Despite many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) meeting all the required qualifications, not a single NGO has been registered in Sri Lanka since March 18, according to representatives of several organizations awaiting approval.
The deadlock follows the resignation of the former Director General of the National Secretariat for NGOs on March 18, after which no successor or acting officer has been appointed to the post. NGO representatives expressed concern that the institution, which had been delivering efficient services under the leadership of the former Director General over the past two years, has now come to a standstill.
“The government must take immediate steps to resolve this issue by appointing a suitable person to head the National Secretariat for NGOs,” several representatives urged.
Meanwhile, internal sources within the ministry point to inefficiency on the part of an additional secretary as a possible reason for the delay. They also claim there may be ulterior motives to appoint her on an acting basis in order to draw a salary.
The National Secretariat for NGOs functions under the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
New Draft Bill to Regulate NGOs
In a related development, ministry sources revealed that a new draft bill is being prepared to regulate NGOs. Under the proposed legislation, all NGOs operating in Sri Lanka will come under the direct supervision and regulation of the National Secretariat for NGOs.