NGOs have had a controversial record in Sri Lanka. From the mishandling of the post-tsunami aid relief, to the government’s accusation that they support the LTTE, their work has not always been unanimously approved.

Fishermen In Arugam Bay

Talking to fishermen, farmers and businessmen on the East coast, their evaluation of the support they received from foreign NGOs after the tsunami is not exactly enthusiast. The main source of their disappointment was the  NGOs’ incapacity, and apparent unwillingness, to understand mechanism of power in the local society. For example, instead of giving boats directly to fishermen, they merely gave them away to “local leaders” hoping they would pass it on to the right people. But the “leaders” kept the boats for their own profit and sold them to the fishermen sometimes for over 100,000 rupees.

Although during the war, NGOs were accused by the government of helping out the LTTE, one of the issues many NGOs seems to be facing now, is whether or not they should carry on helping in the refugee camps until the government has given a clear outline of its policy concerning the resettlement of the refugees.

Indeed, as a Red Cross worker told me, giving food, shelters and good living conditions to refugees could be equal to helping  the government keeping the refugees in those camps for years.

The dilemma is not shared by all. One UN worker told me that he does not care and think people should be given the best conditions of life not matter what.

The question might seem mainly rhetoric but it is, I think, fundamental: do we, and can we, decide to leave deprived people to their fate in order to understand  a government true intentions, intentions that will affect these refugees and the future of the country for decades to come. Can we be the accomplices of their confinement? Or do we have the moral obligation to always make sure they survive in decent conditions, no matter what?