Japan grants Rs 7.3 m for rural dev. projects

Ishara JAYAWARDENA

The Japanese government has provided US $ 68,072 (approximately Rs 7.3 million) grant aid for two rural development projects in the Moneragala and Hambantota districts under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).

The project for reconstructing tube wells is in Unawatuna, Buttala Divisional Secretariat Division in the Moneragala district. Rs 2.3 million is allocated for the project through the Dimuthu Community Development Society. This project will help improve the living condition and livelihood of the targeted communities and benefit 25 families directly and 400 families indirectly.

The project to construct pre-schools for tsunami and poverty stricken communities in Hambantota district will help construct five pre-schools in Ambalantota and Tangalle Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Hambantota district.

Around Rs 5 million is allocated for the project through Wanasarana Thurulatha Swechcha Society. It is expected that the project will contribute to improve the educational standards and socio-economic development of 160 children and families by providing a better educational environment in the area.

Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi said as a strong development partner, Japan has been working together with the Sri Lankan government to facilitate socio-economic development, ranging from infrastrcutural development at national level to rural development at grassroots level. Wanasarana Thurulatha Swechcha Society Chairman Keerthiratne Wickramaratne Yapa said Japan has the courage to stand straight and overcome all trouble.