Northern Province JPA signed

Suraj A Bandara

The Joint Plan for Assistance (JPA) for the Northern Province was signed yesterday bringing together local and international NGOs and the Sri Lankan Government to attend to development needs in the Northern region.

The Government yesterday launched the Northern Province 2011 Joint Plan for Assistance, at the Hotel Intercontinental. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa was the chief guest. Secretary of the Presidential Task for Resettlement, Development and Security in the Northern Province S B Divaratne, UN Country Representative Neil Buhne and Harsha Kumara Nawaratne participated in the launch on behalf of local and international NGOs. Picture by Chaminda Hittatiya

The Joint Plan was the result of a consultative process led by the Government through the Presidential Task Force on assistance needed during this year to help the people of North rebuild their lives. This process was undertaken jointly with the United Nations and its agencies, national and international Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and International Organizations (IOs).

Northern Province Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security Secretary S B Divaratne, Seva Lanka Harsha Kumara Navaratna representing all local NGOs and United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne signed the documents at the Continental hotel yesterday.

The objective of the JPA was to identify priority activities that must be undertaken during 2011. It will facilitate international assistance so that the lives of the people of the North returns to normal. The ultimate aim of this joint plan is to ensure the long term sustainable development of the Northern Province within the shortest possible time.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said this joint plan will bring together all affected parties with the common aim of developing the northern region and their lives. " Though we were aiming at a single target we worked separately. Now we all can work together," he said.

The Minister further said there were many misinterpretations and negative propaganda campaigns against the Government in the past to sabotage its economic drive. Many donors refused to support the Government. But now the situation has totally changed and all the supportive hands have come forward to help the Northern people recover from their plight.

"The Northern region where mines and bombs exploded a few months ago has now become a green landscape where agricultural lands are once again being cultivated, he said. It is heartening to witness this sudden change", he said.

United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne quoting some famous Dhammapada and Bhagawatgeetha sentiments said compassion makes lives more stronger. He emphasized the significance of togetherness in executing a plan towards sustainable development.

According to this joint plan for assistance both Government and all other donor agencies, INGOs will undertake many projects together as a unique body that would help enhance the living conditions of North and upgrade the infrastructure facilities.

Agriculture, shelter, livelihood, fishery, water and sanitation, electricity, education, health and nutrition and banking will be the key areas that would be focused on through the initiatives of this joint plan for assistance.