COLOMBO: The Japanese Government provided US$ 69,355 (Rs. 7.5 million) for two social development projects - Infrastructure Development for Tsunami-affected People in Ampara district and Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Participation in Mainstream Development for the Differently Able Persons in Hambantota district.
The signing of the grant contracts took place at the Japanese Embassy on February 15 between Japanese Ambassador Kiyoshi Araki and representatives of the two organisations.
Infrastructure development for tsunami affected people in Ampara district:
The tsunami that struck the island in 2004 caused much destruction to people, property, and environment.
Ampara was one of the worst affected districts with a highest number of deaths. Since the tsunami, a number of rehabilitation and reconstruction projects have been implemented. However, there are more needs such as development of small-scale infrastructure to be fulfilled.
Under the project, the construction of a community center in Sainthamaruthu and renovation of the rural road in Maruthamunai will be implemented.
The Community Center with sanitary facilities will be utilised to conduct a preschool for children affected by the tsunami.
It will also be used to conduct community meetings and health clinics for the tsunami affected in the area. The renovation of the rural road will improve the living condition of the people and facilitate easy access to schools and market places, which will benefit over thousands in the Ampara district.
The project is to be implemented by the Rural Development Foundation (RDF). This is the third such occasion where the Japanese Government has provided funds to RDF for rural development projects in Ampara and Mannar.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Participation in Mainstream Development for the Differently Able Persons in Hambantota District:
The project in Hambantota is aimed at providing comprehensive rehabilitation services to differently able persons.
Although policies and legislations in the country are adequate, implementation has not been effective enough.
In the field level, there is a shortage of volunteers conducting comprehensive rehabilitation.
The project has designed to provide training for 30 volunteers on community based rehabilitation including proper identification of differently abled persons, collect and maintain records, assist in providing physiotherapy mainly for children, etc.
Under the project, seminars are also to be organised for 80 government officials from 25 Grama Sevaka divisions of Ambalantota Division and other 30 officials attached to the organisations of differently able peoples on capacity building. Materials for rehabilitation such as prosthetics, orthotics and other mobility aid are also to be procured utilising the funds.
The project will benefit over 16,000 persons in Ambalantota, Okewela and Tangalle division.
Navajeevana established in 1987 has been engaged in offering holistic care at grass roots level to differently able persons, and will implement the project with the support from the community.
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