Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga says that governments in Sri Lanka have been very suspicious of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and in the past decade the country has seen not only suspicion but “hatred” being sown towards the international community.  

“That is no more. That has ended,” she said addressing an event held at the BMICH in Colombo today (28), on Zero Hunger which is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

She said that this government for the first time has begun to invite and engage in the private sector as well as the non-governmental organizations to participate in at least some of the government programmes. 

“The reconciliation programme which I have the privilege of leading works with non-governmental organizations extensively to implement our programmes.” 

We don’t believe that in such matters government can by itself achieve the required results unless we involve all of civil society, she said. 

As this is after civil society played a most crucial role in this country to make a peaceful, bloodless revolution last January 8, Kumaratunga added.

“So this civil society is now somewhat organized, more organised than before, waiting to participate actively in the progress of Sri Lanka.”