New policy to monitor NGOs

By N.Dilshath Banu

In the wake of the discovery of items belonging to NGOs in LTTE camps, the government has decided to formulate a policy to monitor NGO activities.

Items with Oxfam emblems on them.

Government’s defence spokesman and minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the government would discuss the matter with foreign missions and NGOs before the new policy was set in motion.

Items with UNHCR emblems on them.

Mr. Rambukwella noted that at present all NGOs were required to register themselves with the Social Service Ministry but said a close relationship between NGOs and the Defence Ministry was also necessary.

Several NGO items, including vehicles, had been left behind by the LTTE when the security forces recaptured Tiger-controlled areas in recent battles in the east.

F. Hashim, deputy director of the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA), said several NGOs left the north and east, leaving behind vehicles and equipment, and the LTTE might have seized these items.

He also said that his organisation promoted greater transparency in NGO work.