JICA tsunami recovery program in Sri Lanka

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has launched the "Recovery, Rehabilitation and Development Project in tsunami Affected Areas" in Sri Lanka, implemented under the technical cooperation program of the Government of Japan.

Multi-sector project teams arrived in Sri Lanka on March 14, 2005 and the project will continue about 2 years.

The objectives of the project are to formulate a plan for recovery, rehabilitation and development program by incorporating Japanese experience in disaster management as well as sharing that experience with Sri Lankan people, to assist in and monitor quick implementation of recovery, and rehabilitation projects to be funded under the Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid and ODA loan.

The three project teams will cover North and East region, Southern region, and road rehabilitation, respectively.

The North and Eastern region team which mainly looks at the North and Eastern coastal region will support preparation of an integrated reconstruction plan for townships in Ampara district, planning of relocation program, preliminary study for social infrastructure project, and fishery village community restoration.

The Southern region team will prepare a reconstruction plan of fishery harbours and reconstruction plan for townships, and fishery community restoration activities support program.

The road rehabilitation team will carry out detailed designing for the 4 causeways on the Eastern coast and a feasibility study on the road section between Akkaraipattu and Trikkandimadu in Ampara and Batticaloa Districts.

All these teams will facilitate the smooth and successful implementation of ODA loan and US$80 million worth Japanese Non-Project Grant Aid.

On December 31 last year, immediately after the tsunami disaster, the Government of Japan donated Rs.29.6 million worth emergency aid materials including tents, mats, blankets, generators, water tanks and water purification systems.

From December 29, 2004 to January 15, 2005, the Japanese Government dispatched a disaster relief medical team (JDR medical team) through JICA to operate an emergency medical clinic in Sainthamaruthu in Ampara District.

In January 2005, the Government of Japan provided US$ 80 million worth Non-Project Grant Aid in order to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the tsunami affected areas.

From January 17 to February 9, 2005, JICA dispatched a Tsunami Disaster Needs Assessment Mission, comprising 16 members, to carry out an overall assessment on urgent requirements in these areas.