New Opening for Partnership between Govt. and Civil Society

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath's participation at a civil society organised event to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 indicated a willingness on the part of the government to work with civil society. So far the government has not been engaging proactively with civil society organisations and actively seeking their inputs. His speech at the event suggested a rethinking by the government of its relationship with civil society.

- BY JEHAN PERERA

Minister Hearth

The symbolism of his presence was not lost on those who attended. It suggested the possibility of a shift from distance to dialogue, and from mutual reserve to a more open approach to partnership.

This potential shift needs to be seen against the background of the experience of civil society organisations. Previous governments, including the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government which started its term of office with a severe assault (though it was mostly verbal) on civil society organisations through its NGO Secretariat, soon began to invite them for discussions especially when faced with problems of dealing with the international community. However, the NPP government has so far preferred to keep its own counsel, neither consulting civil society organisations nor explaining its plans to them to get their cooperation. This has created a sense of uncertainty about whether civil society would have space to contribute to national problem solving.

It was therefore significant that at the 1325 event which was organised by the Association of War Affected Women together with the National Peace Council and the Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections, Minister Herath said that the government was willing to join hands with civil society to address problems. He also explained that the distance between the government and civil society in the first year was due to their focus on laying the foundations for the new direction that the country is taking. The explanation gave those present a basis to hope that the limited engagement so far was not a permanent position but a transitional stage.