The Australian High Commissioner, Kathy Klugman, handed over some Rs 12 million in grants to nine community-based organisations conducting small-scale development projects in Sri Lanka recently. The grants were made under the Australian government’s Direct Aid Program, administered by the Australian High Commission in Colombo.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ms Klugman said: ‘The High Commission’s Direct Aid Program allows us to provide direct benefits to community groups doing great work at a grassroots level. We are proud to support the many terrific community groups working in Sri Lanka to help their communities overcome challenges.’
At the ceremony, funds were presented to: Uwa Wellassa Farmer Women’s Organization (UWFWO) for economic empowerment of marginalised women in Buttala; Dharamavahini Foundation for establishing E-learning web TV; Meth Sewa Foundation for building a centre for expecting mothers in Hanadapanagala; Community Development Foundation for providing drinking water facility for students in Colombagama Tamil Plantation School in Ratnapura district; the Changers Foundation for English and computer training for women in need in Batticaloa district; Good Shepherd Convent to construct a water storage facility at a girls’ home in Nuwaraeliya; Rural Development Foundation for sanitation facilities for conflict affected families in Mulaithivu district; Council for Public Policy for an integrated community development program for women and youth in Vavuniya; and the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind to renovate their kitchen facilities.
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 22 projects in the 2010-2011 financial year, with total funding of approximately Rs 27 million.
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