Australia yesterday signed a grant Rs 405 million to improve basic education in Sri Lanka’s rural schools. This grant would be utilized for the basic education support programme (BESP) for the next three and a half years.

Australian High Commissioner in Colombo Ms Kathy Klugman, Secretary Ministry of Finance Sumith Abeysinghe and Philippe Duamelle signed the memorandums of understanding on behalf of Australia, Sri Lanka and UNICEF respectively.

The BESP will assist 600 to 800 rural schools and more than 250,000 children including those who are marginalized, vulnerable and living with disabilities in less developed areas in Moneragala, Ampara, Badulla, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Nuwara-Eliya districts through the Child Friendly School (CFS) initiative.

"Education is a cornerstone for development everywhere" said the Australian envoy Kathy Klugman. "The Australian Government is very pleased to be able to assist Sri Lanka achieve its aim of universal completion of primary education and improve learning achievements through the establishment of more child friendly schools. In the target districts", Kulgman further said.

Total Australian development assistance to Sri Lanka in the 2008/2009 financial year is estimated at Australian Dollar 27 million. Priority areas of assistance include basic education, improved natural resource development (scholarships), improved livelihoods and humanitarian assistance to assist civilians displaced and otherwise affected by the conflict in the North.