The European Union, Switzerland and Norway on Wednesday expressed concern about the recent restrictions placed on non-governmental organisations by Sri Lanka, a day after the government published a notice, banning NGOs from receiving foreign funds without prior approval from the finance ministry.
The notice, published in most national newspapers, was addressed to “All government agencies, local institutions, civil society organizations, and the general public” and demanded that “due diligence be observed on the utilisation of funds received from foreign funding agencies, INGOs and any other source”.
The joint statement by the Heads of Missions of the EU and the ambassadors of Switzerland and Norway, said that they “are very concerned about the recent efforts to restrict legitimate public activities of civil society and non-governmental organisations in Sri Lanka.”
“We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to respect the right of every individual to exercise their freedom of expression, opinion, association and assembly and to take part in the public affairs without undue interference,
“We call upon the Sri Lankan authorities to create a safe and enabling environment in which civil society can operate free from hindrance and insecurity,” the statement said.
The government recently announced severe restrictions on the activity of NGOs warning them against running press conferences, workshops or releasing press releases, and accusing many of working to topple the government.
See related articles:
Sri Lankan Minister warns against 'foreign countries and NGOs' (20 Jul 2014)
New NGO law to be enacted (14 Jul 2014)
NGOs armed LTTE – Sri Lankan Prime Minister (11 Jul 2014)
Government defends NGO restrictions (10 Jul 2014
Government to close bank accounts of NGOs not registered with MoD (10 July 2014)
US ‘concerned’ about MoD circular restricting NGO activities (09 July 2014)
Military denies attempts to restrict NGO activities (08 July 2014)
Severe restrictions placed on NGO activities by Ministry of Defence (07 July 2014)
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