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NGO law: US State Dept. did not influence but sent in observations: Ministry

16 May 2024 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

In response to the report that the U.S. State Department got involved in drafting the new law for the regulation of NGOs, the Public Security Ministry said that the United States did not attempt to influence in this regard but sent in observations to be considered in drafting the bill.  

The Ministry said Subject Minister Tiran Alles held talks with the NGOs and civil society movements five times. According to the ministry, a copy of the draft bill was handed over to the NGOs and civil society movements on January 1,2023 to be considered further, if needed.  

The NGO Secretariat submitted it even to the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission and international organizations.  

Like the NGOs and civil society movements, the U.S. State Department sent observations , the Ministry said. It added that the bill was referred to the Legal Draftsman’s Department for such observations to be considered and incorporated.