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| Sunday, 8 May 2005 |
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Foreign Minister chairs INGO colloquium Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar chaired a colloquium for international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and charitable institutions at the headquarters of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Geneva on Friday, May 6 convened with a view to maintaining the momentum for recovery and reconstruction of the country in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster. Over 90 participants from 13 countries, from North America and Europe, were present at the colloquium. Minister Kadirgamar encouraged INGOs operating in Sri Lanka to become development partners with the Government, within a framework consistent with international best practices, good governance, transparency, accountability and the avoidance of waste and duplication. The Minister noted that there had been an unprecedented public response from all over the world to the tsunami disaster, manifested through NGOs many of whom were represented at the meeting. It had become important therefore to develop a framework for NGO activities in Sri Lanka which would enable the large volume of funds available to INGOs for tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation, to be deployed for productive activities such as housing, micro financing, livelihood support and national capacity building in an accountable and transparent manner. Following are the main recommendations which emerged - The need for INGOs to work as development partners of the Government to ensure that assistance reaches those in need. The voice and dignity of beneficiaries to be given high priority. Need for NGOs to register with the CNGS for post tsunami reconstruction work, which would enable the Government to easily integrate their activities and programmes in the overall reconstruction plan. Emphasis was placed on the need to build local capacities i.e. of the district level administrative units, and local NGOs. These are the programme delivery mechanisms on the ground, which would face many challenges in the project implementation stage. INGOs to develop their own 'guiding principles' for their operations parallel to those developed by TAFREN for the Government of Sri Lanka. Clearer understanding needs to be forged among the partners involved i.e. Donor countries, Multilateral funding agencies, INGOs, NGOs and the Private Sector and the Government, on the reconstruction activities undertaken in order to fill the gaps on funds available and project needs as well as to avoid duplication. In view of the availability of substantial funds, need to consider reaching out to the wider community along with the tsunami victims. This will also help to avoid creating new inequities. Maintain quality standards in all reconstruction work; rebuild better and environmentally sustainable. Transparent reporting mechanisms and to keep the public informed of the outcome of contributions made. It was decided that a continuous dialogue would be maintained with INGOs and the Government at international, national and district levels. |
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