Tsunami, livelihood development programme launched

Wellasse Bandara

GALLE: The tsunami livelihood development programme implemented by the Government on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's instructions to cater to the needs of people in tsunami affected areas throughout the country including the North and East, was launched from Habaraduwa in the Galle district on Thursday, May 10.

This programme costing Rs. 20 billion will be implemented in 51 divisional secretariat divisions in 12 districts. It includes the creation of proper livelihoods to the affected people along with provision of infrastructure facilities and social security programmes. President Rajapaksa himself will inaugurate the divisional secretariat level programme from Hambantota later this month. The entire programme will be co-ordinated by District Secretaries of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Killinochchi and Jaffna.

The Tsunami Reconstruction and Development Centre will also appoint officers to handle the implementation of this programme at district and regional level.

The ILO will provide the technological expertise while the UNDP, Labour Ministry, Chamber of Commerce, Rural Livelihood Development Ministry and the C.H.A. institute will also step in with the necessary assistance.

Apart from this local and international NGOs as well as the private sector will assist the Government in implementing this programme by providing the necessary funding.

Ideas, views and suggestions of the people affected by the tsunami catastrophe have been taken into account in formulating this programme, it was revealed at a conference held at the Galle District Secretariat Auditorium recently.

The meeting held to create an awareness about the programme among representatives of Government and non-government organisations was attended by Tsunami Reconstruction and Development Centre Board member Shanthi Fernando, Consultative Committee Member, Charitha Ratwatte, the ILO Director in Sri Lanka and other officials.