SCOPP seeks sponsorships for Jaffna students
To participate in National Sports Competitions in
Colombo:
COLOMBO: The Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP)
has stepped into enable athletes from Jaffna to participate at the
National Schools Games in Colombo.
This follows a request from Commander, Security Forces, Jaffna, Major
General G.A. Chandrasiri to find the necessary funds for transport,
states a SCOPP press released.
Earlier, the Government Agent, Jaffna, has in conjunction with
Education Department officials arranged for a contingent of 578 (student
athletes, coaches and staff) to participate at the games.
Since the first contingent was due to travel in early September and
hence there was an urgent need for commitment, SCOPP decided to utilise
its own funds for this important initiative and covered the costs of
ferrying 215 members of the team from Jaffna to Trincomalee and back,
with the shipping company granting a concessionary rate of Rs. 4,400 per
student.
The Security Forces provided transportation by road and afforded them
with all hospitality.
SCOPP notes that given hardships it is very difficult for students in
the Jaffna Peninsula to take part in events like this.
SCOPP also felt that opportunities such as this where young people
from different parts of the island and belonging to different
communities can interact in a positive and healthy manner should be
encouraged.
The Army’s initiative therefore seemed a good use of funding in the
absence of peace talks following the LTTE withdrawal.
Whilst hoping that the LTTE will return to negotiations, SCOPP
believes that these kinds of interactions would also contribute to
building peace.
SCOPP appreciates the initiatives of the Security Forces to assist
these students and hopes it will be possible for the remaining 300
students to be brought to Colombo for the next phase of the programme.
SCOPP therefore appeals to local and international organisations in
Sri Lanka for sponsorship to make this possible.
For details Director/Operations, SCOPP (011-2681143 and 011-2681196.
Sponsorship should be sent direct to the sea transport agency.
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