An NGO in Sri Lanka is under investigation after it invited activists from southern India for projects in the island’s northeast.
According to The Island the NGO, called Viluthu, invited several activists, including Sharifa Khanam and Ester Devakumari, who were arrested for engaging in NGO projects while on tourist visas.
"Devakumari arrived here on June 19. She conducted a workshop for a group of northern widows at the Nedunkerni Divisional Secretariat on June 23. Having arrested her at the Omanthai police checkpoint, Devakumari was brought to Colombo and deported the following day. She was sent back to Chennai.” said an official, adding that NGOs would not be allowed to visit tourist areas.
The Island said that according to sources, Viluthu had received funding from several Western and American donors.