UN agencies, INGOs briefed on Divi Neguma

Chaminda PERERA

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday briefed all UN agencies and International Non Governmental Organizations on the Divi Neguma programme aimed at empowering one million families islandwide.

The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

The Minister gave a full overview of the Divi Neguma programme to representatives of UN agencies and INGOs. According to President's Advisor and former IGP Chandra Fernando, the representatives of UN agencies and INGOs appreciated the overall programme which will address three main issues - food security, uplift of family units and increase of their nutritional level.

"Minister Rajapaksa detailed that this programme will help empower families and increase their capacity level. The representatives of UN agencies and INGOs welcomed the monitoring process to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme and the training given to the families," he added.

Fernando added that USAID representatives added that they have launched a number of programmes for the uplift of livelihood in the Northern, Eastern and other provinces.

The ILO representatives also pointed out that they are capable in providing self-employment training to the public.