Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and government agencies have received $ 25 million (approximately Rs. 2,850 million) through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

According to the Japanese Embassy, since 1989 funds have been allocated to 207 projects in all parts of the country. Of this allocation, a substantial amount was received by agencies engaged in humanitarian de-mining operations in areas liberated by Sri Lankan forces.

But the Japanese Embassy has taken out some of them from its list of recipients of financial assistance due to financial irregularities.

Japan recently released Rs. 103 million in support of four projects carried out in five districts. In keeping with agreements finalised on January 11, Japan provided Rs. 77 million to the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) to clear mines in Vavuniya and Mannar districts. This would help resettle the war displaced in the Vanni. FSD is one of the foreign groups engaged in mine clearing operations in the Vanni to facilitate resettlement of the war displaced.

Sewalanka Foundation has received Rs. 11.3 million to help civilians returning to Puliyankoodal village in the Jaffna peninsula. According to the Japanese Embassy, the project envisaged rehabilitation of roads, construction of wells, improvement of pre-school facilities and also provision for home gardening packages. This would benefit about 500 families.

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya Inc. has received Rs 10 million to implement a project in the Batticaloa district to improve what the Japanese Embassy called agricultural infrastructure. The funds would be used to construct agro wells, rehabilitate roads and tanks in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat area.

The remaining Rs. 4.7 million would be utilised by Soba Kantha Environment Management and Community Development Foundation to help women increase production of dry fish at Kapparathota, Weligama. Under this project, the NGO will provide 20 ovens and processing equipment as well as help improve the quality of their product.

The Economic Cooperation Section of the Japanese Embassy yesterday said that some of the recipients of the Japanese aid had handled more than one project. An official told The Island that some had carried out half a dozen projects. Responding to The Island queries, he revealed that several recipients, who had failed to provide financial statements acceptable to the Embassy, were no longer involved in projects. He emphasised that all recipients had to submit audit reports in relation to projects implemented with Japanese assistance.