Role of international bodies and INGOs

There are many international organisations and international non-governmental organisations operating in Sri Lanka. Most of them render a commendable service and act within the laws of the land, respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the same time, there are some international bodies and INGOs who operate in a high-handed manner. Some employees of those bodies are engaged in several questionable activities. There have been many instances in the past where certain representatives of international organisations and INGOs were found guilty of indulging in activities not in keeping with their duties.

In the fast expanding global village, we cannot live as an isolated nation. This applies not only to a developing country such as Sri Lanka but also to so-called super powers. Countries in the modern global village should develop strong inter-relations and strengthen them.

In this context, international organisations such as the United Nations and some INGOs play an important role for a better understanding amongst different communities and continents. The importance of such international organisations cannot be denied.

Nevertheless, all international bodies should abide by the laws of any country and also respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country they operate in. Employees of international organisations, INGOs or even diplomats for that matter, should refrain from interfering in internal matters or politics. After all, no international body is above the constitution of a country.

Sri Lankans have experienced the barbaric acts of Velupillai Prabhakaran’s terrorist organisation - the LTTE for well over three decades. Successive Governments have made every endeavour to talk peace with the LTTE but the terrorists have invariably used those opportunities to reinforce the outfit and launch fresh attacks.

Though successive Governments were prepared to go that extra mile for the sake of peace, Prabhakaran and his ruthless organisation have interpreted that kindness as a sign of weakness. Everybody is aware of how the terrorists were protected under the controversial Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) 2001-2004 signed by the Ranil Wickremesinghe government.

Against this backdrop President Mahinda Rajapaksa took office in November 2005 with a pledge to protect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The majority of the masses pleaded for only one thing during the closely contested 2005 Presidential election campaign - and that was a dignified peace.

Eventually, the majority decided that President Rajapaksa was the right man to protect Mother Lanka and achieve an honourable peace for all communities in this resplendent isle.

Their aspirations have been fulfilled to a great extent and the Wanni and Mullaitivu districts too will be liberated in the near future to overcome the final hurdle of eradicating terrorism.

At a crucial time when our gallant soldiers are making a huge sacrifice, having liberated the entire Eastern Province from the LTTE’s clutches and are on the verge of achieving the same in the North soon, a responsible Government could not afford to turn a blind eye when sinister campaigns are hatched to destroy its sincere efforts.

It is a pity that some local ‘agents’ of these international bodies play double games to earn filthy lucre. These ‘agents’ provide inaccurate reports to international organisations and ultimately paint a vicious picture before the international community.

Sri Lanka is battling with the deadliest and most merciless terrorist organisation in the world. Our brave Security Forces have been successful in eradicating terrorism to a great extent. President Rajapaksa has emphasized time and again that terrorism in any part of the world is terrorism and should be dealt within equal terms.

Do most of the international organisations and INGOs treat terrorism in the West and in this part of the globe in a similar way? We have overwhelming evidence of the double standards of some international bodies.

A delegation from the European Union, which toured Sri Lanka last week, came down hard on the alleged human rights abuses and linked it with Sri Lanka’s request to qualify for the GSP Plus trade concessions. Is this some kind of intimidation?

The GSP Plus concession no doubt would be a big boost for the local garment industry but this does not mean that Sri Lanka should sell its sovereignty for mere financial benefits. The Government has always made every effort to protect human rights.

However, the Opposition and some INGOs, with questionable track records, are distorting some facts to paint a different picture.

International organisations, such as the UN and the European Union, which have been extending support to Sri Lanka over the years, are free to make their own observations and comments in a manner that would not harm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Constructive criticism is welcome by all means, especially after one obtains first-hand experience and information, without merely going by those with vested interests.

It would have been far better had the visiting European Union representatives gone to the Eastern Province before making inaccurate comments on the recruitments of the TMVP, which has now entered the democratic stream.

The TMVP, prior to the Eastern Provincial Council elections, released even the few remaining child soldiers. Thus, they discarded their bullets and reposed faith in the ballot.

Irresponsible statements on the TMVP could well push them back to their old jungle life with Prabhakaran. Is this what the Opposition and some INGOs would like to see?

We call upon international organisations, INGOs and their representatives to act in a responsible manner, in keeping with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an independent nation.