The Government on Friday further tightened the screws on NGOs placing all international and local organisations receiving foreign funds under a strict watch in line with existing guideline and procedures. In a newspaper announcement, the Finance Ministry warned that the disbursement and use of such funds should not “cause financial risks and expose the people [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Public warned against links with “dubious” NGO projects

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The Government on Friday further tightened the screws on NGOs placing all international and local organisations receiving foreign funds under a strict watch in line with existing guideline and procedures.

In a newspaper announcement, the Finance Ministry warned that the disbursement and use of such funds should not “cause financial risks and expose the people to economic hardships”.

The ministry noted that ‘regrettably’ some of the grant-aided projects financed by foreign agencies are still being implemented outside the government budget, undermining the national development process. These agencies are following their own procedures and this poses a risk involving governance shortcomings and affects the country’s well practical financial procedures and annual budgetary process, the ministry said.

Some foreign agencies are funding different programmes such as schemes to train the people on voting including micro financing, etc without proper approvals. Recipients of foreign aid should disclose necessary information including the details of funds, purpose and expenditure, etc to the relevant government authorities on a regular basis. The ministry advised the public not to participate in programmes that will undermine the smooth functioning of the country’s management systems.
Foreign development partners and civil society organizations have been directed to obtain prior approval from the External Resources Department to disburse foreign funding.

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