German Ambassador visits Mannar

Germany's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Juergen Morhard, spent two days in Mannar visiting German funded projects costing Rs. 30 million.

Ambassador Morhard on his visit to Mannar, first met the beneficiaries of a project implemented by Caritas, Valvuthayam, the Socio Economic and Community Development Centre run by the Catholic Diocese of Mannar. The organization constructed permanent latrines costing over Rs. 3 million for the recently resettled persons in Palaiyadiputhiukulum and Palaiperumalkattu.

He also visited a livelihood project implemented by the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC).

The project aims to empower women-headed households by providing the means for self-employment. The beneficiaries of the funds from the German Micro Project Scheme, received the capital and skills training to start their own poultry farming businesses. The WCIC said the project encouraged female participation in sustainable livelihood activities to improve their living standards.

In Madukkarai, Ambassador Morhard handed over humanitarian assistance to the victims of recent floods. The overall German assistance valued at Rs. 15 million, provided through German NGO Welthungerhilfe in partnership with Sewa Lanka, benefits 1,500 persons in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar.

The German government also provided assistance to flood victims in the Batticaloa district. The German NGO Humedica, assisted 2,750 families in Valachchenai, Paddipalai, Kaaththankudi, Kiraan and Vavunativu, distributing food items and non-food items worth Rs. 14 million.

The German Ambassador was deeply touched by the resilience of a people affected by a 30 year conflict and now recovering from the effects of a natural disaster.

"The micro project initiative is an effective tool for reaching the most vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka.

"We will continue to support those grassroot level organizations that promote a better quality of life for the Sri Lankan people," he said.