The Government in the driving seat

The news that 80 per cent of Government funds has been earmarked for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the tsunami-ravaged regions of Sri Lanka, could be considered a crucial clarification of the main thrusts of the State's current country re-building effort.

There is understandable puzzlement in some circles on how the abundance of tsunami relief and assistance which has been received by the State is being disbursed and used.

Confusion of this kind should only be expected because we have never been hit by a crisis of these proportions before, nor has any Government been confronted with the challenge of handling what could be described as a torrential inflow of aid.

The Government should be permitted some time to charter its future course and define its aims and work programmes although the public is, of course, entitled to its democratic right of asking questions and even entertaining a measure of sceptical doubt.

Accordingly, TAFREN Director Dr. Jayantha Samarasinghe's recent presentation should help in putting the record straight on the Government's country re-building exercise. Accordingly, we have it on the authority of the TAFREN Director that 80 per cent of State funds has been set apart for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

A central point of the presentation was that the Government had got its act right on spending the incoming relief assistance. This will be done in a systematic manner on the basis of well thought out priorities.

It was also indicated that clearing-up of tsunami-devastated areas had been completed and the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase already launched.

As indicated in our lead story yesterday, housing needs of those affected are receiving priority attention. For instance, housing loans of up to Rs. 500,000 are on offer. It is estimated that a major part of the reconstruction effort would be completed within the forthcoming year.

It could be seen, then, that the State is measuring-up to the role expected of it. There is no question of the Government taking a back seat in this crisis. On the contrary, it will be in the driving seat.

It goes without saying that while guiding the rebuilding effort the Government should also ensure absolute transparency and accountability in the disbursement and use of funds.

We urge that maximum punitive action be taken against parasitical interests - both local and foreign - which prey avariciously on the destitute and displaced. The same applies to those who earn a fast, illegal buck out of crises of this nature.

Thus, there are numerous positives in the present debacle. It should be seen as offering avenues of national empowerment. May these trials give Lankans the toughness of character to overcome adversities. May sprite reign over strife.