Australia provides Rs 15 m for rural development

Priyanka Kurugala

Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie with Community Based Organisation representatives

Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie handed over Rs 15 million in grants to eight community based organisations for small scale development projects, a High Commission spokesman said.

The grants were provided as part of the Australian government's small grant funding programme, the Direct Aid Programme.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Mudie said: The Australian government helped communities in urgent need of assistance in conflict - affected areas, rural areas where the benefits of development have not been felt and areas affected by natural disasters."

Through the Direct Aid Program, Australia has supported vulnerable community groups improve their health, education and standard of living, the High Commissioner said. Direct Aid Programme funds were presented to the following projects: Planet Club Sri Lanka to manufacture and distribute manual hay baling machines in Anuradhapura; Plantation Rural Education and Development Organisation to construct two pre-schools in Bogawantalawa; Rural Development Foundation for the construction of 38 toilets for conflict - affected families in Mannar; Sri Lanka Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates for the production of 245 digital talking books; Child Rehabilitation Centre for the provision of drinking water to 100 families and the rural hospital in Namal Oya (Ampara district); Women Development Foundation for the provision of 30 milk cows to encourage income generating activities in Trincomalee; Sabaragamuwa Community Development Foundation to renovate pre-schools in Balangoda; Centre for Policy Alternatives to help safeguard civil rights of plantation workers in Nuwara Eliya.