Japan to uplift agriculture in Ampara and fishery in Mannar

Thursday, 22 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government of Japan has decided to provide grants for two development projects to support livelihoods of agricultural community in Ampara and fishery community in Mannar, under the scheme “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Securities Project”. The grant contracts were signed by H.E. Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan and representatives of related NGOs on 21st of March 2018.

“The Project for Rehabilitation of a Tank in the Conflict Affected Area in Ampara District”, to be implemented by Child Rehabilitation Center with a grant of US$ 134,448 (approx. Rs. 20.2 million), aims to improve the livelihood of 3,120 community members in 780 families including IDPs/low income famers through the renovation of “Koongaswewa Tank” situated in Ampara District.

Mr. Mangala Fernando, Programme Director of Child Rehabilitation Center mentioned “Lahugala DS division, where the proposed project will be implemented, came under direct attacks during 26 years of the armed conflict. People in this area were subjected to multiple rounds of displacement during the conflict. After the end of the conflict, people started to rebuild their lives through agriculture, but the existing Koongaswewa tank did not contribute in a major way. Thus a fully functional tank is a significant expectation of the people to irrigate approximately 1,460 acres of their farm lands (both paddy and vegetables). CRC deeply appreciates the grant aid from the government of Japan.”

“The Project for Improving Sundried Fish Production for Low Income Women’s Community”, to be implemented by Soba Kantha Environment Management and Community Development Foundation with a grant of USD 78,364 (approx. Rs. 11.8 million), results in providing dried fish production facilities to the women’s group in Mannar to improve their livelihood. About 60 women and their families will benefit from this project. The project will also support fish waste disposals methods, appreciating the hygiene, sanitation situation and environment around the facility.

Ms. Nilmini Mudalige, Chairperson of Sobakantha Environment and Community Development Foundation expressed that “In 1999, Soba Kantha Foundation started with a main purpose of empowering women with sustainable livelihoods. Now our organization has 3207 members involved in livelihood activities as a group initiative. We have implemented meaningful livelihood projects mainly with the support of the government of Japan and other funding organizations. Through this project, we will adopt a better method of producing dried fish and Maldive fish in Thalaimannar area. We plan to build up the capacities of the women on efficient marketing and management. We are grateful for the Embassy of Japan for supporting these fisher women of Thalaimannar.”