Japan, yesterday provided Rs.20.4 million for three livelihood projects in the Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Hambantota Districts to improve the lives of resettled and rural communities.

The three Grant Contracts were signed between Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi and Chairperson of Women’s Development Society Wijitha Basnayaka, President of ASAD, M. S. M. Sadique and Administration Officer of Arunalu Praja Sanwardana Foundation Rishi Rathnasinghe at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo.

The Project, for Conflict Affected Community Uplift in the Trincomalee District, will be implemented by the Association of Social Activities Development Sri Lanka (ASAD). Rs. 10.5 million has been allocated for the project in order to construct multi-purpose community development centers, agricultural and drinking wells and to implement income generation training in the Muttur and Seruwila Divisional Secretary divisions of Trincomalee. This integrated project is expected to improve the livelihood of 750 resettled families and enhance welfare of the targeted communities.

The Project for Construction of Agro Wells in Drought Affected Areas In Anuradhapura District will be implemented by the Women’s Development Society. Rs. 5.4 million has been provided for the project. Fifteen wells for agricultural purposes will be constructed in Mahabulankulama Divisional Secretary Division, Anuradhapura. These wells will enable farmer families to cultivate throughout the year and increase their incomes.

The Project for Restoration of Dry Fish Production, which was affected by the Tsunami, through the provision of simple ovens, will be implemented by the Aruanalu Praja Sanwardana Foundation on a budget of Rs. 4.5 million. It will provide 20 ovens and processing equipment to implement quality control and marketing training in Seenimodara and Kudawella Grama Niladhari Divisions in Hambantota.It is anticipated that the project will empower women in the targeted communities.

The Japanese government provides funds to Non-Governmental Organizations and governmental agencies through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).Since 1989,203 projects totaling USD 24.2 million (approximately Rs. 2,750 million) have been provided, to fulfill urgent needs at grass root level throughout Sri Lanka.