Govt mulls probe into allegations over USAID funding

• NGOs are registered under different arms. The National NGO Secretariat has control only over those registered with it

By Kelum Bandara  

Amidst controversial reports about USAID funding in Sri Lanka with the implication of names of certain politicians, the government is to conduct an inquiry into the matter, a top source said yesterday.  

The new U.S. administration led by President Donald Trump stopped US funding . It resulted in the pause of operations of NGOs in Sri Lanka , which secured financial support from USAID.  The decision was taken to evaluate US funding and realign it with the policy of the new administration.   

In Sri Lanka, projects worth Rs. 21 billion have come to a halt as a result and hundreds of job opportunities have been lost. There are unconfirmed reports that certain political figures have secured assistance from USAID.  

Asked about it, a top government source said that the government will do an investigation into it.  

“We will look into this matter. We will decide how to proceed within the next couple of days,” the source said. Besides, the government will take steps for the enactment of a piece of legislation to regulate the operation of NGOs.  

Currently, the NGOs are registered under different arms . The National NGO Secretariat has control only over those registered with it.  

The draft legislation is expected to be taken up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting on Monday.