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Wednesday, 21 March 2012 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Government of Japan has extended US$ 93,177 (around Rs. 11 million) grant aid for the rehabilitation of the Weliwewa Tank in Mihintale Divisional Secretary Division, Anuradhapura District under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects scheme (GGP).
The project, which would be implemented by Rajarata Janasahana Foundation, aims at improving agricultural activities and livelihood of approximately 300 families who are engaging in agriculture around the area.
In addition, this project will also contribute to socio-economic development of Anuradhapura district, where the Government of Sri Lanka puts all its efforts into development through the Deyata Kirula 2012 development project.
Ashoka Indika Wickramage, Chairman/Executive Director of Rajarata Janasahana Foundation, said: “Since ancient times, Weliwewa Tank had provided water to fields and gardens in Mihintale Divisional Secretary Division. However, there have been leaks in the bund and the main exit for about eight years. Due to the leaks, the farmers have not been able to cultivate their paddy fields and lands. We offer our thanks to the Government of Japan for approving this project, on behalf of the farmer communities there. After the rehabilitation of the tank, about 350 acres of paddy field will be cultivated, moreover, water will also be provided to about 1,000 acres of home garden.”
The GGP scheme was launched in Sri Lanka in 1989 to ensure human security of people at the grass-roots level. Under this scheme, in the Japanese Fiscal Year of 2011 alone, a total of 10 projects have been supported throughout Sri Lanka, in the fields of demining, rural development, livelihood improvement, and education. In total, 227 projects have been supported to date in Sri Lanka at a cost of around US$ 29.6 million (around Rs. 3,500 million).
Japan and Sri Lanka commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. During the last 6 decades, our two countries have maintained strong partnership through a number of mutual collaborations. The Embassy of Japan is carrying out a number of events to celebrate the 60th anniversary, and our ties would be further enhanced and developed politically, economically, and culturally.
