Lankan Governments have been very suspicious of NGOs: CBK

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga claimed yesterday that Governments in Sri Lanka have been very suspicious of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and in the past decade the country has seen not only suspicion but “hatred” being sown towards the international community.  

 “That is no more. That has ended,” she said addressing an event held at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday on Zero Hunger which is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She said that this government for the first time has begun to invite and engage in the private sector as well as the non-governmental organisations to participate in at least some of the government programs.   “The reconciliation program which I have the privilege of leading works with non-governmental organisations extensively to implement our programs.” 

“We don’t believe that in such matters government can by itself achieve the required results unless we involve all of civil society,” she said. 

As this is after civil society played a most crucial role in this country to make a peaceful, bloodless revolution last 8 January, Kumaratunga added.

 “So this civil society is now somewhat organised, more organised than before, waiting to participate actively in the progress of Sri Lanka.”