NGOs at the receiving end

N. M. Abeysinghe, Kuliyapitiya Group Corr.

KURUNEGALA: North Western Provincial Council at its fortnightly meeting presided over by the Deputy Chairman Somasiri Gunathilaka unanimously decided to control the NGOs functioning in the Province.

Gamini Disanayake (UNP), opening the debate said, there are 1400 NGOs functioning in Sri Lanka. No one knows what they are upto. They perform according to their own agendas. The objective of this motion is that prior approval of the Provincial Board of Ministers should be obtained to operate such activities in Wayamba.

Arunditha Fernando (UPFA) said, we admit that this is a very timely motion. We see several NGOs functioning as the agents of the capitalist countries to exploit our resources. Several other NGOs are supporting the terrorists, while some others are converting the Buddhists and Catholics unethically to another Christian Sect. They spend lavishly to achieve their ends. Such NGOs are very dangerous.

They endanger the national security and the religious harmony that exists in the country for centuries.

A. D. Sumanadasa (JVP) said, NGOs are so powerful that they are able to change even the Government policies. We are all aware that the LTTE appears for separatism, and at the same time several NGOs help the LTTE to hide behind the curtain.

A. Ruban Silva (UNP) said, several NGOs render a constructive contribution to the country, and we commend their service. At the same time others work only for their welfare leaving behind the needy, the target group. National security is at a risk due to the activities of several NGOs.

S. M. M. Niyas (SLMC) said, I went to Muttur after the clash there and found that no NGO had assisted the displaced Sinhala and Muslim people there. Had the Tamils were affected, they would rush to support them. These NGOs practice a dual policy.

K. M. Nimal Herath (JVP) said, NGOs that come to Sri Lanka should be abide by the law of the country. But they follow no rules and operate arbitrarily.

TRO is an NGO set up for the rehabilitation of Tamil Community, but they help only the LTTE - the enemiy of the Tamils. NGOs play havoc in the country disturbing law and order. That is a very grave situation.

The Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Irrigations R. D. Wimaladasa said, NGOs operating arbitrarily in the Province destroy Wayamba identity. We commend their services in case they work impartially for the welfare of the poor. I doubt whether we would be able to control NGOs merely passing this motion. There are no legal provisions in this motion. So we must get the legal powers to control adopting a statute on the subject.

Gamini Somasiri Ekanayake (UNP) said, I agree with the Hon. Minister on his opinion of adopting a Statute on the subject. The power and authority of supervision of their activities and auditing their financial transactions be vested under the Provincial Council.

The Provincial Minister of Health, Sports and Youth Affairs Neranjana Wickremasinghe said, activities of NGOs are not second to those of European invaders. NGOs are highly interested on pre-school education, community health services, agriculture and irrigation. We commend such activities, yet their performances are based on a hidden agenda.

That is very grave and dangerous. So a proper supervision of these activities should be done by the PC. The motion was passed without a division.