27.9.2008
(Zoa informs MoD of its project Manager's decision)

The Kilinochchi Project Manager of an INGO known as Zoa has joined the LTTE to fight the Sri Lanka Army. He, an Italian passport holder, has informed the Colombo-based head of Zoa, in writing, of his decision to fight for the cornered Tigers.

The Ministry of Defence told The Island yesterday that Zoa had informed it of the situation and forwarded a copy of the letter from its Project Manager, the latest LTTE recruit. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, asked for comment, said he was aware that a Zoa official had joined the LTTE.

According to sources, Zoa had tried repeatedly to persuade its Project Manager to leave Kilinochchi but in vain.

Zoa is a key member of the UN-led Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA), which has been active in the Eastern Province and in the Jaffna Peninsula.

Government sources said it was evident that the Zoa manager had been working for the LTTE throughout his deployment in Kilinochchi during the past several years.

Sources said that the government would have to review the process of allowing international humanitarian workers to enter the country as there was believed that at least some of them were working for the LTTE.

The UN Colombo is expected to explain its position on the Zoa Project Manager shortly, as Zoa is a prominent CHA member.

Zoa is the second INGO found to be directly involved with the LTTE. The first one was the Norwegian People's Aid, which has recently moved out of Kilinochchi leaving behind about 40 vehicles, including earth moving machines.

Courtesy: The Island