SL NGOs face crisis, jobs at risk

The US government’s decision to freeze USAID funding has plunged Sri Lanka’s NGO sector into crisis, putting over 1,000 jobs at risk.

Several organizations working on democracy, human rights, and governance are struggling to sustain their programs due to the funding halt.

Many Sri Lankan NGOs, particularly those focused on human rights, good governance, and women’s and LGBTQ rights, rely heavily on USAID support.

The move is part of former President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, which prioritized domestic spending over foreign aid.

“This decision has blindsided us. We’ve had to let go of staff, and if the freeze continues, many programs will collapse,” said an official from an affected NGO.

The funding suspension comes amid controversy involving Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk called USAID a “criminal organization” and argued for its dissolution after reports surfaced that agency security officials denied his representatives access to classified materials.

As a result, USAID has experienced mass layoffs and furloughs, with nearly 60 senior leaders sidelined and disruptions to US foreign missions.

The agency previously managed over half of the $72 billion in foreign aid distributed by the US to nearly 180 countries in 2023.

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