MoD clarifies delisting of several Tamil diaspora organisations 

• Delisting done after lengthy study and discussions
• Says delisted organisations and persons not funding terror activities now
• Will ban again if evidence of terrorism funding revealed 

The Ministry of Defence says the delisting of several organisations and persons recently was the result of long-term studies and discussions conducted jointly with several Government agencies. 

“The ban was lifted after a study was conducted by a committee consisting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General’s Department, intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies and the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” a release issued by the Ministry said. 

According to the Ministry, 577 individuals and 18 organisations had been blacklisted in 2021 for financing terrorism under the United Nations Regulation No. 01 of 2012. However, following lengthy considerations it was decided to delist 316 individuals and six organisations as they no longer continue to fund terrorist activities, the Ministry said. 

Meanwhile the Ministry this week also blacklisted 55 individuals and three organisations recognised as active in financing terrorism during the period. Accordingly, 316 individuals and 15 organisations were blacklisted on 1 August by Extraordinary Gazette No. 2291/02.

“Such inclusions and exclusions for blacklisted individuals and organisations are routinely carried out by relevant authorities after observation and careful study over a continuous period of time.” The Ministry communique said adding that it will remain vigilant on the activities of the delisted individuals and organisations. “We will ban them again if found raising funds for financing terrorism,” the Ministry said.