The Government of Japan has granted US$ 3.7 million for the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts in conflict affected Northern and Eastern provinces.

The grant will be used to implement the “Project for Rehabilitation of Community Infrastructure, Improvement of Livelihoods and Empowerment of Women in the Northern and Eastern Provinces” through the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development, UN-Habitat.

This project will address the reintegration needs of the communities through sustainable rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance and the improvement of basic services.

This project will benefit returnees in over 80 villages in the districts of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi through the reconstruction and rehabilitation of vital community infrastructure such as roads, schools, drainage systems etc.

The project will be implemented by UN-Habitat in partnership with community based organizations, district administration and local government during a period of two years. Japan had provided US$ 3.6 million to UN Habitat for the project last year.

Addressing the signing ceremony of the grant, the Japanese Ambassador in Colombo, Mr. Nobuhito Hobo said the Japanese government appreciates initiatives taken by the Sri Lankan Government in restoring normalcy in the country and Japan has realized the importance of welfare for the people in the conflict affected areas.

Mr. Hobo said the rebuilding process should encompass due consideration to empower women in these areas to let them more socially and economically independent.

He appreciated the effective role played by UN Habitat in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in the conflict affected areas and especially for the successful implementation of the projects funded by Japan.

“Japan sincerely hopes that this project will improve the living conditions of the people in these areas,” the Ambassador said.

Courtesy : Priu.gov.lk