The Sunday Times front page photograph and caption last week has drawn a response from Deputy Head of Delegation, Babak Ali Naraghi.
He states: “This photograph and caption relates to a distribution the ICRC carried out on 17.10.2010. On that day, the ICRC distributed 25 two-wheeled tractors to Farmers Organisations in Vavuniya South. The distribution was part of an ongoing ICRC response to meet the immediate needs of returnees and recently resettled populations in the North, formulated in consultation with the concerned authorities, and in keeping with the Early Recovery Plan of the Presidential Task Force.
The list of beneficiaries was agreed upon by the ICRC and the concerned authorities, prior to the distribution. It was finalised and used on the day of the distribution. The distribution took place according to the list.
Under this programme, the ICRC has, to date, distributed 318 two-wheeled tractors to Farmers Organisations in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya North and Vavuniya South. Forty-five Scooties and 26 motorcycles have been distributed in Kilinochchi to health workers and local authorities, to help their employees access rural areas easily. The ICRC distributions under this programme continue as planned.
NOTE BY THE NEWS EDITOR: The Sunday Times stands by firmly, on all other facts contained in the caption, except, probably, that only 25 two-wheeled tractors were distributed on that very day. It was only part of the 318 tractors distributed to Farmers’ Organisation.
As the Deputy Head of the ICRC, Ali Naraghi, admits in his own letter, “the distribution was finalised on the day of distribution.” This position was further confirmed by ICRC spokesperson, Sarasi Wijeratne, who answered questions posed to her. She said, “The list was finalised and used on the day of the distribution.” This is where the issue came to the fore.
The Sunday Times reiterates that there indeed was a dispute between a Government politician and, Head of the ICRC sub delegation in Vavuniya, Ms Maryse Limonar. At the ceremony, Ms Limonor intervened to tell the politician that the distribution was not in accordance with the list prepared by the ICRC.
Divisional Secretary for Vavuniya, Priyantha Dissanayake, who was present on the occasion, confirmed to the Sunday Times that there was a dispute. “Ms Limonar objected to at least 10 of the tractors being distributed on the grounds that approval has not been granted, he said.
Mr. Dissanayake added, “I explained that the 10 tractors could be distributed pending approval. She initially objected to it, but thereafter agreed. They were thus distributed,” he said.
It was only thereafter that Ms Limonar took cover behind an official vehicle of the ICRC and wept. This was seen by the crowds, besides the Government officials present. Our photographer saw her crying, followed her and took the picture which we published last week.
In order to ascertain Ms Limonar’s views, the Sunday Times made several calls to the ICRC delegation office in Vavuniya. “We don’t speak to individuals. Direct your questions to the media spokesperson,” a male voice who answered the phone, said curtly. Later, spokesperson Ms Wijeratne telephoned the Sunday Times.
Asked why Ms Limonar was in tears at the ceremony, Ms Wijeratne replied, “This is something personal to her and the ICRC respects the privacy of its staff.”
Ms Limonar, in this instance, did not cry in private, but at a public ceremony, where she was representing the ICRC and interacting with senior officials of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Ms. Limonar has made no statement. She has left the country in the meantime.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Picture combo showing the sequence of events in relation to the handing over of the two wheeled tractors.They include the argument over the disputed list, Ms. Limonar crying and then ICRC officials going over the list again. |
|
E-mail
