Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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Australian Direct Aid Program grants Rs 11 million for
grassroots projects island wide
On 15 June 2010, the Australian High Commissioner, Kathy Klugman, handed over Rs 11 million in grants to nine community based organisations conducting small scale development projects in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The grants were made in the first round of funding under the Australian government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP), which is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals and local community groups.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Ms Klugman said: ‘The High Commission has long taken pride in the Direct Aid Program (DAP) as it allows us to provide direct benefits to community groups doing great work at a grass roots level. Through DAP we are able to assist a number of disadvantaged groups, including women, children and the disabled. We are proud to support the many terrific community groups working in Sri Lanka to help their communities overcome challenges.’
In this round, DAP funds were presented to: OfERR (CEYLON) for refurbishing a library and computer laboratory at the Nedunkerny Maha Vidyalayam in northern Vavuniya; Rural Development Foundation for provision of basic livelihood support facilities for 20 IDP families in Manthai West; Environmental Protection Foundation to enhance dry fish activities of 50 low income, women-headed families in Trincomalee; Mannar Association for Relief and Rehabilitation to support livelihood activities of 48 resettled families in Manthai west; Sith Sevana Mentally Handicapped Children's Home in Thanamalwilla for construction of a residential facility for mentally disabled elders; Plantation, Rural Education and Development Organisation in Nuwaraeliya for construction of 2 pre-schools; Soba Kantha Environment Management and Community Development Foundation in Matara for an income generation project for 50 women; Sri Lanka Solidarity for publication of the tri-lingual YUTI magazine; The Salaam School in the Maldives for computers and storage equipment to assist vocational training; and Innacia Memorial Home for Children in Kandy for construction of a tube well and purchase of beds.
The Direct Aid Program supports small scale projects implemented by community based organisations that provide immediate needs for marginalised communities. The projects encourage community participation in identification, design and implementation of projects. The High Commission supported 28 projects in the 2009/10 financial year with total funding of Rs 27 million.