confirming this meeting, Mr. Maduwegedara told The Sunday Times that it was impossible for the Government to provide heightened security specifically for the protection of the UNICEF staff.

“The UN and many NGOs are constantly worrying about the safety of their staff in the present climate of war,” he said, adding, “obviously we don’t have enough resources to provide extra security to everyone who receives a threatening phone call.” He said information provided by the UNICEF office to defend its position against Mr. Weerawansa’s allegations was not satisfactory.

“We need UNICEF to tell us exactly how the money was distributed and what projects it is involved in before we make a commitment to protect the staff,” he said. He said the Government has advised the local law enforcement authorities to practice extra vigilance and increase patrolling around the areas where various NGOs are stationed.

Mr. Weerawansa accused the UNICEF of diverting Rs. 100 million for the use of the LTTE through the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO), which is internationally known for its close association with the rebels. He also accused the local staff for having close ties with the guerilla group.

On Wednesday, the UNICEF office in Colombo said in a media release, “The accusations levelled against UNICEF and its staff could seriously compromise our ability to carry out our work and could endanger our safety and security.” The statement said UNICEF understood the significance of transparent accountability to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in all aspects of its work, including financial and staffing matters.

The release further said “UNICEF has spent around $180 million in the past five years in all parts of Sri Lanka, addressing the most urgent needs of children in areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, and nutrition.”