Sri Lanka to probe NGOs for conspiracies

The Sri Lankan government has appointed a special committee to investigate charges and allegations being made against non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and their operations in the country.

The government has also made it compulsory for all NGOs operating in the country to register themselves with the Office for the Registration of Non-Governmental Organisations, Xinhua reported.

"This step is being taken to thwart certain NGOs from hatching conspiracies to effect regime change by engaging in politics in the guise of doing social work in the country," the government's information department said.

According to Lakshman Hulugalle, director general of Media Centre for National Security, strict legal action would be taken against NGOs failing to comply with the registration rule and it will also result in the eviction of such NGOs.

Currently, there are nearly 100 NGOs operating in the country, and a large number of them have been identified to be surreptitiously engaging in activities inimical to the state by hatching various conspiracies through opposition politicians, he said.

NGOs have been told to submit a report to the government listing its role, staff and funding and donations received from abroad, their manner of expenditure and their proposals and plans. Their assets should also be registered with the relevant unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.