Misappropriating tsunami aid?

U.L.A. Gunasekera, The Island, Asia News Network/Colombo

According to recent reports in the media, Minister Mangala Samaraweera has claimed that tsunami relief is being administered fairly and with an even hand though shortcomings are inevitable in the execution of such a gigantic task. As a tsunami victim myself, I feel competent to relate the factual story of the administrative mechanisms which are in place for the relief of victims in the Matara district.

The first official arm to arrive on the scene was the police which competently recorded the loss of person and property. The Dept. of Census and statistics on Feb. 11, 2005, made a study of the damage and loss caused to my village, which except for the substantially built houses, all else had been wiped out by the tsunami.

Thereafter, two bright and duty conscious young graduates from the District Secretariat recorded their observations on forms, which were designed to reflect a comprehensive picture of the situation. It is clear that these surveys were only for the purpose of record as subsequent events were not seen to bear any connection with them.

In March, that is two months after the tsunami, the Grama Niladari and a Technical Officer of the N.H.D.A. made a cursory inspection of my house, viewing it from outside. These two officials are empowered to inspect, assess the damage and the compensation due to the victim. Leaving such a task to one individual however competent he may be, cannot be a satisfactory arrangement for a comprehensive assessment, which must include accuracy in measurement, visual inspection and estimate of cost. Prejudice and favor cannot be ruled out.

Officials at the lower levels seem to burden themselves with the idea that all victims of the tsunami are ignorant, poverty- stricken workers of the fishing industry. These officials cannot comprehend that others of different social and economic circumstances are victims of the tsunami.

The N.H.D.A. Technical Officer after a cursory inspection of my house assessed the damage at 40 percent. In my house 2250 sq. ft. of roof, 4,000 sq. ft. of walls and thirty one doors and windows were destroyed leaving only a section of the roof and the floor intact. Consequently, the compensation available to me is Rs. 50,000.00 only. It is apparent even to a Nelsonian eye that nearly 85 percent is damaged or destroyed.

To add insult to injury, the officials final decision is that the entire house should be reconstructed before any further entitlements are considered. However, the officials agreed that the cost of such a reconstruction will be near Rs. 800.000.00.

Therefore, it is clear that the official move is a subterfuge to ensure that I will not receive the compensation which is my due. The Government is distributing largesse to its vote bank only. Besides, there is truth in the theory that the 200 m rule was a strategy to misappriate the generosity which was pouring in.

The Minister concerned speaks with forked tongue.