Germany assists PAFFREL to support vulnerable groups during COVID-19 pandemic

From left: Deputy Ambassador Andreas Berg, German Ambassador Joern Rohde, and PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 further accelerates, the German Embassy in Colombo, under the Micro Project Scheme, has granted financial aid to PAFFREL (People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections) to help address shortcomings of vulnerable communities. The financial contribution amounting to Rs. 2,100,000 will be utilised to provide essential food rations, medical supplies and cleaning and hygiene items to 39 children’s homes island-wide who are severely hit and most vulnerable during these challenging times. 

This initiative ‘Civil Society Collective for COVID-19 Response’ is a project which involves several national level civil society organisations, including PAFFREL, working as a collective to ensure smooth operation and support to the most affected groups such as residents of children’s homes and elder’s homes. This intervention is especially important as the general public of the country finds it difficult to render assistance to these homes as per usual amid lockdown, restricted movement and limited exposure that is currently in effect.  The agreement of the project was signed on 30 April between German Ambassador Joern Rohde, and PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi. Deputy Ambassador Andreas Berg was also present during the signing.