The defence ministry’s spokesperson has denied that the letter calling on NGOs to refrain from certain activities was an attempt to restrict their work.
Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said at media briefing in Colombo on Tuesday that the letter was only a reminder to act according to a mandate previously issued by NGO Secretariat and false information was being disseminated to misguide the public.
The letter, signed by the director of the NGO Secretariat, which falls under the defence ministry, said that NGOs should not overstep their mandate by engaging in activities such as holding press conferences, workshops, training for journalists, and the publication of press releases.
Severe restrictions placed on NGO activities by Ministry of Defence (07 July 2014)