The Government of Japan has provided US$ 89,825 (over Rs. 11.7 million) grant aid for a project to improve livelihoods of the resettled people in the Vavuniya District under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).

‘The project for Increasing Food Security with Comprehensive Measures in Vavuniya’, which would be implemented by People’s Livelihood Development Foundation (PLDF), aims at improving agricultural activities and livelihood of approximately 625 resettled families who are engaging in agriculture in the area.

Through the project, Elamarandakulam and Poomaduwa tanks in Vavuniya South District Secretariat division will be renovated to expand paddy cultivation and home gardening in the area. The project includes livelihood improvement activities such as provision of agricultural tools, plants and seeds and food processing programs for the community in Rankethgama, Thaddankulama, Palle-uruwa and Awarankulam along with renovation of two tanks.

Mr. Priyantha Kumara, Director of People’s Livelihood Development Foundation said “more than 625 families will be benefitted. The project will also encourage and educate community to grow crops in their home gardens. Food processing training and home garden education programs will facilitate a path for better livelihood. Through home gardening and Palm training programs, new employment opportunities will be generated in four villages in the area. On behalf of the resettled community in Vavuniya South, PLDF would like to express sincere gratitude to the Japanese Government and People.”

The Government of Japan has extended assistance for development in the North through projects such as improvement of central facilities of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, construction of Vavuniya-Killinochchi Transmission Line, and urgent rehabilitation of resettled communities in Jaffna and Mannar districts. Japan hopes that these assistances would holistically contribute to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka and promote the livelihood of the people.

The Grant Contract between the Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo, and Mr. Priyantha Kumara, the Director of PLDF was signed yesterday (Aug. 20) at the Ambassador’s Residence in Colombo.