Current Situation of NP in Sri Lanka

Since the cancellation of the visas of Country Director Tiffany Easthom and two field team members in early July we have taken a number of steps. We conducted an internal review of the work and the possible reasons that led to the visa problems. We can only guess at what led to the withdrawal of security clearance of these staff persons, and we believe that one reason may have been some false perceptions of the role and mandate of NP. We are emphasising our commitment to work within the laws of our host country at all times and to remain above reproach in all respects. We work openly and transparently and have nothing to hide about what we are doing.

Nonviolent Peaceforce is a non-partisan organisation. We engage with all parties on an equal basis without bias or prejudice  and do not support, favour or engage with one political party, faction or group over any other . We are also strictly independent and do not represent the interests or position of any government, religion, or funder.

NP is a field-based, not a campaigning, organisation, devoted to provide protection to civilians and groups at risk. We work diplomatically at the appropriate level of government in order to improve security for civilians at risk of harm and to prevent attacks and other human rights violations. The focus of our efforts is on prevention and change rather than on investigation and the attribution of blame.

After the departure of NPSL’s Country Director, the Interim Program Director Christine Schweitzer went to Sri Lanka to support the NPSL team, meet with advisors, government representatives and donors to discuss with all of them our status and options. We have received some clear indication from authorities that have concrete projects on the ground that our work is appreciated. Also some new interim visas have been granted while we wait for the renewal of work permits for our ten international staff.

Acknowledging the changing situation in post-war Sri Lanka however, there will have to be some shift in the focus of our work. We are currently seeking Memoranda of Understanding with some Ministries and other authorities. To reflect the changes necessary, we’ve initiated some restructuring of the staff teams while remaining operative both in the North (Vavuniya) and the East (Batticaloa). The most important changes are reducing the HRD unit in Colombo and consolidating the offices in Batticaloa district to make our programmatic work more efficient. This includes moving our program staff from our Valaichchenai office to the Batticaloa office.