UNP opposes Select Committee to study NGOs

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Ranil Wijayapala

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday opposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to study the work of Non-Governmental Organisations.

JVP MP Nandana Gunatilleke moved the motion but Opposition Whip Mahinda Samarasinghe opposed the move as their amendments have been rejected. The UNP members said that this select Committee will make undue influences on religious groups.

Former Speaker Joseph Michael Perera said: "It is not a good move to bring various religious groups to Parliament and question them. The Catholic Church has been established for the entire world. According to this motion it is a Non Governmental Organisation. There are Buddhist organisations too. Therefore, this is a very harmful motion".

JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa said that the Select Committee will not be a problem to real religious organisations which are conducting charity work. He emphasised that the Select Committee will only investigate religious groups which threaten national security.

Speaker W.J.M.Lokubandara said "We have to study whether this is in accordance with fundamental rights. Both side accept that it should be investigated".