Sri Lankans in Australia fear aid will be stolen by government
SRI Lankans living in Australia are refraining from sending desperately needed funds to struggling friends and family back home, fearing money will never end up in the hands of those in need because the government will steal it.
Multiple members of the Sri Lankan community contacted by News Corp have lost trust in the government to the point where they believe their financial aid will be intercepted, leading to a feeling of helplessness amid the country’s economic crisis.
The government blames the crisis on the pandemic, but economic experts say the country’s misfortunes are due to monetary mismanagement. Shortages have become so dire only essential services are allowed to fill up with fuel, while fears of a famine grow amid a concerning under supply of food.
Upul Chandana, 49, the secretary of the North Victoria Sri Lankan
Welfare and Cultural Association, says the Sri Lankan community feels powerless.
“We can’t help. If you look on Facebook in the morning, you’ll have messages from a few friends in Sri Lanka asking for help,” Mr Chandana said.
“The thing is, the country needs dollars, but because of the frustration and disappointment, some Sri Lankan-Australians don’t want to send money.
“If we send dollars, the government will take it – it’s not going to help the community. The government says to send money through proper channels. We don’t want to do that, we don’t trust doing that.”
Australians looking to donate to the country should be wary of sending money, Mr Chandana said, suggesting medical supplies could help make more of a difference.
“In terms of money, I don’t think money’s a good idea at all,” he said.
“Sending medicines or medical equipment will help.