Batticaloa livelihood project:

Japan provides Rs 45 million

The Government of Japan has extended US$ 405,099 (approximately Rs 45 million) to the "Support or Livelihood of Returnees in Batticaloa District (Phase 3)" to be implemented by JEN, a Japanese NGO, inorder to improve the living conditions of the resettled communities in the East.

Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi and JEN Colombo main office Head Shu Wishimaru exchanging the relevent documents yesterday.

This project is the third phase of the "Livelihood Project for Returnees in Batticaloa" that JEN has implemented since 2007 through the Japan-NGO cooperation Grant scheme funded by the Government of Japan.

The project supports to construct 29 agro-wells, provide 29 water pumps and seeds, to conduct workshops, and to reconstruct 17 culverts in the 5 Grama Niladhari Divisions of Kiran and Chenkalady District Secretary divisions in Batticaloa. It is envisaged that the project would facilitate stable water supply, ensure livelihood and food security, and improve income of nearly 5,000 families directly and indirectly.

As a nation which commits itself and also contributes to global peace and prosperity, Japan focuses its assistance in Sri Lanka on Consolidation of Peace and Reconstruction as well as Medium and Long-term Vision for Development. In this context, Japan has given high priority to support the reconstruction of the Northern and the Eastern provinces and to improving the living conditions of the people.

Japan also extended its fullest support towards the peace process since it firmly believes that peace and reconciliation are pre-requisites for sustainable development and prosperity of Sri Lanka. The Government of Japan has also extended projects in the conflict affected areas of the Eastern Province, such as Construction of 5 bridges in the Eastern Province, Eastern Province Water Supply Development Project, and Pro-Poor Eastern Infrastructure Development Project.

In addition, Japan has been providing support for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the East and the North thorough several Japanese NTGOs affiliated to the Japan Platform (JPF).