Divisional livelihood development plans unveiled

Hambantota: The Livelihood Division of the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) with support from the Income Recovery Technical Assistance Programme (IRTAP) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has facilitated the launch of four Divisional Livelihood Development Plans (DLDPs) in Hambantota, states a media release from the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA).

The four DLDPs are a part of thirty five development plans, which are to be launched in the tsunami affected divisions to restore livelihoods and expedite development among the tsunami affected communities, RADA's Director Livelihood, Kaushal Rajapaksa said. The first DLDP was ceremoniously launched in Habaraduwa, in the Galle District last Month.

Each DLDP captures the needs of the affected communities and identify the gaps that could be filled by multi stakeholder assistance in combination with ongoing development assistance.

The four DLDPs, which have been developed for the Divisions of Ambalantota, Tangalle, Hambantota and Tissamaharama will be showcased in exhibition style at Hotel Oasis, Hambantota on June 12 (Monday) from 8.30 a.m. onwards. Hon. Chamal Rajapaksa, Minister of Agricultural Development, the chief guest at the launching ceremony, will make the keynote address.

Teams headed by the Divisional Secretaries of the four divisions will be presenting the development plans at Hambantota. Among the key players invited for the launch are government officials, representatives of the tsunami affected communities, NGO/INGO representatives and the private sector.

After the livelihood development plans are unveiled by the Divisional Secretaries of the four Divisions, NGO/donor community will be invited to participate and contribute in financing and implementing the projects, to expedite the livelihood restoration in Hambantota.

Once implemented, the DLDPs in these divisions of Hambantota District are likely to make significant impact on the long-term development of this area, RADA Officials added.