Comments on: The Germans say ….. http://www.arugam.info/2006/12/05/reply-by-a-eu-embassy-typical/ Sri Lanka's hidden pearl Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:27:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Fred http://www.arugam.info/2006/12/05/reply-by-a-eu-embassy-typical/comment-page-1/#comment-1020 Fred Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:18:45 +0000 http://www.arugam.info/2006/12/05/reply-by-a-eu-embassy-typical/#comment-1020 I my view there are a number of problems why the East has been left out of the recovery process. There is little doubt that foreigners came with the will to help, but the implimentation proved difficult or impossible: 1.) There is little official will in Colombo to help the East; no wonder in a long war situation 2.) NGO's go for easy fixes and good publicity stunts which are easier in the South 3.) NGO's capitulate when they hit a brick wall and try western approaches to get round the regulations corrupt officials place in their way 4.) When in fact the accepted Eastern way would bring better and more direct results 5.) To avoid direct bribe situations, one could engage local specialist Consultant firms who use their proven methods to get the results and permits. 5.) NGO's plan without the Community from far away and we residents have no say 6.) Efficient self-help groups are seen as potent compeditors and are never supported by anyone. The new civil war has provided yet anyother excuse to withdraw back to the plush Hotels in the Capital, claiming 'Security' reasons. Most NGO's have long gone home in any event. Fact is that NO foreigner, NGO or not has ever been tageted or harmed in any way. We are a contribution to the peace and should remain where we are needed. It is surprising actually that nobody has ever been injured because the word "NGO" has become a bad phrase in our entire area. I my view there are a number of problems why the East has been left out of the recovery process.
There is little doubt that foreigners came with the will to help, but the implimentation proved difficult or impossible:
1.) There is little official will in Colombo to help the East; no wonder in a long war situation
2.) NGO’s go for easy fixes and good publicity stunts which are easier in the South
3.) NGO’s capitulate when they hit a brick wall and try western approaches to get round the regulations corrupt officials place in their way
4.) When in fact the accepted Eastern way would bring better and more direct results
5.) To avoid direct bribe situations, one could engage local specialist Consultant firms who use their proven methods to get the results and permits.
5.) NGO’s plan without the Community from far away and we residents have no say
6.) Efficient self-help groups are seen as potent compeditors and are never supported by anyone.

The new civil war has provided yet anyother excuse to withdraw back to the plush Hotels in the Capital, claiming ‘Security’ reasons. Most NGO’s have long gone home in any event.
Fact is that NO foreigner, NGO or not has ever been tageted or harmed in any way.
We are a contribution to the peace and should remain where we are needed.
It is surprising actually that nobody has ever been injured because the word “NGO” has become a bad phrase in our entire area.

]]> By: BBC (staff) http://www.arugam.info/2006/12/05/reply-by-a-eu-embassy-typical/comment-page-1/#comment-859 BBC (staff) Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:17:57 +0000 http://www.arugam.info/2006/12/05/reply-by-a-eu-embassy-typical/#comment-859 Open Question: If none of the Embarrasies or so called "Help" 'NGO's are actually 'helping' the very, very poor people on the obvoiously greatly affected East and North East Coast: Who is actually Active in this region these days? And why is the money which we, as a fairly large Organization entrusted to others is not distributed fairly and properly? What has gone wrong in this area; we are slowly getting uneasy. Are all the guys with the new 4x4 Jeeeps and blue lights on top scared or what is wrong with them? Maybe next time we will donate to a chicken farm or to some Orgas. with a back bone; if there is such a thing. Open Question:
If none of the Embarrasies or so called “Help” ‘NGO’s are actually ‘helping’ the very, very poor people on the obvoiously greatly affected East and North East Coast:
Who is actually Active in this region these days?
And why is the money which we, as a fairly large Organization entrusted to others is not distributed fairly and properly?
What has gone wrong in this area; we are slowly getting uneasy.
Are all the guys with the new 4×4 Jeeeps and blue lights on top scared or what is wrong with them?
Maybe next time we will donate to a chicken farm or to some Orgas. with a back bone; if there is such a thing.

]]>